AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0013 Pontiac

P0013 Pontiac Code - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1

Quick Answer

The camshaft position actuator system enables the Engine Control Module (ECM) to change the timing of the camshafts while the engine is operating. Common causes include Dirty Oil, Low engine oil level, Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Bank 1. 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: P0013 Pontiac indicates Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Dirty Oil, Low engine oil level, Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Bank 1.
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.

Save to My Repairs Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 22,962

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 15, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0013 Pontiac Description

The camshaft position actuator system enables the Engine Control Module (ECM) to change the timing of the camshafts while the engine is operating. The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve signal from the ECM is Pulse Width Modulated (PWM). The ECM controls the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve duty cycle by controlling the amount of solenoid valve ON time. The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve controls the advance or the retard of each camshaft. The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve controls the oil flow that applies the pressure to advance or retard the camshafts.
Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve. The ECM controls the solenoid valve by grounding the control circuit with a solid-state device called a driver. The driver is equipped with a feedback circuit that is pulled-up to a voltage. The ECM can determine if the control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to a voltage by monitoring the feedback voltage.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set when the ECM detects an open in the CMP actuator solenoid circuits for greater than 1 second or a cumulative of 5 seconds, when the solenoid is commanded OFF.

OBDII Code P0013 Pontiac - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com — P0013 Pontiac Code - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0013 Pontiac?

Dirty Oil
Low engine oil level
Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Bank 1
Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0013 Pontiac?

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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0013 Pontiac 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.

Need more information about the P0013 Pontiac code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0013 Pontiac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0013 Pontiac code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0013 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0013 mean for a Pontiac?

P0013 indicates a problem with the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valve control circuit in Bank 1, which affects the variable valve timing system.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0013 in a Pontiac?

Symptoms include poor engine performance, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and the check engine light turning on.

3. What causes the P0013 code in a Pontiac?

Common causes include a faulty exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid, damaged wiring or connectors, or low/dirty engine oil affecting the solenoid's operation.

4. Can I drive with a P0013 code on my Pontiac?

Driving with a P0013 code is possible but not recommended, as it can lead to reduced performance and potential engine damage if left unaddressed.

5. How can I fix the P0013 code on my Pontiac?

Repairs may include replacing the exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid, repairing damaged wiring, or performing an oil change if oil viscosity is the issue.

6. How do I diagnose the P0013 code on my Pontiac?

Start by checking the wiring and connectors for damage, inspecting the solenoid, and verifying the oil level and condition. Use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code.

7. Is the P0013 code specific to a certain Pontiac model?

No, the P0013 code can appear on any Pontiac model equipped with variable valve timing, but the affected components may vary slightly by model.

8. How much does it cost to fix a P0013 code on a Pontiac?

The repair cost can range from $150 to $300, depending on whether the issue is a solenoid replacement, wiring repair, or other related fixes.

9. Can a dirty oil filter cause a P0013 code in a Pontiac?

Yes, a clogged oil filter can restrict oil flow to the camshaft actuator solenoid, potentially triggering the P0013 code.

10. How do I prevent the P0013 code from occurring in my Pontiac?

Regularly change the engine oil and filter, use the manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity, and inspect wiring and connectors during routine maintenance.