OBD codes / P0013
P0013
ModerateCamshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1, Exhaust)
P0013 is usually drivable short-term — the computer defaults the exhaust cam to a safe position, so the main penalties are a rougher idle and slightly worse economy. Check your oil right away and get the circuit diagnosed soon rather than letting a sticking solenoid progress into a timing fault.
What this code means
This is the exhaust-cam twin of P0010. Engines with variable valve timing on the exhaust camshaft use an electrically controlled oil solenoid to advance or retard it, and P0013 means the computer detected an electrical fault — an open, short, or out-of-range resistance — in the Bank 1 exhaust cam actuator circuit. The usual suspects are the solenoid winding itself and the wiring or connector feeding it; it is not a report that the cam is in the wrong position (that would be P0014/P0015). Low or dirty oil is the classic aggravator, because sludge can bind the solenoid plunger. With the circuit faulted the computer holds the exhaust cam at its default position, so the engine runs but you may notice a rough idle, reduced economy, and on some engines a failed emissions test.
Symptoms you might notice
- Check-engine light
- Rough or unstable idle
- Slightly reduced power and fuel economy
- Possible emissions-test failure
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $80–$400 · about ~0.3–1.5 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust-cam VVT/VCT solenoid | $30–$150 | ~0.3–1.5 hrs |
| Wiring / connector repair | $10–$120 | ~0.5–1.5 hrs |
Like the intake-side version, the solenoid is a cheap part usually mounted on the valve cover or cylinder head, so most fixes are quick. Chasing an intermittent wiring fault, or solenoids buried under engine covers, pushes the price toward the high end.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0013 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
What's the difference between P0013 and P0010?
Both are actuator-circuit codes on Bank 1, but P0010 is the intake camshaft's solenoid and P0013 is the exhaust camshaft's. They diagnose the same way — check the wiring and connector, then test the solenoid — just on different solenoids.
Can an oil change fix P0013?
Occasionally. The code itself is electrical, but sludge from low or overdue oil can jam the solenoid plunger and set it. If your oil is old, changing it with the correct grade is a cheap first move; if the code returns, test the solenoid and wiring.
Can I drive with P0013?
Generally yes for the short term. The engine falls back to fixed exhaust-cam timing, so it is protected but idles rougher and burns a little more fuel. Fix it soon — and note an active check-engine light typically fails emissions testing.
Is the exhaust cam solenoid expensive?
No — it is usually an inexpensive part, and on most engines it sits accessibly on the valve cover or head, so labor is under an hour or two. Wiring repairs are similarly modest once the fault is found.
Seeing P0013 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0013 for my vehicleRelated trouble codes
Don’t have a scanner yet? A ~$25 Bluetooth adapter reads codes like P0013 from your phone — see our honest guide to the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters.
Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.