Engine code
P0013: Exhaust camshaft timing stuck (bank 1)
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $60 | $500 |
| Labor: 1 to 4.5 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $125 | $788 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $30 |
| Total, rounded | $190 | $1,325 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, vvt solenoid / cam phaser repair. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer commands the exhaust camshaft on cylinder 1's bank to move to a set position using oil pressure and a control solenoid. It reports that the cam is not following the order, so it is stuck or slow. Dirty oil, a clogged screen or a failing solenoid are common causes.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Dirty or low engine oil
Short, gentle drives are usually okay, but fix it soon; stop if the engine rattles, stalls or the oil light comes on.
What you may notice
- Rough idle
- Loss of power
- Check-engine light on
- Ticking or rattle at startup
Common causes, most likely first
- Dirty or low engine oil
- Failing VVT or cam phaser solenoid
- Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner
- Clogged oil screen on the solenoid
- Wrong cam position sensor signal
Check this first
Check the oil level and how long since the last change. Old or low oil is the most common cause of timing-control codes.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0013
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Timing chain replacement | $1,250 to $2,850 |
| Camshaft position sensor replacement | $110 to $370 |
| Oil and filter change | $80 to $190 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0013 questions
Can low oil cause this?
Yes. The cam phasers move using oil pressure, so low, thin or sludgy oil can leave them slow to respond. Fresh oil of the right grade is the simplest and least costly thing to try first.
Why does the code mention the exhaust camshaft?
Many engines carry separate intake and exhaust camshafts, and this code tells the shop that the exhaust one is not following commands. That points them to the right solenoid and circuit.
Is a timing chain involved?
Sometimes. When oil and the solenoid check out, a stretched chain or a worn tensioner can allow the cam to drift. A rattle on cold start supports that idea, and a scan-tool test can confirm it.
How much does it cost to fix P0013?
The most common fix, vvt solenoid / cam phaser repair, has a typical range of $190 to $1,325 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Related codes
- P0011: Intake camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 1)
- P0012: Intake camshaft timing too far behind (bank 1)
- P0014: Exhaust camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 1)
- P0016: Crankshaft and camshaft not lining up (bank 1)
More engine codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.