P0013

What it means

P0013 is the generic SAE J2012 code for a fault in the control circuit of the 'B' camshaft position actuator on Bank 1, reported as an open circuit. 'B' usually means the exhaust camshaft, though the exact naming depends on the engine. The engine control unit sets it when it sees no valid current or voltage on the actuator control circuit, or when the camshaft does not move as commanded.

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Rough or unstable idle
• Hesitation or reduced power
• Poor fuel economy
• Rattling or ticking noise from the engine at start-up
• Hard starting or occasional stalling

Possible causes

• Wiring or connector fault in the actuator control circuit (open circuit, chafing, corrosion or loose pin)likely
• Faulty camshaft position actuator (oil control solenoid) with an open or high-resistance coillikely
• Low, dirty or incorrect-grade engine oil, or a blocked actuator oil screen, affecting camshaft movementpossible
• Incorrect valve timing caused by a stretched timing chain or worn tensioner or guidespossible
• Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor giving a false timing correlationpossible
• Fault inside the engine control unit driver circuit, or an outdated calibration where the manufacturer has documented onerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data (engine temperature, load, speed) to see when the fault occurred.
2. Check the engine oil level, condition and grade against the manufacturer's specification, and correct any problems before going further.
3. Inspect the actuator wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, oil contamination, bent or pushed-out pins and chafed insulation.
4. Measure the actuator coil resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification for that engine.
5. Check the supply, earth and control signal at the connector with the ignition on and while the engine control unit commands the actuator, using the live data or a suitable test.
6. Compare commanded and actual camshaft position in live data, and check camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals and correlation.
7. Inspect the actuator oil screen and oil feed for blockage or sludge, where the engine design allows this.
8. If the electrical checks pass, check the timing chain stretch and timing correlation following the procedure for that specific engine.

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring, terminals or the connector, and secure the harness.
• Replace the camshaft position actuator solenoid if it fails the electrical or function tests.
• Change the oil and filter to the correct specification and clean or replace a blocked actuator screen.
• Replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides if timing is out of specification.
• Replace a faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor if the signal is faulty.
• Repair or replace the engine control unit, or apply a manufacturer calibration update, only once the other causes are ruled out and a fault or update is confirmed.

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P0013AudiPowertrain Control Module (PCM) failure, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Wiring issue

Nearby codes

• P0012GenericA Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
• P0014GenericB Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1