P0011 Code for Chevy Impala

[Halyn]

Hi All,

I’ve posted about this before but I now come armed with a code!

I have a 2006 Chevy Impala LS with the 3.5 V6.

I have a code P0011 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

The car shifts poorly and accelerates very sharply (in other words, you can put your foot on the accelerator, and one second later the car springs to life with too much power).

I have replaced the cam shaft sensor before. Kinda at a loss here!

Topic

[college man]

see if this helps.

[Halyn]

Thanks, but there isn’t anything displaying in your post.

[Bill]

A code P0011 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car’s PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0011 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing.

In this case, if the cam timing is above a set limit (over-advanced), the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. The “A” camshaft is either the intake, left, or front camshaft.

A P0011 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:

Incorrect camshaft timing
Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)

This DTC code is a result of a mechanical fault of the VCT unit or related components, so there is no need for electrical diagnosis.

I copied this from Fixya as i couldn’t explain this any better myself. The over sensitive acceleration is caused be overadvanced cam timing.

[Halyn]

So how complicated and expensive of a fix are we looking at?

An even better question might be: what could happen if I don’t fix it at all and live with the sensitive acceleration and rough shifts?

[Bill]

I don’t think it will harm anything if you go easy on it but something you can try is an engine oil flush. I don’t really believe in hot oil flushes but sometimes they do have their place. If a solenoid or actuator is stuck from deposits it might free it up.

I have used a product from B.G. products that works well without being too harsh. Problem is only professionals can buy it. You could look for a repair facility in your area that uses B.G. products and have them do the job for you.

[Halyn]

Thanks for the valuable information. I’m not a auto tech by any stretch…but it helps me point others in the right direction.

Here’s another thing: this code most often appears whenever I use cruise control and the car downshifts. I have since learned that I shouldn’t let the car downshift in cruise control, but I didn’t at the time.

[Bill]

When it comes to variable valve timing components nothing is cheap for sure. I would say it’s quite complicated for the average guy to repair.

[Halyn]

I guess that means I’m living with it until I can either fix it or just trade it in for something else!

[Bill]

If i find out more info on it i’ll post it for you.

[college man]

[quote=”kydude101″ post=65181]Thanks, but there isn’t anything displaying in your post.[/quote]

Try using firefox or update plugins to view the video.

[Author]

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