P0010

Bank 1 intake camshaft position actuator (OCV — oil control valve) circuit fault. The PCM commands the OCV via PWM duty cycle (typically 0-100%) to route engine oil into the cam phaser advance/retard chambers; this code sets when the PCM sees electrical resistance out of spec, a short, or an open circuit — NOT when the cam itself fails to move (that's P0011/P0012). Cheapest-first ladder: (1) Unplug the OCV connector and ohm the solenoid coil — spec is typically 6.9-7.9 ohms on most Toyota/Honda/GM applications, 10-15 ohms on Ford; out-of-spec means replace the solenoid ($35-$120 part). (2) Backprobe the connector with key-on: you should see battery voltage on one pin and PCM ground-side PWM switching on the other — no voltage means check fuse and the wire back to PCM. (3) Pull the OCV and inspect the screen — metallic varnish or sludge on the inlet screen is the #1 cause of intermittent P0010 and it's a $0 fix with brake cleaner. Don't replace the camshaft phaser or timing chain on a P0010 alone — this is a circuit code, not a mechanical code.

Vehicle-specific patterns: 2007-2011 Toyota Camry/RAV4 2AZ-FE and 2GR-FE V6 — OCV inlet screen clogs with oil varnish at 80-120k miles, cleaning the screen clears the code 70% of the time (TSB EG053-08). 2006-2011 Honda Civic/CR-V K24 — VTC OCV solenoid coil opens internally, throws P0010 cold; replace the solenoid, not the actuator. 2005-2010 Ford Escape/Fusion 2.3L Duratec — OCV connector pin fretting from engine vibration, repin the connector with new terminals before throwing parts. 2008-2013 GM 2.4L Ecotec (Equinox, Malibu, Terrain) — known OCV harness chafe against the valve cover, inspect the wire loom routing. Estimated repair: $35 to $280.