Error Code P0011 - SOLVED (replaced variable valve timing solenoid)

Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)

Code P0011 indicates that the Bank1 Intake Camshaft Position timing was advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period of time.

What is that? How much should I worry? Is it something I can fix myself? Autozone said 1) check the oil level. 2) am I sure that it’s 0w20? 3)some stuff I didn’t understand. I have an appointment at White Bear Mitsubishi for Monday after work, but I want to do some driving this weekend. *They* said I could drive.

Do you have anything plugged into your OBD-II port?

Not typically, but I had the reader I borrowed from Autozone which is where I got the code. I think the answer you are looking for is no.

Let us know what they say. First I have heard of this code on these cars.

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Originally Posted by Dark Magenta

Not typically, but I had the reader I borrowed from Autozone which is where I got the code. I think the answer you are looking for is no.

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Oh, so you didn't have anything plugged in your OBD-II port when your Check Engine light illuminated, right? So we can eliminate that as a cause.

Actually, you didn't mention if you got a Check Engine light or not, so I could be off base there.

Correct. I plugged the OBD2in because of the warning light.

So if I understand correctly the valve timing is handled by a hydraulic device attached to the camshaft whose engine oil feed is controlled by a electric solenoid.

Is it possible to clear this code and see if it comes back?

I didn’t clear the code with the borrowed Autozone reader. I suppose I could go back today and see...

Finally got to Autozone and they said their Obd2 wouldn’t clear the codes (covering their asses?), but I could unplug my battery for 10-15 minutes and that would clear it. I just got back from driving around for 10 minutes and it hadn’t turned back on yet. If it doesn’t turn on during my 15 minute drive to work in the morning, I’m cancelling the appointment. White Bear Mitsubishi said if it wasn’t a warranty issue, they’d charge me over $100 to diagnose the it.
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Any more thoughts are welcomed.

edit: ok, it’s back on.

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Originally Posted by Dark Magenta

Finally got to Autozone and they said their Obd2 wouldn’t clear the codes...but I could unplug my battery for 10-15 minutes and that would clear it.

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They probably aren't allowed to clear codes for liability reasons.
Disconnecting the battery does not clear OBD codes.

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White Bear Mitsubishi said if it wasn’t a warranty issue, they’d charge me over $100 to diagnose it.

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They say this to everyone who calls in and describes a problem over the phone...because most customers don't know what they're doing. If your car is still under the powertrain warranty, it will be covered (as long as the cause isn't something completely crazy...like mice ate your wiring).

I've seen this code in another make/model of vehicle. There are cam actuators (sometimes called "variable valve timing solenoids") which control the movement of the cams and there are cam position sensors which tell the computer what the position of each cam currently is. Typically one of these devices is involved with this code.

Disclaimer: That is not a diagnosis and I'm not telling you to just replace all of those parts. :)

Spend $20 and get your own OBDII code reader. :)