Check engine code: p0011

2018 CHEVROLET CRUZE
47,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DOCTORHINATA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Since December I've gotten the check engine code p0011. Each and every time all but one, my car went into limp mode. But somehow after letting it sit for a while, I would turn the car on to see that the light had vanished, and my car would drive as normal. I'm just concerned as to why this is happening as I've never heard of a check engine light turning off by itself. I believe I have an idea but need a professional's opinion. Thank you all.
May 10, 2022 at 1:50 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

The code indicates an issue within the intake camshaft position sensor. That will put it in limp mode.

When this happens, does it happen when driving for an extended time or only on short trips? Also, is the engine oil clean and full?

Let me know. I attached information related to the code below. It explains a description of the code, symptoms, and what to check. Take a look through it and let me know if it helps you.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
May 10, 2022 at 8:04 PM
Avatar
DOCTORHINATA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Just got the oil changed. It still came on even after that. I'm assuming it maybe because the oil was still thick from it being cold out and I didn't let my engine heat up before I did heavy driving. Do you think that could be why? It's only come on when pushing it in cold weather before it's heated up and when my engine was really low on dirty oil.
May 11, 2022 at 2:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

It is possible. Because of design, it is really important to keep the oil clean and serviced on a regular basis.

Now that it is warming up outside, does there seem to be any improvement? Also, if you just changed the oil, do me a favor. Check it to see if it is clean. I ask because there are detergents in oil. If the engine is really dirty inside, it will cause the oil to get dirty right away.

Let me know.

Joe

May 11, 2022 at 7:53 PM
Avatar
DOCTORHINATA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The oil is very much clean and brand new. Last time I got the light, it was in the 40s and I hadn't let my car warm up and was pushing it up a hill. And prior to that my car was extremely low on oil and the oil was quite dirty. So, after some research on what p0011 meant, I kind of assumed that it has to do with the oil not getting to the valves due to it being dirty, low, or before it gets to the valves. Also, because it goes away on its own instead of staying on.

Though maybe I'm wrong. Otherwise, clean, full oil on a hot day is zero issue at all. No lights.
May 11, 2022 at 7:59 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Okay, what you are saying does make sense. Do this, drive it and see if it continues to stay off. There are screens that can plug the oil flow to the cam actuators.

If it does come back on, let me know and we'll go from there.

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe
May 11, 2022 at 8:08 PM
Avatar
DOCTORHINATA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you, I really appreciate your help!
May 11, 2022 at 8:51 PM