P0011: Camshaft timing over-advanced (Bank 1)
Drive carefully. Get it checked within a week or two.
Can I drive with P0011?
Yes, but drive carefully and get it checked soon. Camshaft is not rotating back to base timing, usually due to low oil or sludge.
What does P0011 mean?
P0011 stands for Camshaft Position 'A' - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1).
Symptoms you may notice
- Engine rattles or chatters upon cold startup
- Lack of low-end pulling power from a dead stop
- Rough idle and slight decrease in gas mileage
How much does it cost to fix?
Repair costs for code P0011 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:
- Low engine oil level or dirty sludgy oil
- VVT solenoid stuck open mechanically
- Clogged VVT oil filter screen
- Worn timing chain or phaser gear
What to do next
- Check engine oil immediately and top up with recommended viscosity oil.
- Perform an oil and filter change if maintenance is overdue.
- Remove and inspect the VVT solenoid for metal flakes or sludge.
Last updated: October 2026
Related codes
General guidance only, not a professional diagnosis. If the check-engine light is flashing, or the car is running rough, overheating or losing power, stop driving and get help.
About this code
Code P0011 is notoriously related to engine oil condition. The variable valve timing system relies on clean oil pressure to modulate camshaft phasers. If oil levels drop or change intervals are neglected, the camshaft gets stuck advanced. A simple oil change often clears it.