AutoCodes – Honda – P101A Honda

P101A Honda 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 Honda 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 539

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
Comments
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Code P101A Honda 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 Honda - Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P101A Honda Code - Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P101A Honda?

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 Honda?

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 Honda 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 Honda Models

P101A 2016 Honda CR-V — Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction
P101A 2017 Honda CR-V — Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction
P101A 2018 Honda CR-V — Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction
P101A 2019 Honda CR-V — Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction
P101A 2020 Honda CR-V — Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction
P101A 2021 Honda CR-V — Variable Valve Timing Control 'B' Advance Malfunction

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.