P0011 on Acura
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0011 on Acura vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 2 Acura models — most commonly on ILX, TSX. P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy. Typical repair costs on Acura range from $500 to $2,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0011
- •Stuck or faulty camshaft (VVT) oil control valve / solenoid
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting actuator movement
- •Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages
- •Faulty camshaft phaser / actuator stuck advanced
- •Wrong oil viscosity or overdue oil change
- •Wiring or connector fault to the VVT solenoid
- •Faulty camshaft position sensor
P0011 on Acura by Model
Acura ILX(1 issue)
- VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle (2.4L K24 Only)2013-2022
On the 2.4L K24 ILX, the variable timing control (VTC) actuator on the intake camshaft is not fully oil-pressurized at first start. The internal locking pin fails to hold the actuator against the sprocket, so for one to two seconds after a cold start the actuator rattles loudly against its stops - a hard metallic grinding or 'bag of bolts' sound from the front of the engine that disappears once oil pressure builds. It is worst in cold weather, after the car has sat overnight, and with stretched oil-change intervals. This is an all-K24-family pattern documented from roughly 2008 onward across Honda and Acura four-cylinders and it carries into the ILX's 2.4. It does NOT apply to the 2.0L R20 or the 1.5L hybrid, which use a different valvetrain, and merging it into a generic 'ILX engine noise' issue is the classic mistake on this nameplate.
Acura TSX(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z32009-2014
On the second-generation 2.4L K24Z3 the timing chain and its hydraulic tensioner wear enough for the exhaust cam to fall out of correlation with the crankshaft, setting P0017 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor B). This is the downstream consequence of the same wear pattern that produces the VTC rattle, and the two are routinely repaired together. The K24 is an interference design, so a chain that jumps a tooth under load can put valves into pistons. Owners typically report the cold-start rattle first, then a check engine light and rough running months later - the code is the point at which the repair is no longer optional.
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View P0011 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0011 mean on Acura?▼
P0011 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy. On Acura specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0011 on Acura vehicles?▼
Common causes on Acura: Stuck or faulty camshaft (VVT) oil control valve / solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil restricting actuator movement, Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser / actuator stuck advanced, Wrong oil viscosity or overdue oil change. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0011 on a Acura?▼
Repair costs on Acura range from $500 to $2,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Acura models have P0011 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0011 on 2 Acura models: ILX, TSX.