Understanding the Hyundai P0011 Code

How to deal with the common Hyundai P0011 Code

A Hyundai P0011 code is defined as: Camshaft Position-Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). That sounds pretty serious, and the fix has the potential to be quite costly. But in most cases, it’s caused by using the wrong oil or by not changing your oil often enough. In other words, the most common cause is operator error. Here’s how that occurs.

On engines with variable valve timing (VVT), the ECM pulses oil pressure to advance or retard camshaft timing to obtain maximum performance. The pulsed oil fills chambers in the camshaft phaser. As the chambers fill or empty, they rotate the camshaft forward or backward.

A Hyundai P0011 code is most often caused by the wrong oil or sludge buildup

#1 cause of Hyundai P0011 code

Using the wrong oil viscosity. The ECM assumes you’ve used the recommended oil viscosity. Knowing the engine temperature, it pulses the oil based on its expected viscosity at that engine temperature. If you use the wrong viscosity, the pulse rate will be off, and so will camshaft timing, resulting in a P0011 trouble code.

#2 cause of Hyundai P0011

Extended oil change. If you go too long between oil changes, you’ll develop sludge problems that can clog the VVT solenoid, causing a P0011 trouble code. If you haven’t changed your oil on time, change it before you do any other tests.

#3 cause of VVT issues

If you’ve used the wrong oil viscosity or neglected oil changes, you may have a clogged VVT solenoid, a worn phaser, or a worn timing chain. Check all for signs of wear.

VVT solenoid oil control valve

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