Seeing the check engine light in your vehicle is not really pleasant. In the majority of cases, people start panicking when they see this orange light, but you shouldn’t worry much. Oftentimes, it only shows some little problem that is easy to solve.
It’s a great idea to have an OBD2 scanner that will help you read the error code and understand what may have caused the check engine light to go on the dash. And if it’s the P0011 code, then you will just have to repair or replace one of the VVT solenoids or check the valve timing system.
In short, the P0011 code and the check engine light may attack your car when one of the valves in cylinder bank 1 doesn’t open or close when needed. So, the ECM registers the advanced camshaft timing and throws the code.
Unfortunately, the majority of vehicles will not give you more information about which exact valve is malfunctioning. But the P0011 code gives enough data to start your repair or thorough engine inspection.
What’s the P0011 code telling you about the VVT system?
First of all, the P0011 code tells you that there is a problem in the variable valve timing system in bank 1 in the intake camshaft. What’s bank1? This is the first bank of your engine, essentially the bank that houses the first cylinder. In a straight engine, there is only one bank and it can be misleading when the scanner tells you “bank 1”.
In a V6 or V8 engine, bank 1 is the bank of the engine that is located closer to the front end of the vehicle. It’s not hard to see that one of the cylinder blocks and heads is a little closer to the radiator than the other one.
But how does it actually help you? Unfortunately, the P0011 code will not tell you what exactly cylinder you need to pay attention to. Also, it won’t tell you anything else about the valve timing system that could help you locate the problem.
Now you know that whenever you see the P0011 code, you may be sure that somewhere in bank 1 (most likely, in the intake camshaft) there is a problem with variable valve timing. It’s time to see what exactly could happen.
What are the reasons for the P0011 code?
I’ve found several reasons that may trigger this code and it appeared to be that the VVT actuator is not the only thing that can malfunction. Here are some common problems that can trigger the P0011 code in your engine:
1. Phasers are stuck
When the ECU tells the VVT system to advance or retard timing but the system doesn’t obey, the code shows up and the check engine light goes on. And quite often the problem is not in the VVT system itself but in the phaser.
Phasers are different in terms of their nature but all of them have one thing in common – they don’t live long and cause quite a lot of issues. So, in high-mileage cars, it’s really worth checking the phasers first. They may just be stuck in a certain position.
2. VVT solenoids are stuck
This is just a common problem for all engines with variable timing. Whatever brand car you own, after it reaches 60,000 miles or a little more, you will start cleaning and replacing those VVT solenoids quite regularly.
Solenoids go bad usually because of bad and contaminated oil. If your vehicle is equipped with variable valve timing (which is true for almost all modern engines), you better avoid experimenting with the viscosity of the oil. OEM oil is the best solution, in this case.
3. Thick or old oil
The high viscosity of oil just won’t allow your variable valve timing solenoid to do its job. The solenoid will get stuck and you will see the check engine light on the dash. When the oil is too thick, it can’t go through tiny passages of the solenoid and activate it.
This problem leads to clogging of the solenoids and this is actually why they can go bad after just some time. Use high-quality oil with the proper viscosity rating and never miss the regular maintenance interval.
4. Valve issues
Your ECU may think that there is a problem with the VVT system when one of the valves freaks out. It may be clogged and it just doesn’t close completely. This causes issues with compression and the performance of your engine suffers badly. It means that you will have to repair the engine head or at least clean the valves.
This may often happen with direct-injection engines. In these types of engines, fuel doesn’t go through the intake valves and because of this, the valves get some carbon buildup. After some time, this buildup doesn’t allow the valves to completely close and overall disturbs them from working properly.
5. The timing belt or chain is affected
This is one of the lesser possible reasons. If your timing belt is a little stretched and the tensioner can’t compensate for that stretch anymore, you may see the P0011 error code in the ECU for some time. When the belt is completely worn out, it may just break and the engine will probably get bad damage.
So, the error code that tells you about VVT system problems may sometimes save your engine from being destroyed because of the jumped or broken belt or chain. Just pay attention to some other symptoms and you will win the timing belt lottery.
6. Other issues, including ECU glitch
Whenever you see a certain code in the OBD2 scanner software, you shouldn’t be 100% sure that this code shows you the exact problem with the engine. Sometimes, when the ECU doesn’t get the proper voltage, it may start glitching and throwing random codes. While in most cases, you will see some “charging system” errors, sometimes the codes may be completely unpredictable, just like the P0011.
So, keep this in mind and always double-check whatever you see among the codes in the ECU.
Can you repair the faulty VVT on your own?
There are not many ways you can repair a faulty VVT system without having proper experience and professional tools. You should at least know how to diagnose the engine properly and find the actual problem that causes your VVT solenoids or other parts to malfunction.
But still, there are some things you may try:
1. Oil change can save the situation
Although this is most often the temporary solution, you can really win a month or two by just changing the oil. Also, this may save the situation if the oil in your engine now is bad, contaminated, or just has bad properties for this engine.
Buy the appropriate oil (better OEM) and oil filter. You can change the oil by yourself or have it changed by a professional mechanic. The labor price won’t be that huge.
2. VVT solenoid cleaning
Many professional car mechanics will now say that I’m not right and it’s impossible to get the VVT solenoids back to life. But I have my own experience and can tell you that it’s possible. Maybe, not for a really long time, but still.
You will need to take all the VVT solenoids off the engine. Also, you will need a car battery for activating them and a couple of wires. Then, you also need a cup full of clean fuel. Insert the working part of the solenoid into the cup and send some electricity through it using your 12V battery. I even saw guys using a 9V small battery for this and the idea worked really well.
If your solenoid doesn’t activate at all when you send some current through it, it’s dead and needs to be changed. But if it clicks, you can clean it. Insert it into the fuel for 5 seconds, then take it out and let it work. After you do this several times, you will see that the solenoid is clicking louder.
After just 5 minutes of cleaning, each VVT solenoid may work much better than before.
3. VVT solenoid replacement.
Using the same method of activating the solenoids that were taken off the vehicle, you may identify the one that is failing. Just replace the dead solenoid – this is a relatively easy DIY job. All other solenoids are good to go if they are still working and reacting to the electricity supply.
Any other DIY methods?
Unfortunately, all other repairs are not DIY. You can still do something in your garage like checking the camshaft. But you will not be able to check the valves because for this you will need to take apart the whole engine head.
So, if you couldn’t find the reason for this problem using those simple DIY diagnostics and repair methods that I’ve told you about before, you will need to go to a professional mechanic and pay for repair.
Can you drive with the P0011 code?
Although many mechanics will tell you that you should stop your vehicle immediately and call a tow truck because this may show you the fatal problem with the timing belt or chain, I am sure you can drive another mile or two and get to the dealership or to the repair shop without expensive help of tow trucks.
In most cases, this code indicates the problem with solenoids and you will feel that the car lost some power and became less efficient. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t drive it at all. Anyway, if you hear the engine rattling, observe bad vibrations, your engine stalls, or some other unpleasant symptoms accompanying the P0011 code, better stop safely and turn off the engine.