Modern engines use variable valve timing that relies on a set of electronically actuated devices to work. Both the intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed electronically to maintain optimal engine performance and fuel economy. On the intake side, this is done by adjusting the intake camshaft timing. When there’s something wrong with the intake timing, you might see a P0010 code pop up and trigger a check engine light code.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the P0010 fault code, what it means, what are the common causes and symptoms of this code, how to diagnose it, and how to potentially fix it.
What is the P0010 Code, and What Does It Mean?
The P0010 code stands for “Intake Camshaft Actuator Circuit Open/Short on Bank 1”. Put simply, it means that there’s an issue with the electrical components that govern the intake camshaft in your engine.
The check engine light and P0010 code will be triggered when the ECU detects a lower voltage in the specific circuit below the set limit for a specific amount of time. This varies between different makes and models of vehicles. The P0010 fault code is specific to bank 1. This is worth mentioning since V-shaped engines naturally have two banks.
What Causes a P0010 Fault Code?
There are a couple of common causes that will trigger the P0010 fault code. The most common ones include faulty camshaft position sensor or a crankshaft position sensors. However, other causes such as wiring issues, irregular oil changes, and worn timing components can cause the P0010 code and illuminate the check engine light.
Faulty Camshaft or Crankshaft Sensors
Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensors are by far the most common cause of the P0010 code to come up. Because they’re located in the engine bay, they’re exposed to vibrations and heat cycles, which can lead to breaking. If any of these sensors break, the P0010 fault code will get stored and the check engine light will become illuminated.
Irregular Oil Changes
Every car needs regular service to continue operating normally. Unfortunately, there are many cases when people forget they need to change the oil and filters in their car, which can lead to a variety of issues.
No matter how much you drive your car, you should change the oil and filters at least once a year, if not sooner. If the oil is used longer than specified, it can lose its lubricating effects and viscosity. Once the oil doesn’t provide lubrication to the moving parts of the engine or even makes it harder for the rotating parts to move, the engine will lose its performance and eventually break down.
Engines that use timing chains to govern timing rely on quality oil to keep the chains running smoothly. Worn oil can cause friction on the chain, which can ultimately cause it to stretch, skip timing, or even break.
Note that the P0010 code won’t be triggered if you missed the oil change by a few thousand miles, but by tens of thousands of miles.
Wiring Issues
Wiring issues aren’t one of the most common causes for the P0010 fault code, however, they are worth mentioning if you have an older car. Every part or wiring harness located in the engine bay is exposed to thousands of heat cycles, vibration, and humidity. All of these factors can cause the wiring to corrode, get disconnected, or be damaged in any other way. If damage to the wiring occurs, it’s common for the P0010 to get stored in the ECU.
Worn Timing Components
Commonly, people worry only about service intervals that include engine oil and filter changes, but timing components have a recommended service interval as well. Replacing them on time is essential, especially for keeping interference engines alive.
For the average daily driven car, timing components will need to be replaced every couple of years. You can find this information in your car’s user manual. Worn timing components will affect the camshaft operation, which could cause the P0010 code.
What Are the Common Symptoms of P0010 Fault Code?
Like most engine fault codes, the P0010 will also trigger the check engine light and signal the driver that there’s something wrong with their car. Aside from the most obvious symptom, there are a couple of other symptoms to look out for.
Decreased Performance and Fuel Economy
When the ECU detects issues with one of the sensors that are directly responsible for the engine performance, it will use the default data and as a result, engine performance will significantly decrease.
By using default parameters, you’ll also likely notice an increased fuel consumption. Not only will you notice your car accelerating with more difficulty, but you’ll notice that you’re visiting the gas station more often.
Rough Idle
Another common symptom of the P0010 fault code is a rough idle. This is also due to default parameters the ECU is using for keeping the engine running.
Knocking/Rattling Coming From The Engine
Knocking and rattling can be caused by failing timing components, but also due to irregular oil and filter changes. It’s a common symptom for the P0010 code and indicates that you need to inspect your car and get it fixed to avoid additional damage.
