P0011 on 2013-2016 Scion FR-S: Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2016 Scion FR-S

The 2.0L FA20 engine, a joint effort between Subaru and Toyota, features a Dual AVCS system that is highly sensitive to engine oil level, cleanliness, and viscosity. Unlike some other engines, P0011 on the FR-S, BRZ, and 86 platform is very frequently traced back to simple oil-related issues or a failed Oil Control Valve (OCV) solenoid, rather than more complex mechanical timing problems. Owner forums are filled with accounts of this specific code being resolved by an oil change or a quick OCV swap.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough, unstable, or low idle
• Engine stalling, especially when coming to a stop
• Hesitation or sluggish acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Rattling noise from the engine bay on startup or when accelerating.
• Difficulty starting the engine / extended crank time.

Most Likely Causes

1. Low, Dirty, or Incorrect Viscosity Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The FA20's AVCS system is entirely dependent on oil pressure to actuate the cam phasers. Low levels, contamination from infrequent oil changes, or using oil other than the specified 0W-20 can impede the system's ability to function correctly, causing the phaser to stick or respond slowly.
   How to confirm: Check the oil dipstick for proper level and inspect the oil's condition. If it's dark, gritty, below the minimum level, or past its change interval, it's the first and most likely suspect. 🎬 Watch: Why you should check your oil before replacing parts.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using a quality full synthetic 0W-20 oil and a new oil filter.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Faulty Bank 1 (Passenger Side) Intake Oil Control Valve (OCV) Solenoid 🔴 High Probability These solenoids can get clogged with sludge from dirty oil or fail electronically over time, causing them to stick open or closed and improperly regulate oil flow to the cam phaser.
   How to confirm: The most effective DIY method is to swap the Bank 1 (passenger side) intake OCV with the Bank 2 (driver's side) intake OCV. Clear the codes and drive the car. If the code returns as P0021 (the Bank 2 equivalent), the solenoid is confirmed bad. You can also test the solenoid's resistance (should be around 6.9-7.9 Ohms at 68°F) or apply 12V to see if it actuates.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty Oil Control Valve solenoid. It is recommended to use a genuine OEM part.
   Est. part cost: $80-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Intake Camshaft Sprocket (AVCS Actuator): → Shop Engine Camshaft The sprocket itself can fail internally, getting stuck in an advanced position. This is more likely if you hear a rattling noise from the front of the engine. A mechanic noted that even new sprockets can sometimes stick and recommended soaking them in oil before installation.
• Stretched Timing Chain or Timing Issue: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While less common than OCV failure, a stretched chain or skipped tooth can cause correlation issues. This is a more involved mechanical repair and often presents with a rattling noise.
• Misaligned Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel: This is a very specific issue that has been reported on ft86club.com after a clutch replacement. If the code appears immediately after this service, the reluctor wheel behind the flywheel may have been installed incorrectly without aligning it to the dowel pin, causing incorrect crankshaft position readings.
• Clogged Oil Passages or Oil Filter Screen: → Shop Engine Oil Filter Adapter There are small mesh filters in the oil passages leading to the OCVs. Debris from a failing engine or excessive sludge can clog these screens, starving the AVCS system of oil pressure even if the OCV itself is functional. A Subaru service bulletin mentions checking and cleaning these filters.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check Engine Oil: Verify the oil level is full and the oil is clean. If it's low, dirty, or the wrong viscosity, perform an oil and filter change with 0W-20 synthetic oil, clear the code, and see if it returns. This is the most common fix.
2. Inspect Wiring: Check the electrical connector and wiring for the Bank 1 (passenger side) intake OCV for any damage, corrosion, or oil contamination.
3. Swap OCV Solenoids: Swap the passenger-side intake OCV with the driver-side intake OCV. They are identical parts and held in by a single 10mm bolt. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle.
4. Analyze New Codes: If the code returns as P0021 (Bank 2), the OCV you moved is faulty and needs to be replaced. If P0011 returns, the problem lies elsewhere on Bank 1.
5. Test OCV Manually: With the OCV removed, you can apply a 12V power source to its terminals to see if the internal plunger moves. A lack of movement confirms failure. Resistance should measure between 6.9 and 7.9 ohms.
🎬 See this walkthrough on how to test a VVT solenoid.
6. Advanced Diagnostics: If the steps above do not resolve the issue, the problem may be a faulty camshaft sprocket (phaser), a clogged oil passage screen, or a timing chain issue. This requires more in-depth mechanical diagnosis, possibly with a professional scan tool to monitor live cam angle data.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Oil Control Valve (VVT Solenoid), Bank 1 Intake (OEM #SU003-07584 (Toyota/Scion) or 10921AA231 (Subaru)) — This is the most common part to fail and cause P0011 after oil issues are ruled out. It controls the oil flow to the cam phaser. 🎬 Watch: How to replace or upgrade your FA20 oil control valve. The Subaru part 10921AA231 supersedes older versions 10921AA230 and 10921AA220.
  Trusted brands: Toyota/Scion (OEM), Subaru (OEM), Standard Motor Products, Denso
  OEM price range: $90-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$120

