Comprehensive Guide to OBD-II Fault Codes P0011 to P0020

by Garage Pro

When your car’s check engine light comes on, it’s often due to an OBD-II fault code. Among these, codes ranging from P0011 to P0020 are crucial as they deal with camshaft position and timing issues. Understanding these codes can help you diagnose and fix problems before they escalate. In this guide, we'll explore what each of these codes means, their symptoms, causes, and potential solutions.

OBD-II Fault Codes P0011 to P0020 Explained

Below is a detailed breakdown of OBD-II fault codes P0011 to P0020, including their descriptions, symptoms, causes, and recommended solutions.

1. P0011 - Camshaft Position "A" Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

  • Description: This code indicates that the camshaft timing is over-advanced in Bank 1.
  • Symptoms: Faulty camshaft position sensor, Engine oil contamination, Low oil level, Malfunctioning camshaft timing actuator.
  • Solutions: Test and replace the faulty camshaft position sensor or actuator, Check and replace engine oil if contaminated.

2. P0012 - Camshaft Position "A" Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

  • Description: This code signifies that the camshaft timing is over-retarded in Bank 1.
  • Symptoms: Check engine light, Poor acceleration, Rough idling, Engine misfires.
  • Solutions: Inspect the camshaft timing actuator, Replace the camshaft position sensor, Verify engine oil quality and level.

3. P0013 - "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

  • Description: Similar to P0011, but this code relates to the "B" camshaft in Bank 1.
  • Symptoms: Check engine light, Decreased fuel efficiency, Poor engine performance.
  • Solutions: Check and replace the camshaft position sensor, Inspect the camshaft actuator and oil control valve.

4. P0014 - "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

  • Description: Indicates that the "B" camshaft in Bank 1 is over-retarded.
  • Symptoms: Rough idling, Poor fuel economy, Hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solutions: Test and replace the camshaft position sensor, Verify the operation of the camshaft actuator.
A close-up image of a car's camshaft and timing belt system, showing the intricate details of the camshaft position and timing belt. These components are crucial for understanding fault codes P0011 to P0020.

5. P0015 - Camshaft Position "B" Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

  • Description: This code indicates a timing issue with the "B" camshaft in Bank 1.
  • Symptoms: Check engine light, Engine stalling, Poor performance.
  • Solutions: Inspect and replace the camshaft timing actuator, Verify oil quality and level, Replace the camshaft position sensor if needed.

6. P0016 - Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)

  • Description: The P0016 code indicates a correlation issue between the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors in Bank 1.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, Rough idling, Misfires, Check engine light.
  • Solutions: Replace the camshaft position sensor, Inspect the crankshaft sensor, Verify timing chain or belt condition.

7. P0017 - Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

  • Description: Similar to P0016, but this code relates to Sensor B in Bank 1.
  • Symptoms: Check engine light, Engine stalling, Poor acceleration.
  • Solutions: Check and replace the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, Inspect timing chain or belt for wear.

8. P0018 - Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)

  • Description: This code indicates a correlation issue between the crankshaft and camshaft positions in Bank 2.
  • Symptoms: Poor engine performance, Misfires, Check engine light.
  • Solutions: Replace the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, Verify timing chain or belt condition.

9. P0019 - Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)

  • Description: This code relates to a correlation issue between the crankshaft and camshaft positions in Bank 2, Sensor B.
  • Symptoms: Engine roughness, Stalling, Difficulty starting the engine.
  • Solutions: Replace faulty sensors, Inspect the timing belt or chain, Check engine oil quality.

10. P0020 - "A" Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)

  • Description: Indicates a malfunction in the camshaft position actuator circuit for "A" camshaft in Bank 2.
  • Symptoms: Check engine light, Poor fuel efficiency, Reduced engine power.
  • Solutions: Test and replace the camshaft actuator circuit, Verify the wiring and connections, Inspect engine oil condition.

Frequency Analysis of OBD-II Fault Codes P0011 to P0020

The following chart shows the frequency of these OBD-II fault codes in US vehicles based on data collected from over 100,000 scans. Understanding how common these issues are can help prioritize diagnostics and repairs.

Bar chart showing the frequency of OBD-II fault codes P0011 to P0020 in US vehicles, highlighting the occurrence of each code based on data from over 100,000 scans.

Conclusion

If your vehicle shows any of these fault codes, it’s important to diagnose and address the issue as soon as possible. For accurate diagnostics, consider using the GaragePro Advanced Plus OBD Scanner, which provides real-time insights into your car's performance and health.

Disclaimer: The solutions provided are general recommendations and may not apply to all vehicles or situations. Always perform proper diagnostics to identify the exact cause of the issue before attempting repairs.

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