P0010: A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
Updated November 14, 2026
Engines with variable valve timing use an oil control solenoid (actuator) to move the camshaft. The A camshaft is usually the intake cam. P0010 means the engine computer has found an electrical problem in the circuit for the bank 1 A cam solenoid, such as an open or short, so it can't control that cam's timing.
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🔧 Want to check this yourself? An OBD2 scanner reads the code; models with live data also show the sensor readings used in the checks below. See code readers and scanners from $24.99 ↓ · Which scanner do I need?
Common causes
- A failed VVT oil control solenoid (open or shorted coil)
- Damaged wiring or a loose, corroded or oil-soaked connector at the solenoid
- A problem with the solenoid's power supply or fuse on some vehicles
- An engine computer driver fault (less common)
Code meanings can vary slightly by manufacturer. Use these as a starting point and confirm with your vehicle's service information or a mechanic before replacing parts.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle or stalling at idle on some engines
- Reduced power or poor fuel economy
- Sometimes cam timing codes such as P0011 or P0012 at the same time
Is it safe to drive?
If the engine stalls or runs very rough, don't drive it; have it towed. If it runs normally with a steady light, it's usually OK to drive gently while you get it fixed, but performance and fuel economy may suffer.
How to check it with a scanner
- Plug an OBD2 scanner into the port under the dashboard and read all stored codes and the freeze-frame data (the conditions when the code set).
- Scan for other codes, especially cam timing and camshaft sensor codes.
- With the engine off, inspect the solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or oil inside the connector.
- Unplug the solenoid and measure its coil resistance with a multimeter, comparing it with your vehicle's spec.
- If your scanner has bidirectional controls, command the solenoid on and off with the engine running and watch for a cam position change. Keep hands clear of the belts and fan.
- After a repair, clear the code and drive normally for a few days to confirm it doesn't come back.
A basic code reader shows the code; scanners with live data let you watch sensor readings, which is what you need for most of the checks above. See OBD2 scanners under $100.
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Questions
What does P0010 mean?
P0010 is the generic OBD2 code for "A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)." Engines with variable valve timing use an oil control solenoid (actuator) to move the camshaft. The A camshaft is usually the intake cam. P0010 means the engine computer has found an electrical problem in the circuit for the bank 1 A cam solenoid, such as an open or short, so it can't control that cam's timing.
Is it safe to drive with P0010?
If the engine stalls or runs very rough, don't drive it; have it towed. If it runs normally with a steady light, it's usually OK to drive gently while you get it fixed, but performance and fuel economy may suffer.
How do I check P0010 myself?
Read the code and freeze-frame data with an OBD2 scanner, then: Scan for other codes, especially cam timing and camshaft sensor codes. With the engine off, inspect the solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or oil inside the connector. Unplug the solenoid and measure its coil resistance with a multimeter, comparing it with your vehicle's spec. If your scanner has bidirectional controls, command the solenoid on and off with the engine running and watch for a cam position change. Keep hands clear of the belts and fan.
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