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0021 — This is the same 'over-advanced' code but for Bank 2 (driver's side). Seeing P0011 and P0021 together strongly points to a systemic oil problem (low level, low pressure, wrong viscosity) affecting both sides of the engine.
• P000A — This code indicates a slow response from the Bank 1 intake camshaft position actuator. It often appears with P0011 and points directly to a sluggish or failing OCV or cam phaser.
• P0016 / P0018 — These are crankshaft-to-camshaft correlation codes. If you see these alongside P0011, it increases the likelihood of a serious mechanical timing problem, like a stretched timing chain, a sticking cam sprocket, or a misaligned reluctor wheel.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Subaru Service Bulletin EG001-13: While not for the FR-S specifically, this TSB for related Subaru models addresses AVCS codes (including P0011) and provides a detailed diagnostic flowchart, emphasizing checking oil condition, OCV function, and the internal oil filter screens in the cam carriers.
• MC-10160490-9999.pdf (Subaru Technical Document): While not a TSB for a specific fix, this document, referenced by mechanics, details the operation and diagnosis of the AVCS system used in the FA20 engine.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• There are multiple OEM part numbers for the OCVs depending on the specific production date of the vehicle. It is critical to verify the correct part number using the vehicle's VIN. Part numbers SU003-07584 (Toyota) and 10921AA231 (Subaru) are the most current and common for the Scion FR-S.
• A known issue after clutch replacement is the appearance of P0011 and other timing codes. This is often caused by the crankshaft reluctor wheel, located behind the flywheel, being installed without being properly aligned on its dowel pin.
• In a documented case on ft86club.com, a user with recurring P0011 found the code would only appear during stop-and-go traffic when oil temperatures exceeded 200°F, suggesting a potential oil pressure drop at higher temperatures that was affecting the AVCS system.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• AVCS Learned Initial Camshaft Degree (Intake) — expected: -52 to -72 degrees. Failure: A value outside of this range (e.g., 46 degrees) points to a faulty camshaft phaser/sprocket.
• OCV / VVT Solenoid Power Supply Voltage — expected: Battery voltage. Failure: No voltage at the OCV connector's power pin when the ignition is on indicates a wiring or main relay issue.
• OCV / VVT Solenoid Resistance — expected: 6.9 - 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Failure: Resistance outside this range indicates a failed solenoid coil.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Autel, Techstream, or similar advanced scanner: Live Data: 'Intake Sprocket Duty Cycle Command %' vs 'Intake Sprocket Duty Cycle Actual %' — Use this to see if the ECU's command to the OCV is being followed by the cam phaser. A discrepancy points to a hydraulic (oil pressure) or mechanical (sticking phaser/OCV) problem.
• Autel, Techstream, or similar advanced scanner: Special Function / ECM Module: View 'Learned Value' for cam sprockets — This is a critical check before replacing parts. If the learned initial degree is out of spec, the phaser itself is the likely culprit, not just the OCV solenoid.
• Most bidirectional scan tools: Actuator Test: Activate Bank 1 Intake OCV — This command directly tells the OCV to open. When activated at idle, the engine should hesitate or stall. If nothing happens, it confirms a failure in the OCV, its wiring, or the oil passages.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• AVCS Oil Control Valve Filter Screens — Inside the cylinder heads, in the oil passages leading to the AVCS solenoids. There are four total in the engine.. These tiny mesh filters can become clogged with engine sludge or sealant debris (especially after a valve spring recall service), starving the AVCS system of oil pressure and causing P0011 even if the OCV and oil level are good.
