DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0011
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]
23 °F
(-5 °C)*
77 °F (25 °C)
–
-13 °F
(-25 °C)*
77 °F (25 °C)
Engine speed [ENGINE SPEED]
194 °F
(90 °C)**
900 rpm
–
229 °F
(109 °C)**
1,300 rpm
12 volt battery voltage [BATTERY]
10.5 V
–

Case 2:
Condition
Minimum
Maximum
Engine coolant temperature
[ECT SENSOR 1]
23 °F
(-5 °C)*
23 °F (-5 °C)
–
-13 °F
(-25 °C)*
113 °F (45 °C)
Engine speed [ENGINE SPEED]
194 °F
(90 °C)**
900 rpm
–
229 °F
(109 °C)**
1,300 rpm
Elapsed CMP sensor A count after starting the engine
25 °F
(-4 °C)*
0 time
–
-13 °F
(-25 °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 timing difference between the timing control command and the actual timing of the camshaft is 20.0 ° or more for at least 10 seconds.

Possible Cause
NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
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
1.
Start the engine. Hold the engine speed [ENGINE SPEED] at 3,000 rpm without load (CVT in P or N, M/T in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
2.
Drive the vehicle at a steady speed between 25 - 75 mph (40 - 120 km/h) for at least 15 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 INSPECTION MENU 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 and the freeze data 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, and the freeze data can be cleared with the scan tool Clear command or by disconnecting the 12 volt battery.