AutoCodes – Ford – P0013 2018 Ford F150

P0013 2018 Ford F150 Code - 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

Quick Answer

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid valve is an integral part of the VCT system. Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Incorrect camshaft timing, Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 1 Solenoid 2 (VCT12). 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 2018 Ford F150 indicates 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Incorrect camshaft timing, Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 1 Solenoid 2 (VCT12).
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.

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Code Popularity 336

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 Aug 21, 2023

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0013 2018 Ford F150 Description

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid valve is an integral part of the VCT system. The solenoid valve controls the flow of engine oil in the VCT actuator assembly. As the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the duty cycle of the solenoid valve, oil pressure/flow advances or retards the cam timing. Duty cycles near 0% or 100% represent the rapid movement of the camshaft. Retaining a fixed camshaft position is accomplished by dithering (oscillating) the solenoid valve duty cycle.
The PCM calculates and determines the desired camshaft position. It continually updates the VCT solenoid duty cycle until the desired position is achieved. A difference between the desired and actual camshaft position represents a position error in the PCM VCT control loop. The PCM disables the VCT and places the camshaft in a default position if a concern is detected. A related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) also sets when the concern is detected.
When the VCT solenoid is energized, engine oil is allowed to flow to the VCT actuator assembly which advances or retards the camshaft timing. One half of the VCT actuator is coupled to the camshaft and the other half is connected to the timing chain. Oil chambers between the 2 halves couple the camshaft to the timing chain. When the flow of oil is shifted from one side of the chamber to the other, the differential change in oil pressure forces the camshaft to rotate in either an advance or retard position depending on the oil flow.
This DTC sets when a low or high voltage on the VCT12 circuit is detected. This DTC sets if the voltage exceeds a calibrated limit for a calibrated amount of time.

OBDII Code P0013 2018 Ford F150 - 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com — P0013 2018 Ford F150 Code - 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0013 2018 Ford F150?

Low or Dirty Engine Oil
Incorrect camshaft timing
Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 1 Solenoid 2 (VCT12)
Variable Camshaft Timing Bank 1 Solenoid 2 circuit is open or shorted
Variable Camshaft Timing Bank 1 Solenoid 2 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0013 2018 Ford F150?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may be accompanied by other DTCs. Diagnose all Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor DTCs first. If no CMP sensor related DTCs are present, continue checking the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0013 2018 Ford F150 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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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 2018 Ford F150 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0013 for a 2018 Ford F150 mean?

The code P0013 indicates an issue with the 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open on Bank 1 in your 2018 Ford F150.

2. What are the common symptoms associated with the P0013 code in a 2018 Ford F150?

Common symptoms of the P0013 code in a 2018 Ford F150 may include rough idling, poor engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and illuminated Check Engine Light.

3. What are the possible causes of the P0013 code in a 2018 Ford F150?

Potential causes of the P0013 code in a 2018 Ford F150 include a faulty camshaft position actuator, wiring issues in the control circuit, low oil pressure, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How serious is the P0013 code in a 2018 Ford F150?

While the P0013 code may not cause immediate harm to your vehicle, it can lead to engine performance issues and reduced fuel efficiency. It is recommended to address this code promptly to prevent further damage.

5. Can I drive my 2018 Ford F150 with the P0013 code?

It is not advisable to drive your 2018 Ford F150 with the P0013 code for an extended period. Continued driving with this code unresolved may result in poor engine performance and potential damage to engine components.

6. How can I diagnose and repair the P0013 code in my 2018 Ford F150?

Diagnosing and repairing the P0013 code in your 2018 Ford F150 typically involves checking the camshaft position actuator, inspecting the wiring for any damage, verifying oil pressure, and testing the ECM for faults.

7. Can I reset the Check Engine Light after fixing the P0013 code in my 2018 Ford F150?

Yes, once you have fixed the underlying issue causing the P0013 code in your 2018 Ford F150, you can reset the Check Engine Light using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes.

8. How much does it cost to repair the P0013 code in a 2018 Ford F150?

The cost of repairing the P0013 code in a 2018 Ford F150 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. It may range from a simple fix like replacing a sensor to a more involved repair involving the camshaft actuator or ECM.

9. Is the P0013 code covered under warranty for a 2018 Ford F150?

If your 2018 Ford F150 is still under warranty, the repair for the P0013 code may be covered depending on the terms of the warranty. It is recommended to check with your dealership or warranty provider for more information.

10. How can I prevent the P0013 code from reoccurring in my 2018 Ford F150?

To prevent the P0013 code from reoccurring in your 2018 Ford F150, ensure regular maintenance checks, timely oil changes, and address any engine performance issues promptly to maintain the health of the camshaft position actuator and related components.