P0010 on Mercedes-Benz
Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
P0010 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates intake camshaft position actuator circuit (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 4 Mercedes-Benz models — most commonly on C-Class, GLC, GLE. This code points to an electrical problem in the intake camshaft position actuator (variable valve timing) circuit on Bank 1. The computer controls an oil-fed solenoid to advance or retard the intake camshaft for better performance and efficiency, and it has detected the solenoid circuit is open, shorted, or out of range. This is usually an electrical or solenoid fault rather than a mechanical timing problem, though oil-related issues can play a role. You may notice rough running, reduced power, or lower fuel economy. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $120 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0010
- •Faulty intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid
- •Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring/connector at the solenoid
- •Open or short in the actuator circuit
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting the solenoid
- •Clogged solenoid screen or oil passage
- •Poor electrical ground
- •Failed PCM/ECM (less common)
P0010 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz C-Class(1 issue)
- Cam Adjuster Solenoid Failure2012-2018
The camshaft adjuster solenoids (VANOS equivalent) stick or fail due to oil varnish buildup, causing rough idle, poor throttle response, and check engine lights. Particularly common with extended oil change intervals.
Mercedes-Benz GLC(1 issue)
- Cold-Start Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Rattle2016-2023
On the M274/M264 2.0L turbo engines used in the GLC, the intake camshaft adjuster relies on an internal locking pin that wears over time. Without oil pressure at cold start, the adjuster fails to lock in its default position, producing a distinct metallic rattle for 2-4 seconds on a cold start. Oil leaking around the camshaft adjuster solenoid can also seep into the wiring harness and trigger timing faults. Left unrepaired it risks valve-timing errors and further engine wear.
Mercedes-Benz GLE(1 issue)
- M276 V6 Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Wear and Cold-Start Rattle2016-2018
The W166 GLE 350 and GLE 400 (2016-2018, M276 3.0L/3.5L V6) share the well-known M276 camshaft-adjuster problem. The variable-valve-timing camshaft adjusters and their magnets/solenoids wear, allowing the cams to fall out of time. Symptoms include a 2-3 second rattle on cold start, rough running, and check-engine codes such as P0010-style adjuster faults; owners report codes like P002177 with cams found advanced/out of time. Left unaddressed, a worn adjuster can cause poor timing control and driveability problems.
Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC(1 issue)
- M271 Camshaft Adjuster (VVT) Magnet Solenoid Failure and Oil Intrusion2004-2015
The M271 four-cylinder's camshaft adjuster magnets (variable valve timing solenoids) commonly fail or become oil-fouled on R171 SLK200 Kompressor and R172 SLK250 models. A well-documented M271 defect is engine oil wicking up the solenoid connector into the wiring harness toward the ECU and O2 sensor. This is distinct from timing-chain/gear wear: the solenoid itself sticks or shorts, upsetting cam timing and triggering camshaft-position/correlation codes.
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View P0010 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0010 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
P0010 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)." This code points to an electrical problem in the intake camshaft position actuator (variable valve timing) circuit on Bank 1. The computer controls an oil-fed solenoid to advance or retard the intake camshaft for better performance and efficiency, and it has detected the solenoid circuit is open, shorted, or out of range. This is usually an electrical or solenoid fault rather than a mechanical timing problem, though oil-related issues can play a role. You may notice rough running, reduced power, or lower fuel economy. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0010 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Faulty intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid, Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring/connector at the solenoid, Open or short in the actuator circuit, Low or dirty engine oil restricting the solenoid, Clogged solenoid screen or oil passage. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0010 on a Mercedes-Benz?▼
Repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $120 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have P0010 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0010 on 4 Mercedes-Benz models: C-Class, GLC, GLE, SLK/SLC.