A Camshaft Position Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
What it means
P0010 means the engine computer sees an open or faulty control circuit for the intake camshaft (variable valve timing) actuator solenoid on bank 1. The solenoid can't adjust cam timing on command, so the engine may idle a little rough and lose some responsiveness. It's an electrical circuit fault, not a timing-failure or no-start condition.
Can I keep driving? Usually driveable — the engine may idle rough, feel less responsive, or run in a fixed valve-timing mode, but this control-circuit fault rarely leaves you stranded.
Real-world scan data
Appears alongside · share of P0010 scans
Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Rough or slightly unstable idle
- Mild loss of power or throttle response
- VVT rattle at start-up on some engines
Common causes
Most likely first
- Failed intake camshaft actuator (oil control valve) solenoidLikely
- Open or shorted wiring in the solenoid control circuitCommon
- Corroded or loose connector at the solenoidCommon
- Dirty engine oil or a clogged oil control valve screenLess often
- Failed ECM control driverLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data, then check the actuator solenoid connector for power, ground, and continuity.
- Inspect the control-circuit wiring and connector for opens, shorts, or corrosion.
- Measure the solenoid resistance against spec and replace it if out of range.
- Check engine oil level and condition — dirty oil can stick the valve; change it if overdue.
- If wiring, solenoid, and oil are good, suspect the ECM driver. Clear and re-test.
P0010 by make
Based on commonly reported failure patterns across owner and repair communities, not on our scan data.
BMW
On BMWs, the VANOS solenoid or its screen is a common cause and is often inexpensive to service. Low oil can also set it.
Chevrolet
On Chevrolet engines with variable cam timing, such as the 3.6L V6, the cam phaser solenoid or low and dirty oil is the usual cause. Skipped oil changes make it more likely.
Ford
Commonly reported on Ford engines with variable cam timing, such as the 3.5L and 5.0L V6 and V8s, where the VCT solenoid or its connector fails. Dirty oil and low oil level make it more likely.
GMC
On GMC models with the 3.6L V6, the cam phaser solenoid or low and dirty oil is the usual cause. Skipped oil changes make it more likely.
Honda
On Hondas with VTC, the solenoid and its screen can clog with dirt, particularly if oil changes were skipped. Checking oil level and condition is the right first step.
Nissan
On Nissans with variable valve timing, such as the 3.5L V6, the intake valve timing solenoid is a commonly reported cause. Dirty oil makes it more likely.
Subaru
On Subarus, the oil control valve is a commonly reported cause, and keeping the oil fresh helps. Check the oil level first.
Toyota
On Toyotas with VVT-i, the oil control valve or its screen is the usual cause, particularly when the oil is dirty. Replace oil first and see if the code returns.
Volkswagen
On VW and Audi models, the cam adjuster solenoid is a commonly reported cause. Low oil level makes it more likely.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0010?+
Can I just clear P0010?+
Related codes
Read & clear P0010 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.