P0013 OBD-II Trouble Code: B Camshaft Position - Open or Short in Oil Control Valve (OCV) (Bank 1)

P0013 code definition

“B” Camshaft Position - Open or Short in Oil Control Valve (OCV) (Bank 1)

What the P0013 code means

P0013 is the OBD-II generic code indicating that the engine control module (ECM) has determined that the bank 1 exhaust camshaft OCV has an open or short circuit.

What causes the P0013 code?

• The ECM has commanded the OCV to less than 80% duty cycle and output is 100%.

• The ECM has commanded the OCV up to 70% and output is less than 3%.

• The OCV or wiring to the bank 1 exhaust camshaft may be shorted out.

• The OCV may have an open circuit or the wiring is open.

What are the symptoms of the P0013 code?

• The ECM will turn on the Check Engine Light.

• The engine may have a hard start condition if OCV is shorted.

• The engine will have a reduction in fuel mileage if the OCV is shorted or open.

• The engine may run rough, hesitate, or stall depending on shorted or open OCV circuit.

Note: The symptoms may change depending on the camshaft timing positions when the camshaft stopped advancing or retarding.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0013 code?

• Checks electrical connector, wiring, or valve issues of the camshaft oil control valve for the bank 1 exhaust camshaft.

• Scans computer codes and documents freeze frame data to see when failure happened.

• The codes should then be cleared. Retests the vehicle to see if the P0013 code comes back.

• Checks OCV for correct resistance of 6.9 to 7.9 ohms.

• Checks for shorted wiring from the ECM with connections removed.

• If code returns, the next step is to perform a manufacturer's specific pinpoint tests for the P0013 code and repair as needed.

Note: Follow the manufacturer's recommended pinpoint test to narrow down the problem, since each engine may be tested differently and possible engine internal damage may be done if tests are not performed in accordance with a correct procedure.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0013 code?

Follow these simple guidelines to prevent mistakes:

• Do a visual inspection for common problems like checking to see if electrical connectors are connected.

• Check engine oil to see if it is full, clean, and of the correct viscosity.

• Test system to verify the code coming back before any further tests or repairs are done.

• Always follow the manufacturer pinpoint test procedures to prevent replacing good components or misdiagnosing the code.

• Do not replace any sensors or components unless tests indicate a problem.

How serious is the P0013 code?

• Engine may run rough and stall.

• The engine fuel consumption may get worse or the engine may get carbon fouling of internal valve components.

• Driving the vehicle for a prolonged time with the circuit shorted may damage the ECM.

What repairs can fix the P0013 code?

• Resetting the fault codes and performing a road test

• Repairing or replacing the wiring to the exhaust camshaft oil control valve for bank 1

• Replacing the camshaft oil control valve for bank 1 exhaust camshaft

• Replacing the ECM

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0013 code

The code P0013 problems can happen when the OCV has an open circuit or the connector has corrosion that will act like an open circuit in the valve. The engine will idle normal. The valve also could short internally to the case of the OCV and stick in the open position causing the camshaft to stick in the full advance position and cause stalling.

Need help with a P0013 code?

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