Code P0011, intake position system performance?

Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
I had AutoZone do a ODBII scan and it threw 2 P0011 codes for the intake camshaft position system performance. Their system recommended replacing the engine variable timing solenoid all 4 of them.
I went on Amazon and saw them made or different materials. Which would be recommended?
Aluminum
Aluminum alloy with plastic
Metal
Colbalt
Viton

Here is a pic of the read out in case I'm miss interpreting it. Thanks
Friday, March 28th, 2025 AT 1:18 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,438 POSTS
I don't see the image; can you try reloading it? Most of the time the problem will be the oil control valve stuck open, or the camshaft actuators is stuck in the advanced position.

P0011 - "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)"

Also, make sure the engine oil is clean and full. The camshaft depends on oil pressure to work correctly.

Here is a guide to go over to help see what I am talking about:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-camshaft-variable-valve-timing-works

I would go with the Aluminum valves; they seem to work better. Let me know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
Here's pics I hope it says they are loaded. IMG_20250328_131935_009. Jpg
IMG_20250328_132004_769. Jpg
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
I haven't watched the video yet but does each bank have 4 solenoids? They said I need to buy 4. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 AT 3:13 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,438 POSTS
Yep, over advanced, I would get all four oil control valves and install them. Clear the codes and let's hope it is not the actuators themselves. Please let me know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 10:59 AM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
I ordered the VVT. Would a bad VVT cause the car to idle fast and then drop and almost stall? Or can that cause this?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,438 POSTS
Yes, it can as the VVT sticks and then releases the computer will try and compensate. Let me know how it goes, make sure to clear the codes once the repair is completed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 9:25 AM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
How do I clear the codes? Would AutoZone odbII scanner do it or need something better?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 1:20 PM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
Also AutoZone showed the VVT being long tubes, but this video says it's the VVT and its triangle. Are these 2 different parts named close to the same or just mislabeling the part?
https://youtu.be/9rAhplMwc6U?si=3YoANWsHEyOUjBg_
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,438 POSTS
I am not sure what they are showing in the video. It does not look like the same car, here is what it looks like. Check out the images (below).
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 4th, 2025 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
Yep that's what I thought as well. Okay, I will update later today when done.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 4th, 2025 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
Where's the location of the the other 3 vvt?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 4th, 2025 AT 1:18 PM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 238 POSTS
Nevermind I found them. Replaced the 2 that go to the 1 bank and car idles properly. Check engine light still on how do I clear it?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 4th, 2025 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,438 POSTS
Nice work, you need to clear the codes with a scanner, or you can try a hard system reboot, it might work.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/step-by-step-guide-performing-a-hard-system-reboot-for-your-vehicles-electronics-systems

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, April 5th, 2025 AT 10:51 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related P0011 Content