P0013 on Ram vehicles
Exhaust Cam Actuator Circuit Fault (Bank 1) — what it means on a Ram, whether it's safe to drive, and the fixes by model and year.
P0013 on a Ram means exhaust cam actuator circuit fault (bank 1). Most vehicles stay drivable short-term, but diagnose it promptly. The most common cause is failed exhaust ocv / vvt solenoid coil (open or shorted) (typically $100–$450). Pick your Ram model below for its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
What does P0013 mean on a Ram?
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 is a standardized OBD-II code, so its definition is the same on every Ram. What differs by model and engine is which cause is most likely — pick your Ram model below for a diagnosis tuned to its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Is it safe to drive a Ram with P0013?
In most cases a Ram 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. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.
What causes P0013 on a Ram?
| 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 Ram 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.
P0013 by Ram model
Select your Ram model and year for a P0013 diagnosis tuned to that vehicle's failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Ram 1500
1,537 NHTSA owner complaints · 35 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Complaint and recall counts are NHTSA totals for the model years covered on this site, not counts specific to P0013.
P0013 on other makes
Other codes on Ram vehicles
P0013 on a Ram: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0013 mean on a Ram?
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 is a standardized OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on every Ram — which cause is most likely varies by model and engine.
What are the symptoms of P0013 on a Ram?
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 Ram?
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 Ram with P0013?
In most cases a Ram 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. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.