P0013: The engine cannot control exhaust cam timing on the left side

"B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)

What it means

This code is the exhaust-cam version of P0010. Your engine moves both intake and exhaust cams independently to tune performance and emissions. P0013 means the computer sent a signal to the exhaust cam actuator solenoid on bank 1 and the circuit did not respond as expected. The fix is almost always the same as P0010: check oil condition, then test or replace the exhaust VVT solenoid. Because this is a circuit code, bad wiring is also a real possibility.

Common causes

1. Clogged or failed exhaust VVT solenoidSame sludge problem as intake cam codes. The exhaust solenoid is a separate part from the intake one.
2. Dirty or low engine oilOil condition affects all VVT actuators equally. Check this before replacing any parts.
3. Broken or corroded wiring at the solenoid connectorA cracked connector or chafed wire near the exhaust side is easy to miss and worth checking first.
4. Worn exhaust camshaft phaserPhasers on the exhaust cam wear with age and mileage, especially without regular oil changes.

What the fix could involve

From the cheaper fix to the bigger one. Prices depend on your car, your area and the shop, so ask for a written quote that names the part and the labor before you approve it.

• Exhaust VVT solenoid replacement
• Wiring repair at solenoid
• Exhaust camshaft phaser

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Rough idle
• Reduced power during acceleration
• Lower fuel economy
• Possible hard start

What to do next

Start with an oil check. If oil is dark and overdue, change it and clear the code. If P0013 returns, inspect the connector at the exhaust cam solenoid for corrosion, then replace the solenoid if the wiring looks good. The solenoid is an inexpensive bolt-in part on most vehicles. Save phaser diagnosis for after you have ruled out the cheap parts.

Lewis reads P0013 alongside any related exhaust cam codes, so you can see whether it is a circuit fault on its own or paired with a timing code like P0014. Get Lewis on the App Store or Google Play.

Related codes

• P0010
• P0012
• P0014
• P0020

FAQ

What is the difference between P0010 and P0013?

P0010 is the intake cam actuator circuit on bank 1. P0013 is the exhaust cam actuator circuit on the same bank. Same system, different camshaft. The diagnosis steps are nearly identical.

My car has only one camshaft. Can it still throw P0013?

Not typically. P0013 applies to engines with variable timing on both intake and exhaust cams. Single-cam engines with VVT usually only produce P0010 and P0011 type codes.

Can I drive to the shop or should I tow?

If the car is stalling or idling very roughly, have it towed. Otherwise the engine runs in a fixed timing fallback mode, which is not ideal, so get it checked within a few days and avoid high revs.