P0011 Infiniti Code - Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
Quick Answer
This mechanism hydraulically controls cam phases continuously with the fixed operating angle of the intake valve. Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Faulty Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve, Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
- What it means
- P0011 Infiniti indicates Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Faulty Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve, Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted.
- Severity
- High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
- Can I drive?
- Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Code P0011 Infiniti Description
The intake valve timing control solenoid valve changes the oil amount and direction of flow through the intake valve timing control unit or stops oil flow. The longer pulse width advances the valve angle. The shorter pulse width retards the valve angle. When ON and OFF pulse widths become equal, the solenoid valve stops oil pressure flow to fix the intake valve angle at the control position.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0011 Infiniti?
- Low or Dirty Engine Oil
- Faulty Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve
- Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted
- Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
- Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
- Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor (POS)
How to Fix the DTC P0011 Infiniti?
Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.
Code Tech Notes
User Submitted Video
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P0011 Infiniti code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.
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Information for Specific Infiniti Models
- P0011 2003 Infiniti G35 — Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
- P0011 2004 Infiniti G35 — Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
- P0011 2005 Infiniti G35 — Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
- P0011 2006 Infiniti G35 — Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
- P0011 2002 Infiniti I35 — Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
- P0011 2003 Infiniti I35 — Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
- P0011 2004 Infiniti I35 — Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 1
Frequently Asked Questions about P0011 Infiniti Code
What does the OBDII code P0011 mean for an Infiniti?
P0011 indicates an issue with the intake valve timing control for Bank 1, meaning the engine's variable valve timing is advanced beyond its specified range.
What are the common symptoms of a P0011 code in an Infiniti?
Symptoms include a check engine light, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, engine stalling, reduced power, and a hard start condition.
What causes the P0011 code on an Infiniti?
Common causes include low or dirty engine oil, a faulty variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid, a worn timing chain, incorrect camshaft timing, or issues with the oil control valve.
Can low oil cause a P0011 code in an Infiniti?
Yes, low or dirty engine oil can cause the P0011 code, as it affects the hydraulic performance of the variable valve timing system.
How do I diagnose a P0011 code on my Infiniti?
Start by checking the engine oil level and condition, inspect the VVT solenoid and oil control valve for faults, and verify the camshaft timing using specialized diagnostic tools.
Can I drive my Infiniti with a P0011 code?
Driving with a P0011 code is not recommended, as it can lead to reduced performance, potential engine damage, or unsafe driving conditions.
How do you fix the P0011 code on an Infiniti?
Repairs may include changing the engine oil, replacing the VVT solenoid or oil control valve, repairing the timing chain, or resetting the camshaft timing.
What does Bank 1 mean in the P0011 code?
Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine containing cylinder 1, which varies depending on the engine layout (usually the side with the front-most cylinder).
Can a bad camshaft position sensor cause a P0011 code?
Yes, a faulty camshaft position sensor can cause incorrect timing readings and trigger the P0011 code.
How much does it cost to fix a P0011 code on an Infiniti?
The cost depends on the specific repair needed, ranging from $100–$300 for simple fixes like an oil change or solenoid replacement to $1,000+ for timing chain repairs.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0011 Infiniti OBDII Code
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I have a 2010 M35 with a P0011 code, that is the only code, car has 30k on it, the oil is close to being due for change and the oil when checked was slightly below full mark. No symptoms on vehicle except for the MIL lam being on. I reset and it came back 2 weeks later
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You could start by changing the engine oil, it's quite common to get this code when the engine oil is too old.
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Thanks for the help , I replaced the oil today, I used Mobil 1 5W30, the oil did look dirty, it was last done by dealer. I rechecked the codes before I cleared them and notice a PO21 code, the last time I took a reading it was only a PO11. I cleared the codes and will wait and see, the last time it took about a week and a half for the code to come back. The car runs fine with no symptoms.
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Hopefully that will take care of the problem. If the oil was very dirty it may take 1-2 oil changes to fix the problem.
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Hi,
It has been over three weeks and 675 miles, the light stayed out until today, I was driving home on the parkway doing about 70MPH and it came on, the car runs perfect, absolutely no engine issues. I got home and checked the codes, only one code existed and it was P0011. What do you suggest me doing at this point? Can you provide me a location of the problem component? Do you think I should give it more time? -
If it was my car, I'll wait for the next oil change. Make sure you change the oil on time and use high quality, low weight oil.
