What Does P0010 Mean?
P0010 indicates a fault in the intake camshaft position actuator circuit on Bank 1. The ECM has detected an electrical problem with the solenoid (oil control valve) that controls the Bank 1 intake VVT actuator. This can be an open circuit, short circuit, or control signal issue. When this circuit fails, the VVT system cannot adjust intake valve timing, which may result in reduced performance, rough idle, poor fuel economy, and increased emissions. The check engine light will be illuminated.
Common Causes
30%
Faulty VVT solenoid (oil control valve) with an open or shorted internal coil winding
25%
Damaged wiring or corroded connector in the VVT solenoid circuit between the ECM and the solenoid
20%
Sludge-contaminated VVT solenoid screen causing the solenoid to stick and the ECM to detect abnormal circuit behavior
15%
ECM internal driver circuit failure for the VVT solenoid output
10%
Blown fuse in the VVT solenoid power supply circuit (on vehicles that use a separate fused supply)
Diagnostic Steps
1
Locate the Bank 1 intake VVT solenoid (typically on the front of the cylinder head near the intake cam) and disconnect the electrical connector — inspect for oil contamination, corrosion, or bent pins.
2
Measure the VVT solenoid coil resistance — typical spec is 6-13 ohms (varies by manufacturer). OL indicates an open coil; very low resistance indicates a short.
3
With the solenoid disconnected, check for power and ground at the harness connector with the key on. One terminal should show battery voltage and the other should show the ECM control signal (near 0V at rest).
4
Remove the VVT solenoid and inspect the screen filter — a heavily clogged screen indicates oil sludge issues that must be addressed alongside the electrical repair.
5
Check for continuity on both wires from the solenoid connector to the ECM connector to rule out any breaks in the harness.
6
If wiring and solenoid test good, command the VVT solenoid with a bidirectional scan tool and monitor the circuit current draw — compare to the expected 500-800mA range.
Estimated Repair Cost
$80 - $500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
P0010 indicates a fault in the intake camshaft position actuator circuit on Bank 1. The ECM has detected an electrical problem with the solenoid (oil control valve) that controls the Bank 1 intake VVT actuator. This can be an open circuit, short circuit, or control signal issue. When this circuit fa...
The most common cause of P0010 (Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit / Open (Bank 1)) is: Faulty VVT solenoid (oil control valve) with an open or shorted internal coil winding
Typical repair costs for P0010 range from $80 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle is drivable with reduced performance. The VVT system will default to a base timing position, which is safe but results in lower power, worse fuel economy, and higher emissions. Schedule repair within the next week or two to avoid secondary issues.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0010 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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