P0011 — Intake camshaft on Bank 1 is advanced beyond the commanded angle — VVT actuator over-shot the target position. Symptoms: hard cold start, drops in power, poor idle quality
What it means
Common causes
- Clogged oil control screen — VVT solenoid isn't getting enough oil pressure
- Worn or seized VVT phaser on the intake cam
- Faulty VVT solenoid (Oil Control Valve)
- Low or thin engine oil past its service interval
- Damaged wiring or corroded connector at the solenoid
- Timing chain jumped a tooth or two on high-mileage engines
How to diagnose
- 01
Read all stored and pending codes with an OBD-II adapter — get the full picture, not just the one code.
- 02
Capture freeze-frame data (RPM, coolant temperature, engine load) at the exact moment the code triggered.
- 03
Inspect the named subsystem with our app's AI explanation — get vehicle-specific causes for your make, model and year.
Common patterns on specific vehicles
- Toyota VVT-i
On VVT-i, P0011 is usually a clogged VVT solenoid or low oil pressure. Try an oil change + solenoid clean first. Timing chain replacement is a last resort.
- BMW N52/N54 VANOS
On BMW N52/N54, P0011 is a VANOS solenoid or wrong oil viscosity. Switching to 5W-30 (NOT 5W-40) often clears it after ~500 miles.
Empirical mechanic observations. Your case may differ — use as a starting hypothesis, not a diagnosis.
Decode P0011 on your actual car
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