The problem is that the valve is part of the front cover and the cost is around $800 just for the part.
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I appreciate your help, thank you. Well I am using Mobil 1 5w30 fully synthetic. I can't believe they made that part of the cover, is the labor extensive on this job if it needs to be done?
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It's not that difficult to replace, but the valve needs to be recalibrate with the Nissan Consult after the installation, and only the dealer can do that.
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May I ask you, would you add any additives such as Seafoam to the oil to possible free any sticky valves in this component?
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Yes, you can use Seafoam, just don't over do it. Some people uses too much or too often and that's no good for the engine. I have seen many people blown out engines due to excessive oil additive use.
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I took my car to the dealer and told him I changed the sensors and he just blew me off and did nothing for me.
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This has happened 2 times in the last two weeks on my 2012 QX56. I had no issues with the vehicle until I had them do the timing chain replacement recall in mid December 2016 (a pretty massive job). Both times the car idled rough and was very jerky at speed. It ran rough for 15 minutes or so and then self-corrected - we never turned it off during the problem period because it is freezing here and we are shuttling our 2 year old and 6 month old girls in it. Both times we took it to the dealer and they weren't able to replicate the problem but they did clear the code, put some miles on it, and they cleaned this solenoid. What should I do if it happens again? The first time it happened I my wife asked, "what do we do...do we stop driving, for example, if it happens again?" To which they replied, "oh, it was a fluke and it won't happen again." Well, it did, and they haven't replaced or repaired the root cause, in my opinion. I can't see why doing nothing is the best option here... Advice? Thanks!
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Obviously they did something wrong, but finding the problem could be a bit complicated. All depends how you would like to handle the problem, if you get the light for a 3rd time, you can even sue them and get a new QX56, but that could be lengthy. Other option is to have them drive it more until they are 100% there is not problem. Just make sure the dealer opens a ticket every time you complaint about the engine light, that could help you in the future, in case things get ugly. Good luck.
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I have a 2008 Infinity g35 that needs the variable valve timing solenoid bank 1 changed , Can you tell me where its located and if its tough to change ? thanks in advance
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Yes, you should be able to replace the Intake Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid. What is the production date of your G35 or do know if you have a VQ or HR engine? the location of the valve change and I want to give you the correct location
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I have a 2008 EX35 that has thrown the p0011 code. When I got the car it had a blown head gasket and 135K miles. Replaced the head gasket, timing chains and tensioners, Exhaust valve magnets, tested and cleaned injectors, replaced galley gaskets. Car ran fine for 8 months and 7000 miles. It recently started running badly and the cause was a shorted coil pack and burnt plug on bank 2. Replaced them and car runs fine. But throws the p0011. Changed oil and filter, swapped solenoids and camshaft sensors and no change. any ideas for me?
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You’ve already done a lot of the right work—so props for that. Since you’ve replaced the timing components, done the oil and filter, and even swapped VVT solenoids and cam sensors, here’s what I’d suggest next:
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Double-check timing chain alignment – Even with new chains and tensioners, it’s worth verifying timing marks. Sometimes the intake cam on bank 1 can jump a tooth without causing full-on driveability issues, but still trigger P0011.
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Oil control flow to the VVT system – Even with clean oil, sludge or debris can block the small oil passages in the front timing cover or the VVT control system. It’s common on these VQ engines. You might need to pull the front cover and clean out the galleries again—especially if the original engine had sludge from that head gasket issue.
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Check wiring and voltages to the solenoid – A weak or intermittent signal (or even a voltage drop under load) could prevent proper operation even if the solenoid itself is good. Make sure you're getting solid battery voltage and good ground to the solenoid on bank 1.
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ECM adaptation / reset – Sometimes the ECM holds on to bad learned data. Try clearing all codes and doing a proper idle relearn and drive cycle.
Since the car is running fine otherwise, it’s likely something mechanical or oil-flow related in the VVT circuit. If you haven’t already, run a scan that can show live cam timing advance to see if the intake cam on bank 1 is responding properly when commanded. Let me know if you want help reading those values.
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