P0013: Exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit (Bank 1)
Drive carefully. Get it checked within a week or two.
Can I drive with P0013?
Yes, but drive carefully and get it checked soon. Exhaust valve timing solenoid circuit has failed; power and fuel efficiency drop.
What does P0013 mean?
P0013 stands for Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit / Open (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 P0013 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:
- Failed exhaust VVT solenoid
- Unplugged or damaged solenoid connector
- Dirty or contaminated engine oil
- Harness wire chafing near exhaust heat shield
What to do next
- Check engine oil level on dipstick.
- Inspect exhaust VVT solenoid connector for oil leaking past the internal seal.
- Replace the exhaust VVT solenoid.
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 P0013 relates to the exhaust camshaft oil control solenoid. Modern dual-overhead-cam engines independently adjust exhaust timing for emissions scavenging. Replacing the plug-in solenoid on the valve cover usually resolves it in 15 minutes.