AutoCodes – Honda – P101A 2018 Honda CR-V

P101A 2018 Honda CR-V Code - Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction

Quick Answer

The variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) system controls the phase of the intake camshaft and exhaust camshaft. Common causes include Faulty Valve Timing Control (VTC) Actuator 'B', VTC Actuator 'B' harness is open or shorted, VTC Actuator 'B' circuit poor electrical connection. 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: P101A 2018 Honda CR-V indicates Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Valve Timing Control (VTC) Actuator 'B', VTC Actuator 'B' harness is open or shorted, VTC Actuator 'B' circuit poor electrical connection.
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 159

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 23, 2025

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P101A 2018 Honda CR-V Description

The variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) system controls the phase of the intake camshaft and exhaust camshaft. It uses oil pressure to operate the VTC actuator 'B' so the valve timing is optimized depending on driving conditions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the phase control command value and the actual phase value of exhaust camshaft using the Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor 'B'. When an over-retarded camshaft phase angle, which the over-retarded angle is predetermined value greater than the commanded values, continues to exist while the VTC is either active or inactive or a retarded phase angle of the exhaust camshaft is greater than the predetermined value while the VTC is inactive, a malfunction is detected and a DTC is stored.

OBDII Code P101A 2018 Honda CR-V - Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P101A 2018 Honda CR-V Code - Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P101A 2018 Honda CR-V?

Faulty Valve Timing Control (VTC) Actuator 'B'
VTC Actuator 'B' harness is open or shorted
VTC Actuator 'B' circuit poor electrical connection
Cam chain elongation

How to Fix the DTC P101A 2018 Honda CR-V?

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 P101A 2018 Honda CR-V 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 P101A 2018 Honda CR-V code?

Need more information on how to fix the P101A 2018 Honda CR-V code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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 P101A 2018 Honda CR-V Code

1. What does the OBDII code P101A mean on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

P101A indicates a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Control 'B' Advance Malfunction, which means the VVT system isn't advancing the camshaft timing as expected.

2. What are the common symptoms of P101A on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Symptoms may include reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, difficulty starting, and the check engine light turning on.

3. What causes the P101A code on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Common causes include a faulty VVT solenoid, oil flow issues, contaminated or low engine oil, wiring problems, or a malfunctioning camshaft sensor.

4. Can driving with the P101A code damage my 2018 Honda CR-V?

Driving with this code for an extended period can lead to engine performance issues and potential long-term damage due to improper valve timing.

5. How do I fix the P101A code on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Repairs may include replacing the VVT solenoid, cleaning or replacing the camshaft sensor, checking wiring and connectors, and ensuring the engine oil is clean and at the correct level.

6. How do I diagnose the P101A code on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Diagnosis typically involves scanning the vehicle for additional codes, inspecting the VVT solenoid and camshaft sensor, and checking the oil condition and level.

7. Can dirty engine oil cause the P101A code on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Yes, dirty or low engine oil can restrict oil flow to the VVT system, causing a malfunction and triggering the code.

8. How much does it cost to repair the P101A code on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but typically range from $150 to $500 for parts and labor, depending on the component needing replacement.

9. Will a faulty camshaft position sensor trigger the P101A code on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Yes, a malfunctioning camshaft position sensor can cause incorrect timing readings, leading to this code.

10. Can I clear the P101A code without fixing the issue on a 2018 Honda CR-V?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem may temporarily turn off the check engine light but won't fix the issue, and the code will likely return.