P0011 — Camshaft position — timing over-advanced or system performance (Bank 1)
Variable valve timing on bank 1 advanced further than commanded — oil control, solenoid, or timing hardware may be involved.
What it means in plain English
P0011 means camshaft timing on bank 1 is over-advanced (or VVT performance is out of range — wording varies by make). Dirty oil, a stuck VVT oil-control solenoid, or timing-chain wear are common themes. Oil changes matter here more than people expect.
Common causes
- Wrong viscosity / dirty engine oil; overdue oil changes
- Faulty VVT oil-control valve (solenoid)
- Timing chain stretch or phaser issues
- Oil pressure problems to the VVT system
What you can safely check
- Verify oil level and that the last oil service used the viscosity your manual specifies.
- Don’t ignore rattles at cold start — mention them.
Pull the code yourself (disclosed)
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A reusable Bluetooth OBD-II scanner lets you read the code and freeze-frame data before authorizing “mystery” diagnostics. One option: BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD-II scan tool (BlueDriver/Levanta affiliate). Any capable OBD-II reader is fine — this is not required to use Fair Auto Shops.
When to go to a shop
Ask for solenoid tests and oil-control screens before authorizing a chain job. Chain/phaser work is major — get clarity on parts and labor hours.
Typical related repair costs (U.S. national averages)
These are related repairs shops may find after diagnosis — not a guaranteed bill for every P0011. Ranges exclude taxes, fees, diagnostics, and your location.
- $224–$326 national average for camshaft position sensor replacement (RepairPal; estimates last updated September 3, 2026; excludes taxes/fees and location; source). Labor $107–$157; parts $117–$169.
Cam sensor replacement is sometimes adjacent but not the automatic fix for P0011. VVT solenoid and chain repairs vary widely; the cam-sensor range is shown only when diagnosis specifically condemns that sensor.
Related cost guides: Timing Belt · Camshaft Position Sensor
Questions to ask before you authorize work
Use questions before you authorize a repair and how to read a repair estimate. Watch for patterns in spotting upselling.
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FAQ
What should I do first with a P0011 code?
Photograph all codes, note symptoms and whether the light is flashing, avoid clearing data until a shop sees it, then use an independent shop with a clear diagnostic plan.
More check-engine codes
P0420 · P0430 · P0300 · P0301 · P0171 · P0174 · P0455 · P0456 · P0442 · P0446 · P0128 · P0401 · P0133 · P0113 · P0506 · P0507 · P0700 · P0741 · P0325 · P0340 · P0335 · P0101 · P0299 · P0135 · P0440 · P0441 · P0010 · P0500 · P0121
Hub: How to read a check-engine code · Repair cost guides · Affiliate disclosure