P0010 - 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
System
Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)
Technical Description
The control module has detected a fault in the 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1) (P0010). The module sees no circuit at all — broken wire, backed-out pin, or a failed sensor. Affects cylinder bank 1 (bank 1 containing cylinder 1, firewall/right side).
Multimeter Test Points & Nominal Values
| Test Point / Component | Measurement | Nominal Target Range | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1) – Coil Resistance | Resistance (Ω) | 3 - 30 Ω (typical) | Connector disconnected at 20°C |
| 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1) – Duty Cycle | PWM (%) | 5 - 95 % (modulates with target) | Engine running, actuator in control |
| 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1) – Supply Voltage | Voltage (V) | 11.8 - 14.4 V | Ignition ON at connector |
Connector disconnected at 20°C
Engine running, actuator in control
Ignition ON at connector
Oscilloscope Waveform Analysis
2 ms/div, 20 V/divPossible Causes
Open circuit, damaged wiring harness, or disconnected plug at 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
Bank 1 specific:Inspect wiring harness to cylinder bank 1 (firewall/right bank, exposed to exhaust manifold heat).
Channel A:Verify dedicated wiring pins and signal pair for circuit A against the schematic.
Chafed or pinched wiring harness along the signal path to 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
Internal mechanical wear or carbon deposits inside 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
Defective internal output driver or reference circuit in the control module for 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
Symptoms
4
Recommended Solution
Compare signal voltage and resistance between circuit A and companion circuit B at module connector.
Cross-swap the component on Bank 1 with Bank 2 to rule out mechanical oil passages and internal timing wear.
Verify continuity (< 0.5 Ω) on the signal wire between the component plug and the ECM header connector.
Verify loaded supply voltage and harness terminal pins at 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1).
Check circuit continuity and ground-side voltage drop (< 0.05 V) for 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1).
Check supply and the low-side driver at the ECM connector. Replace the actuator or repair the circuit based on the readings.
Mechanic's Tip
Use the scan-tool output test with the scope on the control side at the same time. If duty changes but the actuator does not move, the valve is stuck — not the electrical fault you were chasing.