P0011: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)Emissions
P0011 means the intake camshaft on bank 1 is positioned more advanced than the ECU commanded it to be. The variable valve timing system is not responding correctly, typically due to oil flow issues, a faulty VVT solenoid, or a stretched timing chain affecting cam position.
What does P0011 mean?
P0011 means the intake camshaft on bank 1 is positioned more advanced than the ECU commanded it to be. The variable valve timing system is not responding correctly, typically due to oil flow issues, a faulty VVT solenoid, or a stretched timing chain affecting cam position.
P0011 is a emissions-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0011 and illuminates the check engine light.
What are the symptoms of P0011?
If your vehicle has triggered P0011, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
Check engine light on
Rough or unstable idle, possible stalling
Hard starting, especially when the engine is warm
Rattling noise from the engine on startup
Reduced fuel economy
Failed emissions test
What causes P0011?
Here are the most common causes of P0011, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:
highDirty or low engine oil restricting VVT solenoid operation
highFaulty VVT/camshaft position actuator solenoid
mediumStretched or worn timing chain
mediumClogged oil passages to the VVT actuator
lowWorn camshaft phaser/actuator
Is it safe to drive with P0011?
Generally yes, for short-term driving. Short trips to a garage are acceptable, but the engine may stall or run roughly. Do not ignore this code long-term as it can cause increased engine wear and potential timing chain damage.
How do you diagnose P0011?
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0011:
Check engine oil level and condition. Low, dirty, or incorrect viscosity oil is the most common cause. Change oil if overdue and clear the code
Use a scan tool to monitor the camshaft position sensor data. Compare the actual camshaft advance angle to the target angle commanded by the ECU
Inspect and test the VVT solenoid. Measure resistance (typically 6-13 ohms) and check for clogged screens. Command the solenoid on/off with a scan tool
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold startup. A stretched chain will cause a brief rattle that fades as oil pressure builds
If the solenoid and oil are fine, inspect timing chain stretch with a scope or by checking timing marks alignment
How much does P0011 cost to fix?
Repair costs for P0011 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change (if dirty oil is the cause)
€20–€60
€20–€50
€40–€110
Easy
Replace VVT solenoid
€25–€130
€40–€120
€65–€250
Moderate
Replace timing chain and tensioner
€100–€350
€300–€800
€400–€1150
Professional
Replace camshaft phaser/actuator
€80–€300
€200–€600
€280–€900
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0011 on specific vehicles
P0011 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:
P0011 on BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The N52 and N54 engines are known for VANOS system issues causing P0011. BMW recommends oil changes every 15,000 km, but many specialists suggest 10,000 km intervals. Check the VANOS solenoid screen for debris before replacing the unit.
What causes P0011 on a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 SeriesVANOS solenoid screen clogged with oil sludge
BMW 3 SeriesWorn VANOS actuator hub gear on high-mileage N52 engines
P0011 repair cost for BMW 3 Series
Estimated costs for BMW 3 Series ownersadjusted higher than average due to BMW-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change (if dirty oil is the cause)
€28–€84
€28–€70
€56–€154
Easy
Replace VVT solenoid
€35–€182
€56–€168
€91–€350
Moderate
Replace timing chain and tensioner
€140–€490
€420–€1120
€560–€1610
Professional
Replace camshaft phaser/actuator
€112–€420
€280–€840
€392–€1260
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0011 on Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf • 2006-2024
The 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAVD) engines from 2006-2014 are notorious for timing chain stretch causing P0011. VW issued a technical solution involving an updated chain tensioner. The EA888 2.0T is less affected but still benefits from shorter oil change intervals.
What causes P0011 on a Volkswagen Golf?
Volkswagen GolfTiming chain stretch on 1.4 TSI (2006-2014) - check chain tensioner
Volkswagen GolfCamshaft adjuster solenoid failure on EA888 2.0T
P0011 repair cost for Volkswagen Golf
Estimated costs for Volkswagen Golf ownersadjusted higher than average due to Volkswagen-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change (if dirty oil is the cause)
€23–€69
€23–€57
€46–€126
Easy
Replace VVT solenoid
€29–€150
€46–€138
€75–€288
Moderate
Replace timing chain and tensioner
€115–€402
€345–€920
€460–€1323
Professional
Replace camshaft phaser/actuator
€92–€345
€230–€690
€322–€1035
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0011 on Peugeot 308
Peugeot 308 • 2007-2024
The 1.6 THP/EP6 engine (co-developed with BMW) is prone to timing chain stretch and VVT solenoid failures. This engine appears in many PSA group vehicles. The timing chain is on the gearbox side, making replacement labour-intensive.
What causes P0011 on a Peugeot 308?
Peugeot 308Timing chain stretch on EP6/THP 1.6 engine (pre-2013 especially)
Peugeot 308VVT solenoid valve sticking from oil contamination
P0011 repair cost for Peugeot 308
Estimated costs for Peugeot 308 ownersadjusted higher than average due to Peugeot-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change (if dirty oil is the cause)
€22–€66
€22–€55
€44–€121
Easy
Replace VVT solenoid
€28–€143
€44–€132
€72–€275
Moderate
Replace timing chain and tensioner
€110–€385
€330–€880
€440–€1265
Professional
Replace camshaft phaser/actuator
€88–€330
€220–€660
€308–€990
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related diagnostic codes
These codes are often seen alongside P0011 or indicate related issues:
You can drive short distances, but the engine may stall or run poorly. If you hear a rattling noise from the engine, this suggests a timing chain issue that could worsen and cause serious engine damage. Get it diagnosed promptly.
Will an oil change fix P0011?
In many cases, yes. If the oil is dirty, low, or the wrong viscosity, changing it can restore proper VVT operation. Use the manufacturer-specified oil grade, clear the code, and drive to see if it returns. This is the cheapest fix to try first.
What causes P0011 on a cold start?
On cold starts, oil pressure is lower and takes time to reach the VVT system. A worn timing chain tensioner, clogged oil passages, or thickened oil can delay VVT operation, causing the camshaft position to deviate from the target and trigger P0011.
How serious is P0011?
Moderately serious. While it will not cause immediate breakdown, ignoring P0011 can lead to increased fuel consumption, higher emissions, and potential timing chain damage over time. If caused by a stretched timing chain, delays can lead to costly engine repairs.
Is P0011 related to P0016?
Yes. P0016 indicates a correlation problem between the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Both codes often appear together when the timing chain is stretched or the VVT system is malfunctioning, as both detect camshaft timing errors.
