Intake camshaft position actuator circuit open bank 1

A common mistake that occurs when taking a DIY approach to diagnosing error code P0010 is replacing the timing actuator without first attempting to clean the actuator. Another common mistake is neglecting to check the electrical circuit, which can be dangerous. Car owners experiencing any error code should always rely on the expertise of a qualified mechanic.

In addition, most manufacturers use the hydraulic pressure for the engine oil pressure in order to change the camshaft timing. Low oil levels have been known to inhibit oil from being properly channeled into the vehicle’s actuator. Any present sludge would be an indication that the oil passages leading to the actuator have been blocked.

A qualified mechanic will undergo diagnosing the root cause of this DTC by checking for any other codes that are displayed along with P0010 DTC and clearing your vehicle’s check engine light with a FIXD device. They will then inspect freeze frame data to determine what caused the code to display. They will then do a visual inspection of the bank one VVT control solenoid valve and make sure to repair any frayed or faulty wiring or connectors. After that, the mechanic will check if there is any engine sludge present. They will then undergo a resistance check of the bank one intake camshaft VVT Control solenoid and compare it to the vehicle service manual.

DTC P0010 is a fault code that indicates an electrical problem with the Intake Camshaft Actuator. Most OBD2 scanners typically show as P0010 – “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). In this guide, you will learn what the camshaft position actuator does, how to troubleshoot P0010, and where the sensor is located on an engine.

Intake camshaft position actuator circuit open bank 1

Symptoms

  • Check engine light stays on
  • Decreased fuel efficiency
  • Poor throttle response
  • Poor engine performance
  • Engine runs rough
  • Knocking from engine
  • Poor engine idle

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system is used to get more power and increase fuel efficiency as engine RPMs vary. Car manufacturers use different names for the VVT system and actuators. The camshaft Position Actuator is often referred to as the VVT actuator.

While Volkswagen and other german manufacturers call it the camshaft position actuator, Japanese manufacturers call it the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator. Domestic cars such as Ford may call the VVT system “Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT)” and VVT actuators “phasers.” Korean manufacturers, such as Hyundai, refer to the VVT solenoids as “oil control valves (OCVs).”

What Does P0010 Code Mean?

Intake camshaft position actuator circuit open bank 1

OBD2 P0010 code gets stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM or ECU) when there is a problem with the camshaft position actuator electrical circuit.

The function of the actuator is to regulate the oil pressure, thus varying the cam timing. The engine control module uses this actuator for advancing or retarding the timing. The ECM constantly monitors the camshaft actuator circuit.

Intake camshaft position actuator circuit open bank 1

If the wires to the camshaft actuator are damaged, the sensor fails or is disconnected, it will signal an open or short circuit that triggers the check engine light to come on.

P0010 code can also be set if the ECM detects a low voltage from the sensor. While in most cases, P0010 codes are set by a faulty VVT actuator or damaged wire harness, in some cases, it can be triggered due to low oil pressure, which can be an indication of engine sludge. Code P0010 can also be triggered when the ECU adjusts bank one intake camshaft timing. If the ECM detects an electrical issue in the solenoid’s windings or the wires going to the sensor (open circuit), it will set the P0010 DTC.

A vehicle will not pass the emission (smog) test if the check engine light is on and code P0010 is present.

Symptoms

Intake camshaft position actuator circuit open bank 1

The most common symptoms of code P0010 are the check engine coming on and the decrease in engine performance.

  • Check engine light stays.
  • Poor fuel economy
  • The engine may shake or run rough.
  • Engine noise
  • Poor engine performance
  • Valvetrain noise

Possible Causes

Possible problems that cause P0010 are:

  • Bad camshaft actuator / VVT control solenoid / oil control valve
  • Corroded or loose connector to the camshaft actuator
  • Damaged wiring harness
  • Timing issue
  • Open circuit or short in the VVT/VCT circuit.
  • Faulty ECU – Not common
  • Sludge in the engine

Where is the Camshaft Position (VVT) Actuator Bank 1 Sensor A located?

Intake camshaft position actuator circuit open bank 1

Camshaft position actuator bank 1 A is located at the top of the engine and is usually held in place with one or two Torx T-25 bolts. V6, V8, V10, and V12 engines are divided into two banks. The side that has cylinder no. 1 is called Bank 1. The other side is referred to as Bank 2.

“A” cam is the intake camshaft in a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine or the intake camshaft for the number one cylinder in a V engine.

In addition to the P0010 code, you may also get codes P0011, P0012, or P0021; if more than one fault codes are present, make sure to check and inspect other components such as timing chain guides, timing chain sprockets, worn timing components, cam sensors, malfunctioning crank, electrical faults, wiring harness, and ECM problems.

Related OBD2 fault codes:

  • P0010 – Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open (Bank 1)
  • P0011 – Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
  • P0012 – Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
  • P0013 – Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit / Open (Bank 1)
  • P0014 – Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
  • P0015 – Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

Since P0010 is a generic code, this guide applies to Chevy, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, BMW, Honda, and Toyota. The main difference is that the camshaft actuator may be installed in a slightly different location. The camshaft actuator is installed on the engine head near the top.

A P0010 code can sometimes be tricky to diagnose because it is not always the camshaft actuator problem. Still, it can also be VVT (variable valve timing) problems, worn variable camshaft timing (VCT) components, and even problems with the engine control unit (ECU).

We hope you find the P0010 Fault Code – Camshaft Position Actuator guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.

What does intake camshaft position actuator open bank 1 mean?

Code P0010 stands for “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). The code indicates that your car's primary computer, which is also referred to as the powertrain control module (PCM), perceives a problem with one of the engine's VVT solenoids.

Can I still drive with P0010 code?

The DTC P0010 is moderately severe, meaning it won't make your car unsafe to operate. So yes, you can drive your car. However, with time, it will lower fuel economy and reduce power. But most importantly, your vehicle will fail the emissions test.