Electrical fault with the exhaust VVT solenoid on bank 1.
P0013 — also written POO13, P 0013, 0013 — is the OBD-II code for exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit (bank 1). Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
This is an electrical moan from the exhaust variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid. It’s a classic headache on Vauxhall Astras and Insignias where the internal coil fails or the wiring gets fried.
P0013 is a engine fault code, typically costing £80–£400 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0013 actually feels like to drive
- The car feels 'flat' and gutless when you're trying to overtake on the A9.
- The engine light is glowing, and the stop/start system has completely packed up.
- A weird rattling or 'dieseling' sound for a few seconds when you first start it from cold.
- Lumpy idle that feels like it’s about to stall at the traffic lights.
- Noticeable drop in MPG—you're getting about 50 miles less to a tank than usual.
What causes P0013?
- Failed solenoid
- Loose connector
- Wiring damage
UK vehicles that throw P0013 most often
- Vauxhall Astra J 1.4 Turbo (A14NET) 2010-2015
- BMW 1 Series (N43/N13 engines) 2007-2015
- Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 (A20NFT) 2008-2017
- Peugeot 208/308 1.4/1.6 VTi (Prince Engine) 2008-2015
- Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 VTi 2007-2013
- Chevrolet Cruze 1.6/1.8 VVT 2009-2015
How P0013 is fixed
- Replace solenoid
- Repair wiring
The P0013 misdiagnosis that wastes money
I see people throwing 'cheap-and-cheerful' camshaft position sensors at this code all day long, but they’re barking up the wrong tree. P0013 is an electrical circuit code for the actuator (the solenoid), not the sensor itself. The real culprit is usually the solenoid coil failing internally or, more often than not, the connector being soaked in oil. People also blame the timing chain—while the chains stretch for fun on these Vauxhalls and BMWs, a P0013 is strictly electrical. Don't let a garage sell you a £800 chain kit until they've checked the £40 solenoid.
What a UK garage should charge for P0013
Expect to pay between £50 and £90 for a proper diagnostic plug-in to confirm the solenoid is actually dead. An OEM-quality part (like Bosch or Delphi) usually runs between £45 and £110 depending on the car. Labour should only be half an hour to an hour—around £40 to £80 in a decent indie garage. Main dealers will easily double these prices, charging upwards of £150 per hour plus a hefty markup on the 'genuine' boxed part which is usually just a re-branded Pierburg anyway.
P0013 repair cost in the UK
Most P0013 repairs land between £80–£400 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0013
When you call the garage, don't just ask for a 'cam sensor'. Ask them to ‘scope the VVT solenoid PWM signal’. If they look at you like you’ve got two heads, find another garage. On the Vauxhall 1.4 turbos and the BMW 1 Series, these solenoids are right at the top of the engine. It’s a 10-minute job to swap them. If the garage quotes you two hours of labour, they’re taking the Michael. Also, insist they use a Bosch or Pierburg replacement; the unbranded ones from eBay often have the wrong resistance and will ping the EML (Engine Management Light) back on within a week.
Can you drive with P0013?
Drivable.
Urgency: medium.