Error P0010 – how to fix?

Code definition P0010

The code P0010 is associated with the variable mechanical valve timing of your engine.

Due to the emission and performance standards, manufacturers have installed systems that increase the lift of the engine valves under certain conditions, depending on the load and performance.

The P0010 code may also be accompanied by other codes such as: P0011, P0012, P0020, P0021, P0022 and possibly some others.

What does the code P0010 mean

P0010 is a general OBD-II code that indicates a problem with the engine control module (ECM) detecting changes in the mechanical timing between the crankshaft and bank 1 camshaft. A timing problem is usually detected at higher engine RPMs when the ECM tries to adjust the valve lift during higher speeds.

The ECM uses sensors to detect the position of the crankshaft and camshaft. Using the signals from these sensors, the ECM controls the ignition, valve lift, and fuel trim at various speeds and loads. This code will turn on the check engine light and possibly reduce engine performance.

What is the cause of the code P0010?

The Performance Engine Position System Performance Bank 2 code can have several reasons:

• The engine timing is out of sync.
• Engine oil deposit (due to lack of oil change)
• Worn timing components (chains, gears, guides)
• Crankshaft sensor or camshaft sensor fault
• Damaged wiring harness
• Obsolete ECM software
• Internal ECM failure

What are the symptoms of the P0010 code?

Code P0010 will illuminate the Check Engine light on the instrument panel / dashboard. It is likely:

• Affects the quality of the engine idling.
• Reduction in fuel economy
• Impact on engine performance at high revs
• It will not pass the exhaust emission control

How can a mechanic diagnose the P0010 code?

The P0010 code is properly diagnosed with an advanced scan tool capable of taking sensor readings and factory codes (not just one from your local auto parts store) to get started. A skilled technician can read the data from the scanning tool to determine when and where the problem has occurred or if it still persists. They can clear the ECM code and test the vehicle by monitoring the scan tool data to see if the fault returns or is intermittent.

Engine sludge from the oil system is very common for this error code. It is common to remove the coil that the code indicates in order to check the strainer for deposits and manually activate it with a test probe.

If the problem is intermittent, a visual inspection of the coil or wiring may provide further results. Otherwise, the vehicle should be kept running until the problem becomes more persistent.

If the fault returns immediately, a scanning tool and information from professional sources should be able to mitigate the problem. Otherwise, you will need a digital voltage meter to monitor the signals from the sensors. The signals will indicate what the ECM is seeing and whether they are correct.

Based on the test results, possible code (s) elimination and road test during data monitoring, diagnosis may be necessary. Diagnosis will require a number of tools such as:

• Advanced scanning tool to read data values ​​from ECM.
• Digital voltage meter with accessories
• Essential hand tools for accessing the actuator and timing components.

The most common errors when diagnosing the P0010 code

It is common for inexperienced technicians to assume from this code that the engine requires a new timing actuator or timing gear. Without performing the correct diagnostic procedure, the vehicle owner can spend several hundred dollars just to still have the same error code.

This code can be solved by a simple computer learning procedure or by cleaning the actuator coil and flushing the oil system. I’ve seen vehicles come back from other repair shops after spending hundreds of dollars only to get their problem fixed in less than an hour.

Before replacing components based on the code alone, it is always recommended to make a proper diagnosis.

How serious is the P0010 code?

Fault code P0010 may cause the vehicle to have a

• Reduced fuel economy
• Inadequate engine power at high engine speeds
• Reduced power output
• Inability to pass exhaust emission tests

A qualified technician can diagnose the problem with the appropriate tools and can verify these potential problems and their impact on other systems.

What repairs can remove the P0010 code?

The most common procedure for repairing the P0010 code is as follows:

1. Connect a professional scanning tool to check if the code exists.
2. Do your research with professional sources for code-based testing and values.
3. Check for other fault codes that may be related to the problem and possibly clear the fault codes to see which fault codes will return.
4. Analyze the code related data from the ECM scan tool and perform a road test of the vehicle while analyzing the data from the ECM scan tool. Verify that the P0010 code returns or symptoms occur, or determine if it is intermittent.
5. Visually inspect all items listed above (screen obstruction, wiring, etc.).
6. If the problem persists, perform further diagnosis using the special tools mentioned above.
7. Coil signals and wiring require analysis with a digital voltage meter to determine where the problem is.
8. If the signals and values ​​from the scan tool match the specifications, it may be necessary to remove the timing cover / engine cover.
9. Verify that the crankshaft timing marks and the camshaft gear are aligned.
10. Check the condition of the timing chain / belt and guides for signs of wear.
11. Replace any damaged component found in the above tests.

Additional remarks regarding the consideration of code P0010

The engine timing between the crankshaft and camshaft (s) is critical to the performance and smooth running of the engine. This code usually means that the timing is out of alignment at high RPM, which causes performance issues when the computer tries to adjust the valves.

The code is most commonly found on Chevrolet, Subaru and BMW cars, although I have seen it on other brands as well. For higher mileage vehicles, I usually suspect a deposit in the engine oil, a clogged coil filter screen, or a coil failure.

On vehicles with lower mileage, I suspect a problem with the ECM software update depending on the routine service history.

In all of these cases, a skilled technician with the proper tools and professional resources will be able to determine the real blame for the P0010 code.