"B" Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
Code P0013 means the PCM has detected an electrical fault in the "B" camshaft position actuator circuit on Bank 1 — the circuit controlling the oil control valve (OCV) solenoid for the Bank 1 exhaust cam. The PCM monitors this circuit for opens, shorts to ground, and shorts to voltage. P0013 is the exhaust cam electrical equivalent of P0010 (intake cam). It appears on all OBDII vehicles with variable exhaust cam timing (dual VVT), including Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, and GM engines.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or engine vibration
- Reduced power and poor throttle response
- Poor fuel economy
- Possible cold-start stumble
- Engine may run acceptably at highway speed but poorly at idle
Most Common Causes
- 1
Faulty Bank 1 exhaust cam OCV solenoid
The oil control valve solenoid has failed internally — open coil, internal short, or mechanical sticking. This is the most common cause. Measure solenoid resistance with a multimeter; typical spec is 6–12 ohms.
- 2
Open or short in the OCV wiring harness
A broken wire, chafed harness, or short in the circuit between the PCM and the Bank 1 exhaust cam solenoid causes the PCM to detect a circuit fault. Inspect the harness near the valve cover and at connectors.
- 3
Corroded or damaged OCV connector
Moisture and heat degrade the solenoid connector over time. Corroded terminals or a spread connector cause intermittent circuit faults that set P0013. Inspect and clean the connector before replacing the solenoid.
- 4
Low or dirty engine oil
Sludge can clog the solenoid screen and cause excessive current draw, leading to circuit faults. Always change the oil when replacing a VVT solenoid — new solenoids in dirty oil fail quickly.
- 5
PCM output driver failure
Rare. The PCM's internal driver circuit for the Bank 1 exhaust cam solenoid can fail. Confirm all wiring and solenoid checks before suspecting the PCM.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Faulty Bank 1 exhaust cam OCV solenoid — The oil control valve solenoid has failed internally — open coil, internal short, or mechanical sticking. This is the most common cause. Measure solenoid resistance with a multimeter; typical spec is 6–12 ohms.
- 2
Check Open or short in the OCV wiring harness — A broken wire, chafed harness, or short in the circuit between the PCM and the Bank 1 exhaust cam solenoid causes the PCM to detect a circuit fault. Inspect the harness near the valve cover and at connectors.
- 3
Check Corroded or damaged OCV connector — Moisture and heat degrade the solenoid connector over time. Corroded terminals or a spread connector cause intermittent circuit faults that set P0013. Inspect and clean the connector before replacing the solenoid.
- 4
Check Low or dirty engine oil — Sludge can clog the solenoid screen and cause excessive current draw, leading to circuit faults. Always change the oil when replacing a VVT solenoid — new solenoids in dirty oil fail quickly.
- 5
Check PCM output driver failure — Rare. The PCM's internal driver circuit for the Bank 1 exhaust cam solenoid can fail. Confirm all wiring and solenoid checks before suspecting the PCM.
How to Fix It
- 1
Change the engine oil and filter
Fresh oil prevents sludge from clogging and burning out the replacement solenoid. Always change the oil first when addressing any VVT circuit code.
- 2
Inspect the OCV connector and wiring harness
Check the Bank 1 exhaust cam solenoid connector for corrosion, spread terminals, and moisture intrusion. Inspect the wiring harness for chafing against the valve cover or heat damage.
- 3
Test OCV solenoid resistance
Disconnect the solenoid connector and measure resistance across the solenoid terminals. Compare to manufacturer specification. An open or shorted reading confirms a failed solenoid.
- 4
Replace the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft OCV solenoid
Replace the oil control valve with an OEM or quality aftermarket part. Clean the solenoid bore before installation and torque to specification.
- 5
Clear codes and verify repair with a scanner
After replacing the solenoid and changing the oil, clear all DTCs and road test. Monitor Bank 1 exhaust cam actuator operation with a scanner to confirm proper circuit function.
Need a deeper diagnosis?
Search for related repair guides or browse by system.