• OCV Solenoid Connector — The electrical plug on the front of the Oil Control Valve solenoid, located on the front timing cover.. This two-pin connector provides power and control. One pin should have battery voltage with the key on; the other is the control signal from the ECU. Oil leaking into this connector from a bad O-ring can disrupt the signal and cause intermittent issues.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• ft86club.com forum users (2013-2016 Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ, various mileages) — Multiple timing codes (P0011, P0016, P0018, P0021) appeared immediately after a clutch replacement.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing all four camshaft position sensors., Swapping OCV solenoids., Inspecting timing chains and front-engine components.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The crankshaft reluctor wheel, which is located behind the flywheel, was installed incorrectly. It must be aligned with a small dowel pin during installation. When misaligned, it sends incorrect crankshaft position data to the ECU, triggering a cascade of timing codes. The fix was to remove the transmission and flywheel to properly align the reluctor wheel.
• ft86club.com user Bianc_203 (2016 Scion FR-S) — Intermittent P0011 code that only appeared during stop-and-go traffic when oil temperatures rose above 200°F. A flickering oil pressure light was also observed at hot idle.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing all four Oil Control Valve (OCV) solenoids., Performing an oil change.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The thread did not have a final confirmed fix from the original poster, but the strong community consensus was a loss of oil pressure at higher temperatures. This was likely caused by clogged oil passages or a failing oil pump, potentially from excessive RTV sealant used during a previous engine service, which is a known issue on the platform.
• NHTSA ODI #11235071 — An owner reported that once the engine warmed up, it began to sound like it was being hit by a hammer and threw a P0011 code. Diagnostic testing revealed oil pressure was only 5 PSI at idle and 40 PSI at 5000 RPM.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 10921AA220, 10921AA230 (Subaru) → 10921AA231 (Subaru) / SU003-07584 (Toyota) — The updated part features more robust electronics and construction to improve reliability and prevent premature failure.
  Heads up: The older parts are known to be a failure point and should always be replaced with the latest revision (10921AA231) if service is required.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014: For the 2014 model year, the FA20 engine received updated rocker arms and rocker pivots with revised oiling holes. This was suspected to address a tendency for the engine to kick out rocker arms.
• 2015-2016: Starting in 2015, the FR-S received an updated engine wiring harness and improved coil packs, which could affect diagnosis of electrical-related fault codes.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0021 — Bank 2 (Driver's Side) Intake Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced. This is the exact Bank 2 equivalent of P0011. If you swap the passenger and driver side OCVs during diagnosis, the code will change to P0021 if the solenoid is faulty.
• P0340 — Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit. Related to the camshaft position sensors, which owners sometimes swap during P0011 diagnosis to see if the code follows the sensor rather than the OCV.
• P0010 — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). Relates to the electrical wiring and connector for the Bank 1 OCV, which diagnostic steps recommend checking for damage, corrosion, or oil contamination.
• P0012 — Intake Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). Shares the exact same root causes as P0011, such as low/dirty 0W-20 oil, clogged oil passages, or a sticking OCV solenoid.
• P0300 — Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected. Often accompanies P0011 due to the rough, unstable idle and engine stalling symptoms caused by the stuck cam phaser altering valve timing.

Frequently Asked Questions