How to Diagnose the Cause of P0010 Code
To diagnose the cause of the P0010 fault code, you should start by scanning the ECU with an OBD II scanner. Aside from confirming that you’re dealing with this particular code, you should check some of the most common causes.
When Was The Last Time You Had The Oil and Filters Changed?
As mentioned, one of the fairly common causes for the P0010 fault code is irregular oil changes. If you’re not sure when was the last time you had your oil changed, you should do so right away. Regular car maintenance will not only prevent the P0010 code but other engine-related issues.
Check Timing Components
Timing components such as the belts and tensioners should also be visually inspected. If a belt is worn, it will clearly be visible. When the timing components become worn, it can easily cause an engine trouble code, such as the P0010. Just like oil and filters, timing components need to be replaced at a certain time interval.
Inspect The Wiring and Connectors
When it comes to engine trouble codes such as the P0010 code, which are regarding some type of sensor or actuator, inspecting the wiring should be one of the first things you should do. Even a small crack in the wiring or connectors can cause the illumination of the check engine light and the P0010 code.
Check The Sensors
Lastly, the most obvious cause for the P0010 code can be faulty sensors. You can check them visually and see if they’re connected properly, but you can also use a multimeter to check each sensor individually.
How to Fix P0010 Code
Even though the P0010 fault code is considered moderately serious and should be addressed as soon as possible, fixing this code isn’t as difficult as it seems.
The first step is confirming that the P0010 code is the only one stored in the ECU, and checking some of the most common causes for this fault. This way, you’ll know what you need to do to fix the issue and have a reliable car once again.
If you haven’t changed the oil and filters in time, this is the first thing you should do. It wouldn’t hurt if you flushed the system a couple of times in case the oil has turned into sludge. This will give you a “clean” engine to work with and the oil and filter replacement will be much more effective. Once you turn on the engine after replacing the oil and filter, try and clear the engine fault code from the ECU and take your car for a drive to see if the code returns.
This also applies to the timing components of the engine. If you’re not sure when the timing components were replaced, you should invest in this as well because worn timing components can also lead to various engine fault codes.
The second thing that can fix the P0010 fault code is fixing any wiring issues you might have found. Wiring either needs to be replaced or the connectors fixed in order for the sensors to have a steady voltage and connection to the ECU. While checking the wiring, make sure the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are in good condition. If you suspect one or both sensors are faulty, make sure to replace them with genuine OEM parts.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid?
If the camshaft position actuator solenoid is the cause behind the P0010 code, you have two options to choose from. You can source the parts and replace them on your own, or you can hire a mechanic to replace them for you.
If you choose the latter, you can expect a few hundred dollars worth of labor aside from the $100+ for parts. On the other hand, if you decide to do it yourself, you can save yourself some money. Of course, the actual price of the job, with or without labor, will depend on what you drive.
Does P0010 Clear Itself?
The P0010 fault code is common for most cars with an OBD II system, and although the same issues cause this code, when it comes to clearing the code, some cars will detect the issue fixed and it will be removed from the active feed, while others will require manual clearing of the fault code.
Either way, it goes with your car, it’s always recommended to clear the code once you try a certain type of repair just in case the code comes back and the thing you thought was causing the code didn’t solve the issue.
Can You Drive with the P0010 Code?
The P0010 code is considered moderately severe and even though it’s recommended to fix it as soon as possible, you can still drive your car despite the check engine light being illuminated and the P0010 code being stored in the ECU.
Depending on the cause of the P0010 fault code, further engine damage could occur, but it won’t be instant. This is why it’s advisable to take the time and check what’s causing the issue as soon as possible.
Why OEM Parts Are Important When Dealing With The P0010 Code?
The P0010 requires either regular maintenance parts or sensors that are controlled by the ECU. This means that these parts need to provide superior performance for the engine to operate optimally.
When it comes to regular maintenance parts, it’s important to use recommended engine oil, fluids, belts, and tensioners that are OEM quality or above. This way, you’ll have peace of mind that your car will remain reliable from service to service. That’s why we at eEuroparts.com have a broad selection of genuine OEM quality parts for European vehicles.
Finding the right parts is easy and simple, and the only thing required is to select your make and model from our vehicle selection tool.
