P0011 on Saturn
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0011 on Saturn vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Saturn model — most commonly on Ion. 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 Saturn range from $600 to $1,500, 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 Saturn by Model
Saturn Ion(1 issue)
- 2.2L Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure2003-2004
Early 2.2L Ecotec (L61) engines have a timing chain oiling deficiency: the oiler nozzle doesn't supply enough oil at low RPM, leading to chain stretch, worn plastic guides, and a weak original tensioner that loses tension. Because the Ecotec is an interference engine, a chain that jumps time or breaks causes pistons to strike valves, often resulting in catastrophic engine damage. GM revised the tensioner/oiler for 2005, after which the problem largely disappeared.
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View P0011 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0011 mean on Saturn?▼
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 Saturn specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0011 on Saturn vehicles?▼
Common causes on Saturn: 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 Saturn?▼
Repair costs on Saturn range from $600 to $1,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Saturn models have P0011 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0011 on 1 Saturn model: Ion.