P0010 fault code: what it means

P0010: Electrical fault in the bank 1 intake camshaft timing (VVT) oil control solenoid circuit.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Minor

Usual causes, most likely first

faulty VVT oil control solenoid
damaged wiring or corroded connector at the solenoid
low or dirty engine oil

P0010 by make

BMW

Intake VANOS solenoid circuit fault (bank 1). The DME sees an electrical fault in the intake cam timing solenoid or its wiring.

Usual causes: intake VANOS solenoid failed; VANOS solenoid connector or wiring fault; low battery voltage during cranking

Mazda

Electric intake cam timing (VVT) circuit fault on SkyActiv-G 2.0/2.5. The intake cam is moved by an electric motor, not oil; engine may idle rough, stall or lose power.

Usual causes: electric VVT motor/driver unit; EVVT relay or EVVT 20 A fuse; wiring or connector to the VVT motor

Mercedes-Benz

Intake camshaft adjuster (cam magnet) circuit fault. On Mercedes the adjuster magnets are known to fail and let oil get into their wiring.

Usual causes: failed camshaft adjuster magnet (oil leaking into the connector); oil-soaked or damaged wiring to the magnet; low or old oil sticking the adjuster; faulty cam or crank sensor

Mini

Intake VANOS (cam timing) solenoid circuit fault. Mini uses the BMW-designed DME and VANOS on its Prince (N12-N18) and B38/B48 engines.

Usual causes: intake VANOS solenoid failed; solenoid connector or wiring; low battery voltage

Suzuki

Intake cam VVT actuator (oil control valve) circuit fault.

Usual causes: failed oil control valve; OCV wiring or connector

What the repair usually costs

A/C compressor replace incl. drier and flush (European)NZ$1,560–NZ$3,200 · A$1,490–A$3,050
Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor replaceNZ$100–NZ$590 · A$100–A$580

Not sure what P0010 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.