P0011 on RAM: How to Diagnose & Fix
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
1 RAM model · 1 documented issue · $150-$3,200 repair
P0011 on RAM by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
On the RAM 1500, P0011 is overwhelmingly a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) fault on the 5.7L Hemi, and secondarily on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The Hemi uses a single central cam phaser fed oil pressure through one oil control valve (the VVT solenoid, mounted at the front of the engine near the timing cover). The PCM commands the phaser to a target intake-cam angle and monitors the actual angle via the cam/crank sensors. When the solenoid's fine oil screen clogs with sludge/varnish, or the solenoid sticks, oil flow to the phaser is no longer regulated and the intake cam advances past the commanded position — the PCM flags P0011 (over-advanced, bank 1). The root cause is almost always oil-related: extended oil-change intervals, low level, or off-spec/thick oil that will not flow through the small VVT passages, especially on cold starts. On higher-mileage Hemis, a P0011 (often alongside P0016/P000B) can also be the leading edge of the well-known Hemi cam/lifter wear failure — wear metal contaminating the oil seizes the phaser and solenoid, so P0011 should not be dismissed as 'just a solenoid' on a ticking, high-mileage engine.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with stored P0011
- Rough idle / occasional stumble, especially at cold start
- Slightly reduced fuel economy
- Hesitation or lack of power under acceleration
- Ticking noise (on higher-mileage Hemis where cam/lifter wear is involved)
- Hard start or brief rough running on cold mornings
How to Fix
Start with the cheap, high-yield steps: verify oil level and do a fresh oil-and-filter change using correct-viscosity oil (5W-20 on the Hemi), then clear the code and retest — dirty/degraded oil is the single most common trigger. If P0011 returns, replace the VVT/oil-control solenoid (clean the screen or renew), and perform the required cam/crank relearn afterward. If codes persist after a new solenoid, or the engine ticks and has high mileage, inspect the cam phaser, timing chain/guides and — critically on the Hemi — the camshaft lobes and lifters (MDS lifters), since VVT timing codes frequently accompany the cam/lifter failure. On the 3.6 Pentastar, also confirm the oil-filter-housing/cooler is not leaking and starving oil pressure.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 53022338AB VVT oil control valve
2009-2023 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI within this card as represented by the OE catalog; confirm VIN and current supersession.
- Dorman 916-957 variable valve timing solenoid
5.7L HEMI Ram 1500 applications listed by the live retailer; verify exact year and OE 53022338AB cross-reference.
- Dorman 916-957 variable valve timing solenoid
Listing explicitly covers select 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2013-2020 Ram 1500; confirm 5.7L engine and OE cross-reference.
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Sources for this issue (4)
P0011 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0011 mean on a RAM?
P0011 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy. On RAM it is documented across 1 model: 1500.
What are the most common causes of P0011?
The most common causes of P0011 are: Stuck or faulty camshaft (VVT) oil control valve / solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil restricting actuator movement, Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser / actuator stuck advanced, Wrong oil viscosity or overdue oil change, Wiring or connector fault to the VVT solenoid, Faulty camshaft position sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0011 on a RAM?
Published repair estimates on RAM range from $150 to $3,200 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0011 on a different make?
View P0011 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.