P0011

What it means

On Audi engines, P0011 means the engine control unit has found the bank 1 intake camshaft timing more advanced than it commanded. It compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft signal and sees the cam adjuster sitting further advanced than the target, or not moving as requested. Common causes are low or poor-quality oil, a faulty adjuster valve or a stretched timing chain.

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Rough or unstable idle
• Hesitation or reduced power
• Rattle or chain noise on cold start
• Poor fuel economy
• Occasional limp mode or hard starting

Possible causes

• Engine oil level too low, or oil degraded, dirty or not to the manufacturer's specificationlikely
• Faulty camshaft adjustment (variable timing) solenoid valve, or a blocked or dirty filter screen in itlikely
• Stretched or worn timing chain or tensioner, giving incorrect cam timinglikely
• Faulty camshaft adjuster (actuator) that is sticking or leaking internallypossible
• Wiring or connector fault to the solenoid valve, such as chafing, corrosion or poor contactpossible
• Low oil pressure from a worn oil pump or blocked oil passagespossible
• Engine assembled with incorrect timing after previous repair workrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting engine temperature, load and rpm when the fault set, and check for other cam or crank sensor codes.
2. Check the oil level on the dipstick and confirm the oil in the engine meets the manufacturer's specification for that model and engine; check service history and condition of the oil.
3. Inspect the solenoid valve wiring and connector for damage, oil contamination and corrosion.
4. Check live data for camshaft deviation or adjustment angle against target; the exact values and the channel names depend on the model and engine.
5. Test the solenoid valve electrically and by operating it with diagnostic actuator tests, then remove it and inspect it and its filter screen for debris or sticking.
6. Check the oil pressure with a gauge if the oil level is correct and the valve works; compare against the specification for the engine.
7. Check for timing chain stretch using live data and, if suspected, check the mechanical timing with the correct locking procedure for that engine, and listen for chain rattle on cold start.

How to fix

• Correct the oil level and change the oil and filter with oil that meets the manufacturer's specification.
• Replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid valve, or clean or replace its filter screen if blocked.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors to the solenoid valve.
• Replace the camshaft adjuster if it is sticking or faulty.
• Replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides, and set the timing correctly using the procedure for that engine.
• Repair the cause of low oil pressure, such as a worn oil pump, once confirmed by testing.

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P0011GenericA Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1

Nearby codes

• P0010AudiPowertrain Control Module (PCM) failure, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Wiring issue
• P0012AudiCamshaft variable timing solenoid failure, Engine oil level is too low, The engine is not timed correctly, The engine oil does not meet the manufacturer's requirements, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Worn timing chain