P0010

A Camshaft Position Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

Variable valve timing (VVT) Generic OBD-II High

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.

High

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

Seen in

1,871

scans in the past year

Found in

0.3%

of scans

0.5%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0010 scans

P0013in 27.3% of scans

P0443in 18.4% of scans

P0011in 14.4% of 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.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0010?+

Usually yes for short trips — the engine typically defaults to a safe cam-timing position. Expect a rougher idle and slightly less power until it's fixed.

Can I just clear P0010?+

It'll clear, but returns once the open circuit or bad solenoid is detected again. Diagnose the circuit rather than just resetting it.

Read & clear P0010 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX