P0013 medium Severity

P0013: Exhaust B Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1)

Check engine light illuminated; possible rough idle, decreased performance, poor fuel economy; engine may run sub-optimally

Overview

P0013 indicates an electrical fault or open circuit in the exhaust camshaft position actuator (VVT solenoid) circuit on bank 1, affecting variable valve timing control.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light illuminated
  • Rough idling
  • Decreased engine performance
  • Poor fuel economy

Most Common Causes

Faulty exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid (Oil Control Valve) high

Solenoid internal failure or stuck due to oil contamination

Open or short in actuator wiring harness or connector high

Broken, corroded, or chafed wires disrupting circuit

Contaminated or low engine oil affecting VVT operation medium

Sludge can clog solenoid screens impairing movement

Faulty ECM/PCM control circuit low

Rare but possible electronic control module driver fault

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Scan and record codes with an OBD-II scanner, clear codes and re-test to confirm persistence
    Expected: Code P0013 returns if fault persists
    Interpretation: Confirms repeatable fault rather than transient
  2. Visually inspect wiring and connector at the exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid
    Expected: No broken wires, corrosion, or loose connection
    Interpretation: Damage indicates wiring repair needed
  3. Check engine oil level and condition
    Expected: Oil at proper level and clean
    Interpretation: Low or dirty oil may cause VVT malfunctions
  4. Test solenoid resistance with multimeter
    Expected: Resistance within manufacturer spec
    Interpretation: Out-of-spec indicates bad solenoid
  5. If wiring and solenoid test normal, test PCM output signal
    Expected: Correct PWM signal present
    Interpretation: Absence suggests possible PCM fault

Repair Solutions

Replace faulty exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid medium
Estimated Cost: $150 - $450

Exact cost varies by vehicle and labor rates

Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $250

Includes wire harness repair or connector replacement

Perform engine oil change and use correct oil grade easy
Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

Helpful when oil is contaminated or low

ECM/PCM repair or replacement hard
Estimated Cost: $300 - $1200

Considered only after confirming internal module fault

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Misinterpreting code as intake camshaft issue (P0010/P0011)
  • Assuming camshaft sensor failure without testing circuit

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a P0013 diagnostic trouble code signify?

Exhaust B Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1) is the standard definition for P0013. This diagnostic code is triggered when the ECU detects a problem in the Engine Mechanical.

Reflecting on severity: How bad is P0013?

This is a medium priority issue. Check engine light illuminated; possible rough idle, decreased performance, poor fuel economy; engine may run sub-optimally

Common signs of the P0013 error code

The most typical signs are: Check engine light illuminated, Rough idling, Decreased engine performance.

What parts fail when P0013 is set?

It can be caused by several factors, most notably: Faulty exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid (Oil Control Valve), Open or short in actuator wiring harness or connector, Contaminated or low engine oil affecting VVT operation.

How much does it cost to fix P0013?

Expect to pay around $100 if the issue is a Perform engine oil change and use correct oil grade, but up to $1200 if the ECM/PCM repair or replacement needs replacement.

Is P0013 a generic or manufacturer-specific code?

Yes, P0013 is a generic code that applies to all OBD-II compliant vehicles, including Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan, Dodge, BMW, and more.

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