AutoCodesSaturn – P0013 Saturn

P0013 Saturn 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 Saturn 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.
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Code Popularity 32,114
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 15, 2020
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Code P0013 Saturn 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 Saturn - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0013 Saturn Code - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0013 Saturn?

  • 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 Saturn?

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

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0013 Saturn 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 Saturn Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0013 on a Saturn related to the Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, poor engine performance, and a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.

2. What are some possible causes of the P0013 code on a Saturn, specifically related to the Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1?

- Causes can include a faulty camshaft position actuator solenoid, wiring issues, low engine oil levels, or a malfunctioning camshaft position sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the source of the P0013 code on my Saturn for the Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1?

- A diagnostic scan tool can help pinpoint the exact cause by reading the error codes and conducting tests on the camshaft position actuator solenoid and related components.

4. Can driving with the P0013 code on a Saturn's Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1 cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with this code can potentially lead to more serious engine issues, so it's recommended to address the problem promptly.

5. Is it safe to attempt repairs for the P0013 code on a Saturn's Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1 without professional help?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to tackle this repair, it's generally advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure the issue is properly diagnosed and fixed.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the P0013 code on a Saturn related to the Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the specific cause, but expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 for parts and labor.

7. Are there any maintenance tips to prevent the recurrence of the P0013 code on a Saturn's Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1?

- Regularly checking and changing engine oil, following recommended maintenance schedules, and addressing any engine performance issues promptly can help prevent this code from reoccurring.

8. Can a faulty camshaft position sensor trigger the P0013 code on a Saturn's Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1?

- Yes, a malfunctioning camshaft position sensor can contribute to triggering the P0013 code by providing incorrect signals to the engine control module.

9. Will resetting the OBDII system clear the P0013 code related to the Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1 on a Saturn?

- Resetting the system may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear after driving the vehicle.

10. Can a clogged oil passage be a potential cause of the P0013 code on a Saturn's Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1?

- Yes, a clogged oil passage can restrict the flow of oil to the camshaft position actuator solenoid, leading to malfunctions and triggering the P0013 code.

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