Timing and crank/cam sensorsGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0013: camshaft actuator "B" (exhaust), circuit (bank 1)
P0013 means: camshaft position actuator "B" (exhaust), bank 1: control circuit electrical fault (open circuit).[1][2] The ECU has detected an electrical fault in the circuit that controls the exhaust camshaft actuator on bank 1, that is, the variable valve timing system. As it cannot govern the phase of that camshaft, the exhaust valve timing is left uncontrolled.[1][2]
What code P0013 means
The ECU has detected an electrical fault in the circuit that controls the exhaust camshaft actuator on bank 1, that is, the variable valve timing system. As it cannot govern the phase of that camshaft, the exhaust valve timing is left uncontrolled.[1][2]
It is a fault in the electrical circuit (wiring, connector, solenoid valve or ECU output), not a mechanical timing offset; that case is flagged by other codes, such as P0014 or P0015.[1]
Original definition (SAE J2012): "B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1)[1][2]
Causes of P0013
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Exhaust phaser oil control solenoid valve (VVT solenoid) with an open or shorted coil.[2][3]
- 2Damaged wiring or corroded connector next to the solenoid, an area exposed to heat from the rocker cover.[1][2]
- 3Dirty oil, low oil level or oil of the wrong viscosity, which clogs the solenoid's mesh filter (one source considers it the most common cause).[2][3]
- 4Faulty ECU output; this is uncommon.[1][2]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on; in some cases it is the only symptom.[2][3]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Less power, especially at low revs.[2][3]Less power: faults that cause it
- Uneven idle, especially when cold.[2][3]Vibrations: faults that cause it
- Slightly higher consumption.[2][3]Uses more fuel: faults that cause it
How to diagnose P0013
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Check the oil level and condition and that it is the grade the manufacturer specifies: it is the cheapest check and may solve the problem.[3]
- 2Inspect the wiring and connector of the exhaust camshaft solenoid: chafing, cuts or corrosion.[1][2]
- 3Use a multimeter to measure the solenoid coil resistance and check that supply and earth reach the connector when the ECU activates it; compare with the values in the model's manual.[2][3]
- 4If the solenoid and wiring are fine, have the ECU output checked before replacing anything else.[1][2]
Can I keep driving with P0013?
Garage soon
You can drive a few kilometres, but it should be diagnosed within a few days: the sources rate it as moderate severity and warn that, if ignored, it can reduce engine performance.[2][3]
Documented faults related to P0013
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Variable valve timing (VVT) actuator: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche V8 and V6 (Cayenne and Panamera)Loosening of the camshaft adjuster boltsPorsche acknowledges that the fixing bolts of the camshaft adjusters on certain Cayenne S and Turbo and Panamera models built up to September 2011 can fail: noise, vibration, engine warning light and, in rare cases, stalling. There has been a worldwide workshop campaign since 2012.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Wear of the Valvetronic and the VANOS solenoid valvesOver the years, the eccentric shaft or the actuator motor of the Valvetronic can wear and cause heavy idle fluctuations; the VANOS solenoid valves also fail over time, with similar symptoms and a loss of power. According to English-language Wikipedia, the 1.6-litre N43B16 does not have Valvetronic.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonM111Camshaft adjuster oil leak into the wiringYes: the magnet (solenoid valve) of the M111 camshaft adjuster can lose its seal, and the oil creeps up by capillary action to the connector and the wiring loom. Mercedes-Benz has the same repair cable as for the M271 (part number A2711502733), which is cheap to fit.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonM271Oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster solenoids into the wiringYes: the camshaft adjuster solenoids (magnets) of the M271 can lose their seal, and the oil wicks up to the connector and the wiring loom, and can even reach the control unit. Mercedes-Benz has a specific repair cable (reference A2711502733) that is cheap to fit.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalM264/M254Poorly tightened 48 V earth wiring in the mild-hybrid system (fire risk)Mercedes-Benz has issued several recalls (2022-2025) because the 12 V and 48 V earth connections of some cars with a 48 V system may be poorly tightened: resistance rises, the connection heats up and a fire cannot be ruled out. The official workshop checks them and repairs them if necessary in an hour or more.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.9 TDIUnit injector tappet wear and injector wiring damageOn the unit injector system, the tappets that operate the injectors can wear if the oil is not changed on time, and the injector wiring can be damaged by contact with oil, causing misfires or loss of power.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonRover 75Seat SRS connector fault with airbag and seatbelt warning light onAuto Express warns that the Rover 75's seat SRS connector can cause the airbags to fail, and dealers were fixing it with revised connectors. The Dutch APK inspection puts the airbag or seatbelt fault warning among the most frequent defects across almost all series.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
Engine sensors: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0013?
Only short journeys and without accelerating hard. It is best to diagnose it within a few days, because the exhaust timing is left uncontrolled.[2][3]
Does P0013 mean the timing needs replacing?
No. It is a fault in the electrical circuit of the exhaust camshaft actuator, not in the mechanical timing. The usual causes are the solenoid, its wiring or the condition of the oil.[1][2]
What does the oil have to do with P0013?
The phaser works on oil pressure and the solenoid has a fine mesh filter. Dirty oil or oil of the wrong viscosity can block it, which is why it is checked first.[2][3]
How much does it cost to fix a P0013?
The sources consulted give figures in pounds and dollars (from an oil change to replacing the solenoid), so they are not useful as a reference for Spain. Ask for a quote after the diagnosis.[2][3]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0013?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[4]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- P0013 – Camshaft position (CMP) actuator, exhaust/right/rear, bank 1 – circuit malfunctionTroubleCodes.net · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- P0013 Code (OBD-II)Carista · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- P0013 Code: Camshaft Position Actuator "B" Circuit – Causes & FixOBD Advisor · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish