Setting the P0010 Code
The P0010 code relates to the variable mechanical valve timing in your engine.
Due to emission and performance standards, manufacturers have installed systems that increase the lift of the engine valves under certain conditions, depending on load and performance.
The P0010 code may also be accompanied by other codes, such as P0011, P0012, P0020, P0021, P0022 and perhaps others.
What the P0010 code means
P0010 is a generic OBD-II code that indicates a problem with the engine control module (ECM) detecting changes in mechanical regulation between the crankshaft and the bank 1 camshaft. The timing problem is usually detected at higher engine speeds, when the ECM tries to adjust valve lift during higher speeds.
The ECM uses sensors to detect the position of the crankshaft and camshaft. Based on the signals from these sensors, the ECM controls the ignition, valve lift, and fuel timing phase at different speeds and loads. This code will trigger the check engine light and possibly reduce engine performance.
What is the cause of the P0010 code?
The Performance Engine Position System Performance Bank 2 code can have several causes:
- The engine synchronization is out of sync.
- Engine oil deposit (due to lack of oil change)
- Worn valve train components (chains, sprockets, guides)
- Crankshaft or crankshaft sensor defects
- Defective wiring harness
- Outdated ECM software
- Internal ECM failure
What are the symptoms of the P0010 code?
The P0010 code will cause the Check Engine light on the instrument panel/ dashboard to come on. It probably will:
- Affects the quality of the engine at idle.
- Reduces fuel economy
- Effect on engine performance at high rpm
- Will not pass emissions inspection
How can a mechanic diagnose a P0010 code?
The P0010 code is properly diagnosed using an advanced scan tool capable of taking sensor and factory code readings (not just one from your local auto parts store) to get started. A qualified technician can read the data from the scan tool to determine when and where the problem occurred or if it still exists. They can clear the ECM code and test the vehicle, 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 indicated by the code to check for deposits on the mesh filter and manually activate it with a test probe.
If the fault is intermittent, a visual inspection of the coil or wiring may yield more results. Otherwise, the vehicle should be driven until the problem becomes more persistent.
If the fault returns immediately, a scan tool and information from professional sources should be able to reduce the problem. Otherwise, a digital voltage meter will be needed to monitor the sensor signals. The signals will indicate what the ECM is seeing and whether they are correct.
Based on the test results, possible elimination of the code(s), and a road test while monitoring the data, diagnostics may be required. Diagnostics will require a number of tools, such as:
- Advanced scan tool to read data values from the ECM.
- Digital strain gauge with accessories
- Basic hand tools to access 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 needs a new actuator or timing equipment. Without performing the correct diagnostic procedure, a vehicle owner can spend several hundred dollars just to keep getting the same error code.
This code can be solved with a simple computer learning procedure or by cleaning the actuator coil and flushing the oil system. I have seen vehicles returned from other repair shops after spending hundreds of dollars only to have their problem fixed in less than an hour.
Proper diagnosis is always recommended before replacing components based on code alone.
How serious is the P0010 code?
The P0010 fault code can cause a vehicle to have a
- Reduced fuel economy
- Inadequate engine power at high speeds
- Reduced power output
- Inability to pass emission tests
A qualified technician can diagnose the problem with the right tools and can verify these potential problems and their impact on other systems.
What fixes can clear the P0010 code?
The most common procedure for repairing the P0010 code is as follows:
- Turn on a professional scan tool to see if the code exists.
- Conduct research on professional sources for code-based tests and values.
- Check other problem codes that may be related to the problem and perhaps clear the problem codes to see what problem codes return.
- Analyze the ECM scan tool data related to the code and perform a road test of the vehicle while analyzing the ECM scan tool data. Check to see if the P0010 code returns or if symptoms occur, or determine if it is intermittent.
- Visually check all items listed above (screen obstructions, cables, etc.).
- If the problem persists, perform further diagnostics using the special tools listed above.
- The coil signals and wiring need to be analyzed with a digital voltage meter to determine where the problem lies.
- If the signals and values from the scan tool are within specifications, the motor/temperature cover may need to be removed.
- Check that the timing marks on the crankshaft and crankshaft gear are aligned.
- Check the condition of the timing chain/belt and guides for signs of wear.
- Replace the defective component found during the above tests.
Additional comments on the inclusion of code P0010
Engine timing between the crankshaft and crankshaft(s) is critical to engine performance and smoothness. This code usually means that the timing is out of alignment at high rpm, causing performance problems when the computer tries to make valve adjustments.
The code is most common on Chevrolet, Subaru and BMW vehicles, although I have seen it on other makes as well. For vehicles with higher mileage, I usually suspect sludge in the engine oil, a clogged coil filter screen, or coil failure.
For lower mileage vehicles, I suspect a problem with the ECM software update, depending on routine maintenance history.
In all these cases, a skilled technician with the proper professional tools and resources will be able to determine the true culprit of the P0010 code.
