P0013 on a 2017 Toyota Camry
Exhaust Cam Actuator Circuit Fault (Bank 1)
P0013 on a 2017 Toyota Camry indicates exhaust cam actuator circuit fault (bank 1). It usually stays drivable short-term but should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is failed exhaust ocv / vvt solenoid coil (open or shorted) (typically $100–$450). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0013 mean on a 2017 Toyota Camry?
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.
This guide covers P0013 across the 2015-2019 Toyota Camry generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2015 through 2019.
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Toyota Camry with P0013?
In most cases a 2017 Toyota Camry stays drivable for short trips with P0013 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.
What are the symptoms of P0013 on a 2017 Toyota Camry?
- 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 on a 2017 Toyota Camry?
| 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 |
How to diagnose this on a 2017 Toyota Camry
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Known Technical Service Bulletins for the 2015-2019 Toyota Camry
Manufacturers publish Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) when a known issue affects a specific vehicle. These bulletins come from the NHTSA database for your Toyota Camry.
- ENGINE Feb 13, 2026
This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.
NHTSA #11029893 - ENGINE Feb 13, 2026
OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.
NHTSA #11029892 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 7, 2026
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.
NHTSA #11028712 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 13, 2025
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
NHTSA #11020657 - STRUCTURE Dec 6, 2024
To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
NHTSA #11012743 - STRUCTURE Dec 6, 2024
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.
NHTSA #11012744
+14 more TSBs available in MECH AI's TSB explorer for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2017 Toyota Camry
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2017 Toyota Camry. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Toyota Camry diagnostics.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 19
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 31
- AIR BAGS 24
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22
- SERVICE BRAKES 21
3 active recalls
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Jun 2019
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
NHTSA campaign 19V503000 - AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER Dec 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon, and 2017 Camry vehicles manufactured August 3, 2016, to September 12, 2016. The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument panel with incorrect…
NHTSA campaign 16V906000 - TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE May 2017
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the prop…
NHTSA campaign 17V295000
How do I fix P0013 on a 2017 Toyota Camry?
- Replace the exhaust-side VVT oil control valve / OCV
- Repair damaged OCV connector or wiring
- Clean corroded connector pins
- Repair shorted-to-power or shorted-to-ground signal wire
About the 2015-2019 Toyota Camry
The 2015-2019 Toyota Camry was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 2.5L I4, 3.5L V6, 2.5L Hybrid I4. Common trims include LE, SE, XLE, XSE.
P0013 vs P0014
These are the two ways the exhaust VVT system fails on the same hardware:
- P0013 — electrical fault. The ECM cannot drive the solenoid because the circuit is open, shorted, or the coil is dead. No hydraulic action happens at all.
- P0014 — position fault. The solenoid IS being driven, but the cam position does not match what was commanded. The hydraulic side is the problem (sludged passages, failed phaser).
Diagnostic approach differs: P0013 is electrical (resistance, wiring, connector). P0014 is hydraulic (oil pressure, OCV mechanical function, phaser).
When P0013 is the cheap fix
Roughly 60–70 % of P0013 cases trace to the solenoid coil itself — which is a $40–$150 OEM part on most engines and a 10-minute replacement. The other 30–40 % are wiring or connector issues that require a multimeter and patience. The PCM driver failing is rare; do not assume PCM is the cause until everything else has been ruled out.
Why OCV connectors fail in the oil-rich engine bay
The exhaust-side OCV sits on top of the cylinder head — high heat, oil mist, and constant vibration. Standard connector seals harden and crack within 8–10 years of normal use, letting oil migrate up the harness and into the connector. The fix is the connector or the sub-harness, not the OCV.
P0013 on a 2017 Toyota Camry: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0013 mean on a 2017 Toyota Camry?
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 on a 2017 Toyota Camry?
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 on a 2017 Toyota Camry?
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 a 2017 Toyota Camry with P0013?
In most cases a 2017 Toyota Camry 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.