P0011 on Citroen
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0011 on Citroen vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Citroen model — most commonly on C4. 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 Citroen range from $500 to $4,500, 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 Citroen by Model
Citroen C4(2 issues)
- 1.6 THP (EP6) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure2008-2015
The EP6 'Prince' 1.6 THP turbo petrol engine (co-developed with BMW) fitted to the C4 from 2008 suffers from timing chain stretch combined with a weak hydraulic tensioner — on pre-2016 engines the chain frequently shows stretch by 60,000-100,000 km. Once stretched, the tensioner can reach its travel limit; if oil pressure drops at idle the chain can jump teeth, throwing cam timing out and in severe cases causing valve-to-piston contact and major engine damage.
- 1.2 PureTech Wet Timing Belt Premature Degradation2015-2023
The EB2 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine uses a timing belt that runs inside the engine immersed in oil (a 'wet belt'). Oil contamination from fuel dilution and long service intervals degrades the belt prematurely, and shed rubber debris clogs the oil pump pickup strainer and the brake vacuum pump, causing low oil pressure, loss of brake assistance and, in the worst cases, complete engine failure. PSA/Stellantis issued recalls for 2017-2018 builds and in 2024 opened a compensation scheme that explicitly lists the Citroen C4 among affected models.
Looking for P0011 on a different make?
View P0011 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0011 mean on Citroen?▼
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 Citroen specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0011 on Citroen vehicles?▼
Common causes on Citroen: 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 Citroen?▼
Repair costs on Citroen range from $500 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Citroen models have P0011 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0011 on 1 Citroen model: C4.