Enter the error code and car brand

Vehicle engine and/or automatic transmission

Code: P0013 - The "B" camshaft position actuator circuit on engine bank 1 has an electrical problem or is disconnected. (Camshaft helps control engine timing.)

When you see a P0013 code pop up, your car’s computer is telling you there’s a hiccup with the exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit on Bank 1. Let me break this down for you-this is tied directly into your engine’s variable valve timing (VVT) setup. The VVT system is a clever bit of engineering that lets your engine breathe better by adjusting exactly when the valves open and close. The main players here are the camshaft actuator (sometimes called a phaser) and the VVT solenoid, or as some folks call it, the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve. The solenoid’s job is to manage the oil flow to that actuator, which then tweaks how the camshaft is positioned. Now, if the PCM or ECM (your car’s brain) notices the solenoid isn’t answering back-maybe it’s stuck, or there’s a break in the circuit-it’ll throw this code. Bottom line: when this system’s not happy, you’ll feel it in your engine’s performance and your wallet at the gas pump.

Causes of dtc P0013

From my time under the hood, the most frequent reasons I run into for a p0013 code are:

The VVT solenoid (oil control valve) has failed-hands down, this is what I find most often causing headaches.
Problems in the wiring harness for the solenoid-anything from a frayed wire to a crusty connector or even some hidden corrosion can trip you up.
Dirty or contaminated engine oil-when folks skip oil changes or use the wrong oil, sludge builds up and clogs the tiny screens in the solenoid. I've lost count of how many times this has been the culprit.
The PCM/ECM acting up, maybe needing a software update or, in rare cases, having an internal defect.

If you’re chasing down this code, start with the solenoid and its wiring-those are the low-hanging fruit. And just so you know, this isn’t just a Chevy problem; I’ve come across it in Toyotas and other GM vehicles too. The Malibu and Cruze are two models where p0013 really likes to show up.

Symptoms of P0013

Whenever a customer brings me a car with a P0013, I usually hear about a handful of telltale problems. Here’s what you might notice:

The engine’s slow to start, sometimes requiring a little extra cranking.
Your fuel economy takes a nosedive-suddenly, you’re filling up more than usual.
It idles rough, especially when you’re stopped at a light or rolling through a parking lot.
Performance is just off-maybe it’s sluggish off the line or hesitates when you hit the gas.
In some cases, the engine might stall out or stumble right when you need to get moving.
Every so often, I’ve heard a rattling or knocking sound from the engine-definitely a sign something’s not right inside.

If you’re seeing any of these, don’t shrug it off. I’ve seen cars go from drivable to dead in the driveway if this gets ignored.

Diagnosis and obd code P0013

Let me walk you through how I usually tackle a obd code p0013 in the shop:

I always start with the engine oil. Make sure it’s topped off, clean, and the correct viscosity for your engine. I can’t stress enough how many times old or low oil is to blame.
Next up is a visual on the VVT solenoid and its wiring. I’m looking for cracked insulation, loose or greened-up connectors, and bent pins-anything that doesn’t look factory fresh.
If it all looks good, I’ll grab my scan tool and command the solenoid on and off while watching for a reaction. No response? Nine times out of ten, that solenoid’s toast.
Sometimes, I’ll pull the solenoid out and check for gunk or metal shavings clogging up the mesh screen. A good cleaning might save the day, but if it’s caked with sludge, replacement is smarter.
If the solenoid and wiring pass muster, I’ll grab a multimeter to confirm there’s power and ground at the connector. If either one’s missing, you’ve got to trace those wires back to the PCM for a break or short.
The PCM itself is the last thing I suspect-only after eliminating everything else.

If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, have someone experienced lend a hand. Always disconnect the battery before messing with connectors-saves you from accidental shorts or fried modules.

Common Mistakes when repairing P0013 code

Here’s a few blunders I’ve seen folks make over the years with this code:

Swapping out the VVT solenoid first thing, without even glancing at the oil or wiring. Sometimes, all you need is a little cleaning or a connector tweak.
Neglecting to use the manufacturer’s specified oil or stretching oil change intervals. Sludge is a slow killer-don’t underestimate it.
Only checking for power at the solenoid and forgetting to confirm a good ground. Missing either will have you chasing your tail.
Overlooking a PCM software update-sometimes a technical service bulletin (TSB) holds the missing piece to the puzzle.

Stick to the basics. Nine times out of ten, it’s the simple stuff that saves the day.

Seriousness of P0013 engine code

If you’re tempted to put off dealing with a p0013 engine code, don’t. This isn’t just an annoying dash light-you’re risking rough running, stalling, or even a no-start. More than that, running with a busted VVT system can grind down the camshaft and other vital internals. I’ve seen engines come in with chewed-up cam lobes or a stretched timing chain after this code was ignored for a while. Long story short: fix it now or pay a whole lot more later.

Repair steps for P0013 trouble code

Over the years, these are the fixes that actually work for a p0013 trouble code, whether I’m going by the book or personal experience:

Swap out the bad VVT solenoid (oil control valve)-this solves most cases.
If the solenoid’s just clogged with gunk, sometimes a thorough cleaning will do the trick, but don’t be afraid to replace it if it looks rough.
Repair or replace any damaged wires or connectors feeding the solenoid.
Flush the old oil, drop in the right grade and a fresh filter-especially if you see any sludge.
Check if your ride needs a PCM software update-some manufacturers, like GM, have issued TSBs that call this problem gm dtc p0013 00.
On rare occasions, if everything else checks out and the code keeps coming back, a new PCM might be the answer.

Always stick with OEM parts and follow the service manual. It’s the difference between a fix that lasts and one that just patches the problem for now.

Conclusion

Here’s the bottom line: P0013 means your VVT system can’t control the exhaust camshaft actuator like it should. Most of the time, it’s a bum solenoid, an electrical hiccup, or dirty oil. Ignore it and you’ll risk rough running, lousy mileage, or being stranded. My advice? Check the oil, eyeball the wiring, and put the solenoid through its paces-don’t drag your feet. Nip it in the bud with a proper diagnosis and quality parts, and you’ll keep your engine humming and headaches at bay.

Video for "Error p0013" on YouTube