P0011 Engine Code | “A” Camshaft Position—Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) (2024)

Many modern engines rely on variable valve timing (VVT) to enhance performance, reduce emissions, and improve fuel economy. VVT adjusts when engine valves open and close relative to the piston position. This is typically done by slightly rotating the camshaft, allowing the engine to optimize performance for different speeds and loads. This delicate dance inside the engine can sometimes go wrong, as indicated by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0011: “A” Camshaft Position—Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). It’s an error code exclusive to vehicles with a VVT or variable camshaft timing (VCT) system.

P0011 surfaces when the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) notices that camshaft timing is too far advanced and cannot correct the problem. In simple terms, an over-advanced camshaft results from camshaft timing above a preset threshold.

Further, this problem is centered on the “A” camshaft, the intake camshaft on the left or front side of the engine. This is Bank 1, which always includes Cylinder 1. V-type engines (V6, V8, etc.) have a Bank 2 and will generate a P0012 code if the same problem occurs on that side of the engine. You may also encounter a P0011 code on an inline engine with VVT.

We’ll examine the causes of code P0011 shortly, but taking this warning seriously is important. Driving with this issue can cause severe engine damage, including destroying the cylinder head or bending the valves. Those are big-time problems accompanied by large repair bills.

Code P0011 isn’t limited to obscure cars; it can affect everything from a Ford F-150 to an Audi A4. After looking at typical code P0011 triggers, we’ll explore the automobiles with a history of this problem.

Possible Causes of P0011 & Their Repair Costs

While catastrophic engine damage is a worst-case scenario of driving with a P0011 code, you may encounter issues like an engine that’s hard to start, stalls, or becomes underpowered. Possible causes include oil issues, a bad camshaft position sensor, or a faulty timing belt/chain.

Check out the FIXD article on the most common causes of check engine lights.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved with cost estimates that can vary by vehicle and location.

Makes Commonly Affected By P0011

FIXD sensor data show that Chevrolets are the most susceptible to a P0011 code. The ever-popular Chevrolet Equinox leads the list, followed closely by the Malibu sedan. Rounding out the third spot is the subcompact Sonic that Chevy axed in 2020.

Interestingly, Chevrolet’s top-selling Silverado 1500 pickup didn’t make the cut—a good thing. But the same can’t be said for its archrival, the Ford F-150. This pickup had far more code P0011 occurrences than any other analyzed Ford. Even though the Expedition and Mustang completed Ford’s top-three ranking, this SUV and sports car had low code P0011 occurrence levels.

Nissan’s SUVs account for numerous code P0011 incidents, with the Murano crossover being the worst offender. Its high occurrence rates are followed by the Maxima sedan, which scored at a medium level. The Pathfinder SUV completes this Nissan trio but with far fewer code events than its stablemates.

While an Infiniti G35 hasn’t seen a new car showroom in almost a decade, there are still enough examples on the road to register as a top source for P0011 codes. These cars remain popular among Infiniti fans but have a history of generating many diagnostic trouble codes, including P0011.

General Motors has another presence with several GMC models. Unsurprisingly, the Terrain leads this charge because it’s the corporate twin of the Chevy Equinox. However, shared DNA doesn’t always explain the reason for error codes. While the GMC Acadia and Yukon make this top-three index, their respective platform mates, the Chevy Traverse and Tahoe, don’t.

“We only show the top models for the top 5 makes in this article. To see the rest, click on our article about how common P0011 is for all of the top 100 vehicles in the US.”

How to Diagnose the Cause of Your P0011 Code

Diagnosing a check engine light starts with using an OBD-II scanner to identify what’s causing the issue. The FIXD plug-in sensor will show the code and likely causes on your phone via the accompanying FIXD app. You can also try a basic code reader with a cable to plug into the car’s OBD-II port. In truth, there are only a few things a novice DIYer can do to identify what triggered a P0011 code. You’ll want a flashlight, gloves, safety goggles, and a rag to get started. A more involved effort will require essential hand tools.

Safety Essentials

Before exploring the source of a P0011 code, you’ll want to observe the following:

• Park on a level surface in a safe area
• Ensure the car is off and the parking brake is engaged
• Allow the engine to cool

Symptoms of P0011 Causes

Let’s examine the possible causes of a P0011 code. While this DTC points to a camshaft timing issue, it doesn’t identify a single source of the problem. This code is also somewhat challenging because the cause can range from dirty engine oil to a more complex matter like a bad powertrain control module. In addition, different causes can share the same symptoms, making a thorough inspection and diagnosis even more critical.

Can I drive with Code P0011?

Quick answer: No, driving with a P0011 code risks severe engine damage.

Any issue related to camshaft timing should be taken seriously, as it can potentially damage the engine. This includes code P0011.

If you suspect a check engine light is due to a code P0011-related issue, pull over where it’s safe, shut off the car, and contact roadside assistance for a tow. If you’ve already determined that the check engine light is due to a P0011 code, then keep the engine off, and get the car towed to a garage.

Could you drive a short distance with a P0011 code present? Possibly, but even a brief use could result in piston and valve damage, the classic definition of catastrophic engine failure. Until the cause of the problem is known, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The price of a tow is far less than rebuilding the engine.

Here’s how common P0011 causes impact driveability.

DIY | How To Fix P0011 Causes

Unfortunately, most issues that trigger a check engine light and a P0011 code require a moderate or higher skill level. For many DIYers, the dividing line is steps that require access inside the engine (such as replacing the timing belt or removing a valve cover). That said, there are a couple of areas where a novice wrencher can get working trying to solve a P0011 problem.

The key to any DIY repair effort is knowing your limits. If performing a repair on your own creates an opportunity to cause injury or damage, then it’s time to call it quits and consult a mechanic.

P0011 Code FAQs