DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0011 (2.0L Engine)
DTC P0011: Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) A System Malfunction
General 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 A/B so the valve timing is optimized depending on driving conditions. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the phase control command and the actual phase of the intake camshaft by using camshaft position (CMP) sensor A. If the phase difference between them is excessive for a certain time period, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.
Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type
| Execution | Continuous |
| Sequence | None |
| Duration | 10 seconds or more |
| DTC Type | Two drive cycles, MIL on |
Enable Conditions
Either one of the conditions is met:
Case 1:
| Condition | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elapsed time after starting the engine | 10 seconds | - | |
| Engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1] | 14 deg.F(-10 deg.C)* | 32 deg.F (0 deg.C) | - |
| -13 deg.F(-25 deg.C)* | 77 deg.F (25 deg.C) | ||
| Engine speed [Engine Speed] | 176 deg.F(80 deg.C)** | 720 rpm | - |
| 225 deg.F(107 deg.C)** | 1, 350 rpm | ||
| 12 volt battery voltage [Battery] | 10.5 V | - | |
Case 2:
| Condition | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1] | 23 deg.F(-5 deg.C)* | 23 deg.F (-5 deg.C) | - |
| -13 deg.F(-25 deg.C)* | 113 deg.F (45 deg.C) | ||
| Engine speed [Engine Speed] | 176 deg.F(80 deg.C)** | 720 rpm | - |
| 225 deg.F(107 deg.C)** | 1, 350 rpm | ||
| Elapsed CMP sensor A count after starting the engine | 25 deg.F(-4 deg.C)* | 0 time | - |
| -13 deg.F(-25 deg.C)* | 23, 500 times | ||
| 12 volt battery voltage [Battery] | 10.5 V | - | |
*: Depending on initial engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1].**: Depending on engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1].[ ]: HDS Parameter
Malfunction Threshold
The phase difference between the phase control command and the actual phase of the intake camshaft is 20.0 deg. or more for at least 10 seconds.
Possible Cause
- VTC actuator A stuck
- VTC actuator A response delay
- VTC oil control solenoid valve A stuck
- VTC oil control solenoid valve A response delay
- VTC oil control solenoid valve A downstream short
Confirmation Procedure
Operating Condition
- Start the engine. Hold the engine speed [Engine Speed] at 3, 000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the radiator fan comes on.
- Drive the vehicle at a steady speed between 25 - 75 mph (40 - 120 km/h) for at least 10 seconds.
- Drive the vehicle in this manner only if the traffic regulations and ambient conditions allow.
With the HDS
Select the VTC TEST in the Function Test with the HDS, then select the IN-VTC.
Diagnosis Details
Conditions for setting the DTC
When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot are stored.
Conditions for clearing the DTC
The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot can be cleared with the scan tool clear command.