Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0013: "B" Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
P0013 means the engine computer has detected an electrical fault in the control circuit for the Bank 1 "B" camshaft actuator, usually the exhaust cam's timing solenoid.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0013 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the Bank 1 "B" variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid and checks the circuit for the voltage or current it expects when the solenoid is switched on and off. An open circuit, short to ground or short to voltage in that circuit sets P0013. On most engines "B" refers to the exhaust camshaft on the side with cylinder 1.
Common causes of P0013
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Faulty Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid
- Corroded, loose or oil-soaked solenoid connector
- Broken or shorted wiring in the solenoid circuit
- Poor power supply or blown fuse
- PCM output driver failure (rare)
P0013 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Reduced power or flat acceleration
- Lower fuel economy
- Sometimes no noticeable drivability change
How P0013 is diagnosed
- Scan for codes and save freeze frame data
- Inspect the Bank 1 exhaust solenoid connector and harness
- Measure solenoid resistance against the factory specification
- Check supply voltage and the PCM control signal with a meter or scope
- Command the solenoid on and off with a scan tool and listen for operation
- Repair the fault, clear codes and road test to confirm
Typical fixes for P0013
- Replace the Bank 1 "B" (exhaust) VVT solenoid
- Repair damaged wiring or replace the connector
- Seal the oil leak contaminating the connector
- Replace the fuse and correct the short that blew it
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
Seen on dual-VVT engines from GM, Hyundai/Kia and BMW among others. Definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0013 FAQ
What does code P0013 mean?
P0013 means the engine computer has detected an electrical fault in the control circuit for the Bank 1 "B" camshaft actuator, usually the exhaust cam's timing solenoid. The standard definition is ""B" Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)."
Can I drive with a P0013 code?
Yes in most cases for a short time, but the exhaust cam timing will no longer be controlled, which can cause rough running and reduced power. Schedule a repair within days rather than weeks.
Do I need to replace the cam phaser for P0013?
Usually not. P0013 is a circuit code, so the solenoid and wiring are the main suspects; the phaser itself is more often involved in performance codes like P0014.
Is the "B" camshaft always the exhaust cam?
On most engines it is, but some manufacturers assign the letters differently, so confirm with factory service information for the specific 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.