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P0013 — Exhaust Cam Actuator Circuit Fault (Bank 1)

P0013 is an electrical-circuit fault on the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position actuator (OCV / VVT solenoid). The ECM cannot detect the expected current draw when it commands the solenoid, indicating an open circuit, short, or failed driver. Unlike P0014 (over-advanced) which is a position fault, P0013 is specifically a wiring / coil fault — the ECM is reporting that it cannot even communicate with the actuator.

P0013 means exhaust cam actuator circuit fault (bank 1). A vehicle usually stays drivable short-term with this code, but it should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is failed exhaust ocv / vvt solenoid coil (open or shorted) (typically $100–$450). Causes and cost vary by make and model; confirm the root cause before replacing parts.

Severity: high powertrain Safe to drive (short term)

Reviewed by MECH AI Editorial · Last verified

What does P0013 mean?

P0013 is an electrical-circuit fault on the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position actuator (OCV / VVT solenoid). The ECM cannot detect the expected current draw when it commands the solenoid, indicating an open circuit, short, or failed driver. Unlike P0014 (over-advanced) which is a position fault, P0013 is specifically a wiring / coil fault — the ECM is reporting that it cannot even communicate with the actuator.

What are the symptoms of P0013?

What causes P0013?

Cause Likelihood Estimated repair (USD)
Failed exhaust OCV / VVT solenoid coil (open or shorted) Most common $100–$450
Damaged OCV connector or chafed signal wiring Common $50–$250
Corroded connector pins from heat / oil exposure Common $30–$200
Shorted-to-power or shorted-to-ground OCV wire Occasional $80–$350
Failed PCM driver for the exhaust OCV (rare) Rare $400–$1,500

Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by make, model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.

Is it safe to drive with P0013?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0013 active, but you should diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on your specific make and model.

How to diagnose P0013

  1. Measure OCV coil resistance

    Unplug the exhaust-side OCV on Bank 1. Measure resistance across the solenoid terminals. Most OCVs read 6 to 15 Ω. Infinite resistance is an open coil; near zero is a shorted coil. Either requires solenoid replacement.

    Tools: Multimeter, Service spec sheet

  2. Inspect the connector

    Unplug the connector and look closely for corrosion, bent pins, oil intrusion, or melted insulation. The OCV lives in a hot, oily environment and connectors degrade. Clean with electrical contact cleaner.

    Tools: Electrical contact cleaner, Magnifying glass

  3. Verify wiring continuity to the PCM

    With the OCV disconnected and the connector unplugged at the PCM, measure continuity between each wire and its corresponding PCM pin. Open circuit indicates a broken wire. Short to ground or to power indicates chafed insulation contacting nearby metal or a power source.

    Tools: Multimeter, Wiring diagram, Back-probe pins

  4. Command the OCV with a scan tool

    Bidirectional scan tools can command the OCV on and off while watching live current draw. A working solenoid clicks audibly when commanded. No click + a P0013 confirms either the coil or the wiring.

    Tools: Bidirectional scan tool

  5. Test for shorted wiring at the engine harness

    With the engine off and the OCV unplugged, key on, briefly check the supply wire for unexpected voltage. A "hot" wire with the PCM not commanding the OCV indicates a short to power in the harness.

    Tools: Multimeter

How do I fix P0013?

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P0013: frequently asked questions

What does diagnostic trouble code P0013 mean?

P0013 is an electrical-circuit fault on the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position actuator (OCV / VVT solenoid). The ECM cannot detect the expected current draw when it commands the solenoid, indicating an open circuit, short, or failed driver. Unlike P0014 (over-advanced) which is a position fault, P0013 is specifically a wiring / coil fault — the ECM is reporting that it cannot even communicate with the actuator.

What are the symptoms of P0013?

Check Engine Light is illuminated. Loss of mid-range torque. Rough idle when warm. Hesitation or stumble on light acceleration. Reduced fuel economy. Possible engine stalling at low RPM

What causes P0013?

Failed exhaust OCV / VVT solenoid coil (open or shorted) (most-common). Damaged OCV connector or chafed signal wiring (common). Corroded connector pins from heat / oil exposure (common). Shorted-to-power or shorted-to-ground OCV wire (occasional). Failed PCM driver for the exhaust OCV (rare) (rare)

Is it safe to drive with P0013?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0013 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Specific tolerance varies by make and model.