The Lemon IndexThe variable valve timing for the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be.
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil. Then: sticking oil control (VVT) solenoid; worn or stretched timing chain.
Owners named P0013 in 19 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Chevrolet Equinox.
Cars owners report it on
Complaints that name P0013, by model. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints.
Years owners report it on most: 2009 Chevrolet Malibu · 2010 Chevrolet Malibu · 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
The details
What P0013 means
The variable valve timing for the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be. The engine can idle rough, lose power or use more fuel. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger, because oil pressure moves the timing.
Can I drive with P0013?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
16% of the owner complaints that name P0013 also say the car brakes or ABS act up. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P0013
- Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil
- Sticking oil control (VVT) solenoid
- Worn or stretched timing chain
- Faulty cam phaser
A shop should confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
What owners describe
- Brakes or ABS act up: 16% of complaints
- Stalls or shuts off: 16% of complaints
- Shakes, runs rough or misfires: 16% of complaints
- Warning lights and electrical faults: 11% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Model years that report P0013 most
2009 Chevrolet Malibu (2), 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (2), 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (2).
Related codes
P0012 P0014 P0011 P0015 P0010 P0016 P0017 P0018
Quick answers
What does P0013 mean?
B Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Exhaust, Bank 1). The variable valve timing for the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be. The engine can idle rough, lose power or use more fuel. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger, because oil pressure moves the timing.
Can I drive with P0013?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
What causes P0013?
Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil; Sticking oil control (VVT) solenoid; Worn or stretched timing chain; Faulty cam phaser.
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text names P0013. A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis. Meanings: the standard SAE J2012 definitions in our own words; manufacturer codes only where verified for that make. General information, not repair advice for your car.