P0010 and your Nevada smog check

Variable valve timing lets an engine change when its intake valves open, trading low-speed torque, high-speed power, fuel economy and emissions as conditions change. The computer runs it through an oil control solenoid and an actuator on the camshaft. When it cannot properly drive that circuit, it sets P0010, and the Reno smog check will read the lamp it turns on.

At a glance

• SAE J2012: Intake camshaft position actuator circuit (bank 1).
• It is a circuit code: the computer sees an electrical problem in the actuator control.
• Nevada fails any 1996 or newer light-duty vehicle with the check engine light lit.
• Engine oil matters to cam timing systems; ask a repair shop about oil level and condition.

Cam timing in a few sentences

In the SAE J2012 code list, P0010 is "Intake camshaft position actuator circuit (bank 1)." On engines with variable valve timing, an actuator at the end of the intake camshaft can rotate the cam slightly ahead of or behind its base position. Pressurized engine oil moves the actuator, and an electrically controlled solenoid, often called an oil control valve, decides where that oil goes. The computer commands the solenoid and checks the cam position sensor to confirm the result.

The circuit part of the name is the key. P0010 says the computer has found an electrical problem driving the actuator control, such as an open or shorted solenoid circuit. Related codes in the same family report timing that is over-advanced, over-retarded or slow to respond.

Why the computer lights the lamp

Valve timing affects how completely fuel burns and how much exhaust is drawn back into the cylinders, both of which bear on emissions. When the computer cannot control the timing, it usually parks the cam in a default position. The engine may idle rough, feel weak, or use more fuel, or it may seem normal. In each case OBD II treats the fault as one to report and turns on the light.

If the light is flashing rather than steady, treat it differently. The DMV calls a flashing light a severe malfunction that can damage the catalytic converter, and its advice is to slow down or stop driving and get service right away.

Common causes a repair shop checks

Common causes a repair shop checks for P0010 include the following. The shop decides which one applies and what the repair is.

• A failed oil control solenoid for the intake cam.
• Damaged wiring or a loose, oily or corroded connector at the solenoid.
• Engine oil that is low, dirty or not the grade the manufacturer specifies, which can affect solenoid operation.
• Less often, the computer's driver circuit for the solenoid.

Testing in Washoe County

A Nevada smog check on a 1996 or newer light-duty vehicle reads the OBD II computer through the diagnostic port, and a lit check engine light fails it automatically. A stored P0010 with the lamp lit is a fail, whatever the car feels like.

The DMV still recommends testing. The failed report documents the reason, entitles you to a challenge test at the emissions lab, starts the waiver process, and supports a ten-day movement permit at reduced cost if the registration has expired.

Oil, the light and the timing of your visit

Both Reno locations are inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center, so you can get your oil changed in the same visit as the smog check. Fresh oil is routine maintenance, not a fix for a circuit code, and the smog result still depends on the lamp. If a repair shop clears the code after a repair, give the car up to a week of mixed city and highway driving before the retest; the DMV says testing right after cleared codes brings a not ready rejection.

When the repair gets expensive

If the vehicle still fails after repairs, the Washoe waiver requires receipts of at least $200 in parts and labor at a 2G licensed authorized station for repairs directly related to the failure, or at least $200 in related parts the owner bought within 14 days after the initial test. Our repair and retest page covers the steps.

Check with the dealer about a recall or the federal emissions warranty before paying. Federal law covers some expensive emission components for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles.