P1393 — Variable Cam Timing Overretarded (Bank #2)

How do I diagnose P1393 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm P1393, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the camshaft position and variable valve timing, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What does OBD2 code P1393 mean?

Variable Cam Timing Overretarded (Bank #2) (P1393): a powertrain (engine/transmission) fault affecting the camshaft position and variable valve timing. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Most often caused by stuck or clogged VVT oil control valve (OCV), worn timing chain/belt or jumped timing, damaged sensor wiring or reluctor ring.

How much does it cost to fix P1393?

Replace the VVT oil control valve — $200–$500; Replace the camshaft position sensor — $120–$350; Timing chain/belt repair — $800–$2,500. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What is the most common cause of P1393?

The most common causes are: stuck or clogged VVT oil control valve (OCV), worn timing chain/belt or jumped timing, damaged sensor wiring or reluctor ring.

Will P1393 clear itself?

Sometimes P1393 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

P1393 points to a problem with the variable valve timing system on the engine's second bank. The powertrain control module stores this code when it detects that the camshaft position has fallen too far behind the commanded angle — in other words, an over-retarded condition. Modern engines use VVT to optimize power output, fuel economy, and emissions by adjusting cam timing based on RPM, load, and temperature. The control module continuously compares the commanded cam position against the actual position reported by the camshaft position sensor. When the actual timing lags behind the target by more than the acceptable threshold for a set number of drive cycles, P1393 gets stored and the Check Engine light activates. Freeze frame data captured with the code is your diagnostic starting point — it shows RPM, engine load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault was detected, helping you reproduce the failure condition during testing.

Symptoms of P1393

When P1393 is active, the engine typically runs rougher than normal. You'll likely see the Check Engine light illuminated on the dash. Low-end torque suffers noticeably, and overall engine power feels diminished during acceleration. Fuel economy typically worsens as the engine struggles to maintain proper timing. Hard starting or longer-than-normal cranking periods are common, especially if the VVT system cannot achieve adequate oil pressure at startup. In the most severe cases — typically when timing has jumped significantly — the engine may fail to start entirely.

Common Causes of P1393

The most frequent culprit behind P1393 is a faulty cam phaser that can no longer move freely or hold position. These hydraulic components wear out over time and may fail to advance or retard as commanded. A stuck or clogged VVT oil control valve is another common cause — if the solenoid that meters oil pressure to the phaser becomes blocked with sludge or fails electrically, proper cam adjustment becomes impossible. A stretched or jumped timing chain disrupts the relationship between crankshaft and camshaft position, which the control module interprets as incorrect cam timing. Damaged wiring or connectors to the camshaft position sensor can send corrupted data to the ECM. A worn or damaged reluctor ring on the cam sensor can also produce inaccurate position signals. In some cases, insufficient or degraded engine oil prevents the VVT system from operating correctly.

How to Diagnose P1393

Before tearing anything apart, connect an OBD2 scanner and confirm P1393 is stored. Save the freeze frame data — this snapshot of engine conditions when the fault set is essential for recreating the failure scenario. Next, check for any other stored trouble codes. Related codes often point toward the actual root cause, such as oil pressure issues or electrical faults. It's also worth searching manufacturer technical service bulletins for your specific make and model — the manufacturer may have issued a software update or recognized repair procedure for this exact code. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors feeding the camshaft position sensor and VVT solenoid for chafing, corrosion, broken wires, or loose connections. Check your engine oil level and condition — VVT systems depend on clean oil at proper pressure, and neglected oil is a frequent cause of VVT malfunction. Use your scanner's live data to compare the commanded cam position against the actual reading while varying engine RPM. Finally, clear the code, complete a drive cycle that mirrors the freeze frame conditions, and verify P1393 does not return.

Repair Options and Costs

Simple fixes should always come before expensive ones. Replacing a faulty VVT oil control valve typically costs between $200 and $500 for parts and labor. If the camshaft position sensor itself has failed, expect to pay $120 to $350 for replacement. Timing chain or belt repairs — necessary when jumped timing or excessive chain stretch is the root cause — run significantly higher at $800 to $2,500 depending on engine design and labor rates.

Total Cost to Fix P1393

Your actual repair bill depends entirely on which component is responsible. Most P1393 diagnoses end with one of the first two fixes — a sensor replacement or VVT solenoid. The timing chain scenario is less common and represents the worst-case outcome. Budgeting $120 to $2,500 covers all realistic scenarios. An accurate diagnosis before purchasing parts will save you from buying expensive components you don't need.

Can You Drive with P1393?

Drive with caution. While the engine may continue running, expect poor performance, reduced power, and potentially a failsafe limp mode. On interference engines — where valves and pistons occupy the same space — a jumped timing condition poses serious risk of catastrophic engine damage if driven long distances. Have this diagnosed before any extended trip.

Related OBD2 codes

• P1300: Multi-faults - Bank 1 - With Low Side Shorts
• P1301: Multi-faults - Bank 2 - With Low Side Shorts
• P1302: Injector High Sides Shorted Together
• P1303: IDM Failure
• P1304: Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active
• P1305: Boost Calibration Fault