P0013
B Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)P0013 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: B Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). It is logged by the engine control unit when the ckp/cmp monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0013 means
P0013 indicates that the PCM has detected an electrical fault — an open circuit, short to ground, or short to voltage — in the control circuit of the exhaust ('B') camshaft position actuator solenoid on Bank 1. Unlike slow-response codes (P000A/P000C), P0013 is a circuit fault: the PCM is reporting that it cannot properly energise the oil control valve (OCV) that governs exhaust cam phasing, not necessarily that the camshaft is in the wrong position.
In dual-camshaft (DOHC) engines equipped with variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, the 'B' designation always refers to the exhaust cam. The PCM commands a target exhaust cam angle to optimise scavenging, internal EGR, and torque across the RPM range. It does this by sending a pulsed (PWM) signal to the exhaust OCV solenoid, which ports oil into the advance or retard chambers of the exhaust cam phaser. If the PCM monitors the return signal on the driver circuit and sees current or voltage outside expected limits, P0013 sets and the cam timing for that bank is frozen at its default (retarded) position.
Oil condition is a surprisingly common trigger: heavy sludge or a clogged OCV filter screen can increase back-pressure enough to cause abnormal current draw on the solenoid driver, which the PCM interprets as a circuit fault. Electrical causes include broken or chafed wires in the OCV harness (often routed near hot exhaust components on Bank 1), a corroded or spread connector, or an internally failed solenoid coil whose resistance has drifted out of spec. On GM LS/LT engines and several Chrysler/Dodge platforms, P0013 is among the most commonly reported codes and is frequently resolved by an oil and filter change plus OCV cleaning.
Because the exhaust cam is locked in its default retarded position while the fault is active, the engine typically idles roughly, pulls less efficiently at mid-range RPM, and may emit higher hydrocarbon emissions. The MIL illuminates on the first or second consecutive failure trip. Related codes P0014 (cam over-advanced), P0010 (intake OCV circuit), or oil-pressure-related codes often appear alongside P0013 when sludge is the root cause.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0013 is logged.
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1
Clogged or failed exhaust camshaft OCV solenoid (mechanically or electrically)
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2
Low or degraded engine oil causing abnormal solenoid current draw
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3
Open circuit in OCV wiring harness (broken wire, heat damage near exhaust)
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4
Short to ground or short to battery voltage in OCV control wire
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5
Corroded, loose, or damaged OCV connector/pins
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6
Wrong engine oil viscosity (too thick for specified VVT operation)
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7
Sludge blockage in oil gallery or OCV filter screen
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8
Faulty PCM OCV driver circuit (rare)
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9
Cam phaser mechanical seizure causing overcurrent on solenoid
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0013
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Scan for all DTCs and record freeze-frame data; check for companion codes (P0014, P0010, oil-pressure codes)
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2
Inspect engine oil level and condition — sludgy or overdue oil is the leading cause; perform oil/filter change if needed before electrical diagnosis
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3
Visually inspect the exhaust OCV connector and wiring harness for heat damage, chafing against exhaust manifold, corrosion, or bent pins
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4
Measure OCV solenoid resistance with a multimeter (key off, connector unplugged) — compare to OEM specification (typically 6–15 Ω); out-of-range resistance indicates a failed solenoid
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5
With ignition on, back-probe the OCV connector and verify battery voltage on the power supply wire and a clean ground on the reference circuit
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6
Remove the OCV and inspect its filter screen for sludge/metallic debris; clean the screen and oil gallery port; reinstall and retest
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7
If wiring and solenoid pass all checks, use a bi-directional scan tool to command the OCV and monitor exhaust cam angle live data to confirm system response
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8
If the fault persists after solenoid and wiring checks, consult OEM wiring diagram and test continuity of the full harness back to the PCM connector
Related powertrain codes
- P000A — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000B — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000C — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P000D — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P0010 — A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0011 — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Frequently asked questions
Is P0013 dangerous to drive with?
The car will usually remain drivable but with reduced performance. The main risk is that if the root cause is sludge from neglected oil, continued driving worsens internal engine damage. Address it promptly, especially if oil condition is poor.
Will an oil change fix P0013?
On many vehicles — particularly GM and Chrysler platforms — yes. A fresh full-synthetic oil of the correct viscosity, combined with cleaning or replacing the OCV screen, resolves the code. If it returns after an oil service, move to electrical and solenoid diagnosis.
What is the OCV solenoid and where is it located?
The oil control valve (OCV) is a small electro-hydraulic solenoid mounted in the cylinder head, typically near the camshaft sprocket. It has a single electrical connector and is secured by one or two bolts. Location varies by engine; consult the OEM service manual for exact placement.
Can I test the OCV solenoid myself?
Yes. Unplug the connector and measure resistance across the two solenoid terminals with a multimeter. Compare the reading to the OEM spec (usually 6–15 Ω). An open reading (OL) or a reading far outside spec means the solenoid coil has failed and the unit needs replacement.
How does P0013 differ from P0014?
P0013 is a circuit fault — the PCM cannot properly command the exhaust OCV solenoid. P0014 is a position fault — the circuit is functional but the exhaust camshaft is stuck in an over-advanced position. P0013 is primarily electrical/oil-flow; P0014 is mechanical/phaser-related.
Disabling P0013 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0013 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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