P0013

B Camshaft Position Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

Variable valve timing (VVT) Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0013 means the ECM detected an electrical fault (an open circuit) in the control for the bank 1 "B" camshaft position actuator — the variable-valve-timing solenoid that adjusts the exhaust camshaft. With the actuator unable to move as commanded, cam timing stays fixed, causing rough idle and reduced performance. It's a circuit-level fault, not a mechanical no-start.

High

Can I keep driving? Usually drivable — expect rough idle, slightly reduced power, or worse economy; it won't strand you, but VVT stuck out of position can hurt performance and emissions.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

872

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.2%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0013 scans

P0010in 58.6% of scans

P0443in 29.7% of scans

P0135in 22.4% 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 unstable idle
Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
Slightly worse fuel economy

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed 'B' camshaft (exhaust) oil-control valve / VVT actuator solenoidLikely
Open or shorted wiring in the solenoid control circuitCommon
Corroded or loose connector at the solenoidCommon
Dirty oil or clogged solenoid screen restricting oil flow to the actuatorLess often
Faulty engine control module (ECM), rarelyLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data, then locate the bank 1 'B' camshaft VVT solenoid.
Check the solenoid connector and wiring for open circuits, shorts, and corrosion — this code is triggered by a circuit fault (open).
Measure the solenoid's resistance against spec; replace it if out of range.
Confirm engine oil is clean and at the correct level, and check the solenoid screen for debris.
If the circuit and solenoid test good, evaluate the ECM. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0013?+

Short term, yes — it's a valve-timing control circuit fault, not a no-start condition. Expect rougher running and worse economy, so repair it before it affects emissions further.

Can I just clear P0013?+

It returns once the ECM re-tests the actuator circuit, unless the solenoid or wiring fault is actually fixed.

Read & clear P0013 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