P0010: Camshaft A actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
The ECU sees no current flowing through the solenoid that moves camshaft A on bank 1; usually a connector, a wire or the solenoid itself.
| Code | P0010 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P00xx, Air, fuel and emissions |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0010 means
Variable valve timing shifts when the valves open depending on engine speed, using oil pressure fed by an ECU-controlled solenoid. This code means the electrical circuit of that solenoid is broken, so the timing stops adjusting and the camshaft stays in its rest position. Camshaft A is usually the intake camshaft, although each manufacturer defines it.
Most common causes
- Solenoid connector loose, corroded or with oil inside
- Broken or chafed wire between the solenoid and the ECU
- Blown fuse or faulty power supply to the solenoid
- Burnt out or open solenoid coil
- ECU fault (uncommon)
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Less power at low or high revs
- Slightly rough idle
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
Can you drive with P0010?
With care You can keep driving, as the camshaft is locked in a safe position, but the engine loses some performance and uses more fuel. Get it checked soon.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
With the engine off, unplug the solenoid connector and look for corrosion or oil on the pins. A multimeter across the solenoid should show a low resistance; if it reads nothing at all, the coil is open.
How to read and clear P0010 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0010 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P000C The camshaft A position (bank 2) responds slowly
- P000D The camshaft B position (bank 2) responds slowly
- P000E The fuel volume regulator control needs its learning procedure
- P000F The fuel over-pressure relief valve has opened
- P0011 Camshaft A timing over-advanced (bank 1)
- P0012 Camshaft A timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0013 Camshaft B actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
- P0014 Camshaft B timing over-advanced (bank 1)
- P0015 Camshaft B timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0016 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor A)
- P0017 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor B)
- P0018 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 2, sensor A)
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Timing belt and chain.
What does code P0010 mean?
Variable valve timing shifts when the valves open depending on engine speed, using oil pressure fed by an ECU-controlled solenoid. This code means the electrical circuit of that solenoid is broken, so the timing stops adjusting and the camshaft stays in its rest position. Camshaft A is usually the intake camshaft, although each manufacturer defines it.
Can you drive with P0010?
You can keep driving, as the camshaft is locked in a safe position, but the engine loses some performance and uses more fuel. Get it checked soon.
How do you clear P0010?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0010 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
