P0013: "B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
P0013 means "B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). Engines with variable valve timing use an oil control valve (OCV, also called a VVT solenoid) to route oil pressure to the camshaft phaser. This code means the engine computer has found an electrical problem in the control circuit of the "B" (exhaust/right/rear) camshaft actuator solenoid on bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1).
Can I keep driving? Drivable with care. Diagnose soon: performance, economy or other components can be affected.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Reduced power, especially at low RPM
- Worse fuel economy
- Occasional stalling
Possible causes
- Failed oil control valve / VVT solenoid (open or shorted coil)
- Damaged, corroded or loose connector at the solenoid
- Chafed or broken wiring between the solenoid and the engine computer
- Engine computer driver fault (rare)
How to diagnose P0013
- Inspect the solenoid connector and harness for oil intrusion, corrosion and damage.
- Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare it with the specification in the service manual.
- With a scan tool, command the solenoid on and off and check for power and switching at the connector.
- Check for related cam timing codes (P0011, P0014, P0016) that may point to a mechanical cause.
What the code means, digit by digit
Generic codes have the same definition on every OBD-II vehicle (petrol cars from model year 1996 in the US, 2001 in the EU; diesels later). Manufacturers can add their own enhanced codes; those are not listed here.
Related codes
General guidance only. Fault codes describe what the engine computer saw, not which part failed: confirm with testing before replacing parts, and follow the vehicle's service information.