VVT 'A' over-advanced Bank 1 on Renault — 1.2 TCe H5F and 1.6 dCi R9M VVT solenoid and oil sludge.
Renault P0011 — VVT 'A' over-advanced Bank 1 on Renault — 1.2 TCe H5F and 1.6 dCi R9M VVT solenoid and oil sludge. Typical UK independent garage cost: £65–£480.
What actually causes P0011 on a Renault
Renault P0011 is normally a VVT solenoid with sludge — service history is everything. H5F has a known oil-consumption recall era; check VIN.
Renault engines that log P0011
- 1.2 TCe H5F (Clio/Captur)
- 1.6 dCi R9M (Megane/Kadjar)
- 2.0 M4R (Megane/Scenic)
How we diagnose P0011 on a Renault
- Check H5F recall position
- Inspect oil condition
- Test VVT solenoid
- Live cam deviation
The common misdiagnosis to avoid
H5F engines burning oil log P0011 from sludge — fresh oil and a VVT solenoid often clears it temporarily; long-term the engine needs the recall remedy.
Renault P0011 repair cost in the UK
Expect £65–£480 including parts and labour at an independent garage. Main-dealer quotes on Renault are usually higher for the same job, and the spread exists because the cheap cause and the expensive cause throw the same code — pay for the diagnosis before you pay for parts.
Bob's workshop tip
Clio H5F P0011 — recall check first. If covered, dealer fix.
Codes usually seen alongside P0011 on Renault
- P0014
- P0341
Symptoms drivers report with P0011
- Engine rattles like a 'bag of nails' for 3 seconds on a cold start.
- The car felt fine on the motorway, but now it stalls every time I stop at a roundabout.
- Noticeable 'flat spot' or hesitation when trying to overtake in 3rd gear.
- Lumpy, hunting idle that makes the gearstick vibrate.
- Fuel economy has tanked—getting about 10mpg less than usual.
Repairs that clear P0011
- Engine flush and oil change
- Replace VVT solenoid
- Replace cam phaser if needed
For the generic, all-makes explanation of this code — meaning, every known cause and UK cost bands — see our P0011 guide.