P0011 on GMC
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0011 on GMC vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 2 GMC models — most commonly on Sierra 1500, Terrain. 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 GMC range from $40 to $3,000, 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 GMC by Model
GMC Sierra 1500(2 issues)
- P0011 — Intake Cam Over-Advanced from Sludge-Clogged VVT Solenoid on 5.3L V82007-2022
P0011 means the Bank 1 intake camshaft is timed more advanced than the ECM commanded — the phaser is stuck/biased advanced. On the Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L, the dominant cause is a VVT (camshaft actuator) solenoid whose internal screen has clogged with oil sludge or AFM debris, jamming the plunger so oil pressure to the phaser can't be modulated. GM acknowledges sticking/binding solenoids in PIs such as PIP5130K and PIP5855. Low or incorrect-viscosity oil is a very common trigger, so oil condition is always checked first. Because AFM lifter wear sheds metal into the oil, that debris circulates and clogs the solenoid screens — tying P0011 directly to the trucks' oil-consumption reputation. Drivers report rough running, and in worse cases stalling when slowing to a stop.
- P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain on 5.3L AFM V82007-2021
P0016 means the crankshaft and Bank 1 intake camshaft are out of sync beyond tolerance. On the 5.3L V8 Sierra 1500 this is a signature failure because of two engine-specific problems: (1) the timing chain stretches over time — accelerated by AFM lifter debris and extended oil-change intervals — retarding cam timing until correlation exceeds threshold; and (2) the cam actuator (VVT) solenoid or phaser sticks. The AFM V8s are also known for oil consumption, and low/dirty oil starves the phasers and clogs solenoid screens, which both triggers P0016 and worsens chain wear. This is more serious than the related P0011: a severely stretched chain can jump a tooth and cause piston-to-valve contact, so continued driving is risky.
GMC Terrain(1 issue)
- Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure2010-2014
The GM Ecotec 2.4L in the 2010-2014 Terrain has the same timing chain stretch and tensioner failure as the Equinox and Malibu. GM Special Coverage Adjustment SCA 12313C covers some vehicles. The 2010-2011 models are worst affected. Improperly hardened piston rings on 2010-2013 models cause excessive oil burning, which leads to low oil and accelerated timing chain wear. 2015+ models received revised internal components.
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View P0011 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0011 mean on GMC?▼
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 GMC specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0011 on GMC vehicles?▼
Common causes on GMC: 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 GMC?▼
Repair costs on GMC range from $40 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which GMC models have P0011 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0011 on 2 GMC models: Sierra 1500, Terrain.