Code P0010 : Symptoms, Causes & Ways To Fix It

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 08/12/21 •  7 min read

Owning a car is more than just the act of driving. It’s also about taking care of it and getting it repaired when needed. For most people, this means having to know how to diagnose problems with their vehicle code P0010 or “check engine” light on the dash.This blog post will teach you what code P0010 means , its causes , symptoms and ways to fix it.

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What Is Code P0010?

When a code P0010 is detected, it means that your car’s primary computer has noticed an issue with one of the engine’s VVT solenoids. 

The PCM will be able to diagnose this problem by reading data from different sensors and checking for malfunctions in other modules on board.

Code P0010

More pressure increases the power of your engine. To make sure it has enough, there’s a camshaft actuator that can be adjusted with an ECM/PCM. 

The PCM sends pulse width signals to the solenoid and adjusts its duration per pulse concerning how much oil is needed for more powerful engines – so if you have one already, don’t forget about this important part!

The Cam Sensor (CMP) is a small component that resides beneath the intake valve stem and provides feedback to how much camshaft advance should be used. 

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The solenoid then regulates it by only opening at certain times when needed, which ensures optimal performance of your vehicle’s engine.

The ECM/PCM controls the engine by monitoring how often oil pressure is delivered to a camshaft actuator. Adjusting this amount of force changes where on the shaft that gear rotates, thus changing its angle relative to what’s happening inside your engine and making it rotate at different speeds depending on which way you want or need it to  go. 

If for some reason there isn’t enough power being generated, then as long as duty cycle stays below 100% (meaning less than all time), things should work just fine – but if too much strain builds up in trying to reach an undesirable goal over extended periods of running without meeting that target…then P0010 could be set.

What Are The Symptoms Of Code P0010?

Some other symptoms might appear when the ECM reads the P0010 code. include :

What Are The Possible Causes Of Code P0010?

Code P0010 can be triggered by multiple causes:

When the solenoid valve is powered, the voltage is low engine timing is incorrectly set.

Is Code P0010 A Serious Problem?

While P0010 does indeed affect the engine’s power, the consequences can be far worse. Reduced power and lack of speed at high speeds can be found in vehicles. 

Code P0010

A significant decrease in fuel economy is also possible. Vehicle failures that arise from these issues can also lead to an emission test failure. If the engine timing is off, you may have damaged your engine permanently. 

To determine whether engine timing is at the root of the problem, have your car repaired by a professional mechanic that has the most expertise in the timing area.

How To Diagnose and Fix Code P0010?

If your scan tool supports advanced factory sensors, such as P0010, you will have accurate results. If a skilled expert is available, they can next examine the scan tool’s data to see where and when the problem arose, as well as if it’s still present. 

If the code is found in the ECM and the vehicle is driven while being scanned, then the technician may verify that the defect is present or intermittent. 

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A specific combination of engine sludge and the oil system is quite typical for this code. In order to inspect the screen filter for sludge, the solenoid is frequently removed and manually activated. 

A visual evaluation of the solenoid or the wiring will give better results if the fault is intermittent. If the problem persists, the vehicle will have to be driven until it is fixed. 

A rapid-fire fault can indicate a breakdown, but information from knowledgeable professionals and a scanning instrument should be able to point to the malfunction. 

If the voltage scale does not perform the measurement, a digital voltage scope must be utilized. The ECM will reveal what it is seeing, and the signals will show whether or not the information is correct. 

Based on the findings of the testing, there is a possibility of code clearing, and additional investigation may be required. many different tests, which may include: 

To fix the P0010 code, one of the most commonly-used methods is to perform the steps listed below:

The visual inspection of all of the listed items is strongly advised (screen clogs, wiring, etc.). 

To locate the problem, the technician must conduct a digital voltage scope analysis on the signals and wiring coming from the solenoid. 

If the scan tool and sensor values are within specification, then it may be necessary to remove the timing cover in order to remove the front engine cover. 

To verify that the timing marks on the crank and camshaft sprockets are in sync, check the timing of both sprockets. 

Keep an eye on the timing chain and belt to see if there are any visible signs of wear. 

This component must be replaced due to its being found to be faulty during the preceding testing.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code P0010?

Costs can range from $10 to $100. Approximately half of all electrical or wiring problems are caused by age, and most of these problems can be taken care of for approximately $100. In this case, fixing the problem will cost around $300 to $500 due to the cost of parts and labor. 

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However, because of the generally lower cost of replacing the engine oil and filter as opposed to replacing the timing components, most vehicles with this code can be fixed by simply replacing the oil and filter, which is cheaper than the replacement of the timing components. A functionally outdated ECM warrants only a dealership visit in newer vehicles.

Is It Safe To Drive With P0010 Code?

It’s always a good idea to know what your car is telling you when it gives you an error code. P0010 is a general engine misfire that can be caused by any number of factors, but the most likely is low fuel pressure or faulty spark plugs. 

There are some precautions you should take if this code appears in your vehicle for the first time, like checking fuel and oil levels before starting it again. If the problem persists after those checks, get professional help from a mechanic who knows how to diagnose these issues.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.

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