P0013: B Camshaft Position Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Driveable - performance and economy suffer, no immediate danger.
Symptoms
- Rough or hunting idle
- Poor fuel economy
- Reduced power
Likely causes, most common first
- Exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid failed
- Sludge blocking the oil control valve
- Connector or harness fault
- Oil level too low to hold pressure
Read P0013 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0013 is the exhaust-side twin of P0010 on bank 1. The exhaust camshaft actuator controls how much burnt gas stays in the cylinder, which is how many engines meet emissions targets without a separate EGR valve. When it stops responding the engine often idles unevenly and tailpipe numbers drift.
Because the intake and exhaust solenoids are usually identical parts sitting side by side, swapping them is a definitive test: if the code moves to the intake side the solenoid is faulty, and if it stays put the fault is in the wiring or in the oil supply to that circuit.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0013
“Vehicle has 55000 miles and check engine light is on. In scanning the car I was told that p0010 the intake positions actuator circuit and p0013 exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit needed to be serviced to the tune of between 1200.00 and 1500.00 dollars which is normal for these cars I. Think this is bs I have oil changed every 2000 miles or 3 months with castrol dexos 5w30 and lucas oil stabilizer. Sounds like this should be covered by yhe manufacturer.”2014 Chevrolet Equinox · Mar 2021 · 55,933 mi
“When going over any bump or turning the front end shakes and makes a clacking noise. Esc is off. Traction control is always off. Error codes read p0010 p0449 p0013 p0722 p0011”2009 Chevrolet Malibu · Sep 2020 · 188,000 mi
“When car is in motion, car runs rough, hesitates, sometimes brakes are slow to react. When stationary circuits short for remote start, outlets and operating back lift. P0013 code is on this vehicle. This vehicle is demonstrating the same functions as those other jeep vehicles that were recalled.”2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee · Jul 2020
Show 6 more owner reports
“At 7473 miles, reduced engine power light came on while driving the car. Diagnostic code: p0013. Car was towed 50 miles to a dealer for repair and replacement of exhaust camshaft position actuator. Car was driven 4 times before the reduced engine power light came on again. Mileage under 8000. Diagnostic code: p0013. In both cases, the car still ran but it misses and cuts out. *tr”2019 Chevrolet Malibu · Mar 2020 · 7,473 mi
“I was stopped,went to accelerate,and sudden hard shift as it accelerated. After a few miles,lost all gears after 2nd gear.on interstate at time when lost gears & close to getting into major accident. Took it to asc certified mechanic to learn that the transmission failed,wiring from battery to started burned up,battery failurem alternator failed, and ecm failed as well. Repair cost approx $4600.00. Service airbag light & check engine light on also & p0013 code. Looked up veh history, shows recalls on some of this were supposedly performed, but hard to believe. 6 speed transmission, so gm won't honor.”2010 Chevrolet Malibu · Jun 2019 · 103,000 mi
“Exhaust cam shaft solenoid valve replaced 3 times within 1 year. Cam shaft intake accuator replaced 1 time. Engine check light came on while traveling on freeway. Error code p0014/p0013 confirmed by dealership at time of repairs. Recently had front windshield wiper transmission failed. Also while traveling via freeway during a heavy rain storm this car has 58000 miles at this time and very well maintained.”2012 Chevrolet Equinox · Dec 2018 · 58,000 mi
“When my vehicle is in motion I am not getting the amount of power I should be receiving once I press on the gas. I believe the timing is off and I have a code: p0013 issue, actuator circuit, cam shaft position. I have seen a recall to the 2011 model for the same reasons and I'm sure my vehicle is having the same issues.”2012 Chevrolet Equinox · Feb 2018 · 70,000 mi
“I bought this vehicle used and one month later ck engine light comes on and stays on while driving the type of roadway is either hwy. Or in town at any speeds. Had checked, trouble code p0013 cam act. Sensor. Found recall #11195a on line. Cheverlot refusing to acknowledge this even though recall is for same year, same vehicle and, same engine.”2011 Chevrolet Equinox · Oct 2015 · 76,000 mi
“When applying brakes, vehicle would come to a slamming stop jolting body and transmission to a complete stop then proceeding to normal driving mode until applying brakes again. Took my vehicle in to service 4 times for same repair. Codes p0013, p0014, p0700 & p2637 on diagnostic revealed all 4 times when service dept. Checked for issues. Also, powertrain differential in rear makes dragging noise since day one.”2006 Pontiac Solstice · Jun 2009 · 41,414 mi
Cars that report P0013 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0013?
Driveable - performance and economy suffer, no immediate danger.
How much does it cost to fix P0013?
Typical US repair costs range from $60 for the simplest fix (camshaft actuator solenoid) to $450 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0013. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.