No one likes seeing the check engine light, especially when a fault code related to the engine appears. The P0013 check engine light code points in the direction of the Variable Valve Timing solenoid, which is one of the most essential parts that keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently.
This particular code is specific to variable valve timing engines. Older engines with fixed valve timing can’t trigger the P0013 code.
If you happen to find the P0013 code stored in your car’s ECU, this article will help you with the code’s meaning, possible causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how to diagnose and fix the issue properly.
What Does P0013 Code Mean?
The P0013 code stands for a faulty variable valve timing solenoid on the exhaust camshaft located on the Bank 1 of your engine. This means that the ECU won’t be able to adjust the timing on that particular exhaust cam, which will affects your car’s performance.
The P0013 fault isn’t considered very dangerous on its own, however, if it’s not addressed as soon as possible, it can lead to engine damage.
What Causes the P0013 Code?
The P0013 fault code can be triggered by a few different things. Most commonly, the cause is maintenance-related, but if you’re maintaining your car properly and regularly, it will narrow down the list of possible causes even more. These causes can also differ depending on the make and model of your car.
Dirty or Low Engine Oil
The most common cause for the P0013 fault code, but not the most obvious one, is dirty or low engine oil. When engine oil isn’t replaced on time, it becomes thicker, contaminated and generally worn out, making it more difficult for the VVT solenoid to do its job.
Low engine oil, on the other hand, will happen only if there’s an issue with the engine, to begin with, or if you or your mechanic add the correct amount of oil on your last oil change. This is why it’s important to follow manufacturers’ recommendations regarding the type of oil and how much oil the engine needs. Routinely checking the level of engine oil will prevent this from happening.
Faulty VVT Solenoid
A solenoid on the exhaust camshaft is the most obvious cause for the P0013 code popping up. Similarly, if a VVT solenoid fails on the intake cam, you’ll get the P0026 code. VVT solenoids can fail for reasons other than worn out, or low oil. Just like any other electrical component, these can wear out over time.
Damaged Wiring or Corroded Connectors
A car’s electrical wires and connectors can randomly become faulty, and even though this isn’t the most common cause for the P0013 code, it’s not the least likely cause either. It’s worth checking the wires and connectors for cracks or corrosion.
Wiring and connectors, especially those located in the engine compartment are exposed to heat cycles and can become fragile over time. Engine vibration in combination with the heat can lead to wires and connectors breaking, which further leads to the P0013 appearing in the error log.
Faulty ECU
A faulty ECU is the most uncommon cause, but still possible. A faulty ECU can show a wide variety of fault codes, including the P0013. A faulty ECU will also likely cause other symptoms such as having trouble starting the car’s engine, random accessories not working, and much more.
Common Symptoms of P0013 Code
Some fault codes only cause the check engine light to come up on the dash, however, more faults will show one or more symptoms, depending on the components the fault is affecting.
A number of symptoms follow the P0013 fault code. These include a drop in performance and increased fuel consumption, rough idle, difficulty starting, and a few more depending on the make and model of the car.
Reduced Engine Performance
The VVT solenoid on the exhaust camshaft is tasked with ensuring the best possible evacuation of exhaust gases. Thus reduces fuel consumption and increases overall power output of your engine.
When the P0013 fault code appears, reduced engine performance is an expected symptom. Some cars also engage limp mode when a fault code regarding the engine appears.
Increased Fuel Consumption
For the same reason engine performance is reduced, fuel consumption will increase. A faulty VVT solenoid won’t open or close properly. Sometimes it will remain stuck in one of these two states, thus reducing the efficiency of the engine.
Depending on the severity of the problem, the increase in fuel consumption can be barely noticeable, but also a quite apparent.
Rough Idle
A rough idle is caused when the camshaft isn’t positioned properly. Depending on how much the solenoid is opened or closed, this symptom may be shown more or less. A rough idle shouldn’t be ignored in any way, no matter what caused it.
Difficulty Starting The Engine
Difficulty starting the engine is a fairly common symptom of the P0013 code, but mostly when the cause for the code is of an electrical nature. Unfortunately, this symptom can point in many directions, but it’s a clear one that something isn’t working as it should.
How to Diagnose and Fix the P0013 Code?
If your car shows the check engine light, you should always assume that the issue is serious and check the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner as soon as possible. Doing so is essential to diagnosing any code including P0013, and finding what’s causing it.
Check Wiring and Connectors
When the P0013 fault is confirmed, the first things to check are the wires and connectors on the exhaust camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid) on bank 1. As damaged wires and connectors are a common cause for the P0013 fault code, and they’re usually the easiest to fix, they should be ruled out first.
If you notice damage or wires on the wires or connectors, your safest bet would be to replace the affected wiring and/or connectors.
Change The Engine Oil
If the wires and connectors don’t have visual damage, an oil change can help resolve the issue. It’s not an expensive procedure, and it can only benefit your car. This step is especially important if you bought a used car without a service history, or if you’re not sure when was the last time you did preventive maintenance.
In case a low engine oil level caused the P0013, a simple oil change will fix the issue. Before changing the engine oil, check manufacturer recommendations regarding the amount of oil you’ll need and the type of oil that’s recommended for your car’s specific engine.
Sometimes, low-quality oil can lead to certain issues with the car’s engine, so make sure to use premium-quality engine oil.
Check the Resistance of The VVT Solenoid
The last thing to check as a DIY enthusiast is the resistance of the oil control valve with a voltmeter. The resistance of the solenoid should be between 6.9 and 7.9 Ohms on many makes and models.
Be sure to check the specs for your particular vehicle. If the resistance is fluctuating or has a fixed reading above or below the required one, it means that the solenoid is faulty, and needs to be replaced. Check out our selection of VVT solenoids for a quality replacement option.
Check The ECU
If none of the diagnostic procedures listed above helped you find the exact cause of the P0013 fault code, the last thing you’ll want to check is the ECU. Although a faulty ECU will most likely show other signs, it’s worth checking out. We won’t cover ECU diagnostics in this article as that’s a very complex subject that requires a bit more room.
Get Quality Parts and Fix the P0013 Code!
Once you’ve diagnosed the issue and found which part triggered the P0013 fault code, you’ll need high-quality parts to fix the code.
Here at eEuroparts.com, we offer high-quality aftermarket, OEM, or genuine parts for your European car. All you need to do is select your vehicle’s make and model using our selector tool, and you’ll see only parts that are a guaranteed fit for your car.
