Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0010: "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
P0010 means the engine computer has found an electrical problem in the control circuit for the Bank 1 "A" camshaft timing actuator, usually the intake cam's oil control solenoid.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0010 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) drives the variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid with a switched or pulse-width-modulated signal and monitors that circuit for the expected voltage or current. If it sees an open, short to ground or short to power in the Bank 1 "A" actuator circuit, it sets P0010. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1, and "A" is typically the intake camshaft, though some manufacturers label it differently.
Common causes of P0010
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Failed VVT oil control solenoid (open or shorted coil)
- Damaged, corroded or loose solenoid connector
- Chafed or broken wiring between the solenoid and PCM
- Oil intrusion into the connector from a leaking seal
- Blown fuse or poor power feed to the solenoid circuit
- PCM driver fault (uncommon)
P0010 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Reduced power, especially at higher rpm
- Lower fuel economy
- Occasional stalling or hard starting
How P0010 is diagnosed
- Scan for codes and record freeze frame data; note any other cam timing codes
- Inspect the Bank 1 "A" solenoid connector and harness for damage, corrosion or oil
- Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare it to the factory specification
- Check for power and ground at the connector with the key on
- Use a scan tool to command the solenoid and watch for a change in cam timing or a click
- Repair wiring or replace the solenoid, clear codes and confirm with a road test
Typical fixes for P0010
- Replace the Bank 1 "A" VVT oil control solenoid
- Repair or replace the damaged connector or wiring
- Clean oil out of the connector and fix the leak that let it in
- Replace a blown fuse after finding the short that caused it
- Repair or reprogram the PCM only after all wiring checks pass
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
Commonly reported on GM, Hyundai/Kia and Ford engines with oil-controlled variable valve timing. Definitions of "A" versus "B" camshaft can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0010 FAQ
What does code P0010 mean?
P0010 means the engine computer has found an electrical problem in the control circuit for the Bank 1 "A" camshaft timing actuator, usually the intake cam's oil control solenoid. The standard definition is ""A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)."
Can I drive with a P0010 code?
Usually yes for a short time, but expect rough idle, reduced power or poor fuel economy because cam timing is no longer being adjusted. Get it diagnosed within a few days, and stop driving if the engine stalls or knocks.
Is P0010 caused by low oil?
Not usually. P0010 is an electrical circuit code, so it points to the solenoid, its wiring or its connector rather than oil level, which more often triggers P0011 or P0012.
Where is the Bank 1 camshaft actuator solenoid?
It is normally mounted on the front of the cylinder head or timing cover on the Bank 1 side, near the camshaft it controls. Exact location varies by engine.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.