Engine

P1380 — Variable Cam Timing Solenoid A Circuit Malfunction

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P1380 means

P1380 on GM vehicles points to an electrical fault in the circuit of variable cam timing solenoid A, also called the oil control valve. The engine computer drives this solenoid to send oil to the camshaft phaser and shift cam timing. If it sees an open, a short or an out-of-range resistance in the circuit, it stores the code and may disable cam phasing.

Symptoms

  • Rough idle
  • Reduced power and sluggish response
  • Rattle on cold start
  • Check Engine light on
  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Possible stalling at idle

Possible causes

  1. Failed VVT solenoid
  2. Low or dirty engine oil
  3. Damaged wiring or connector near the front cover
  4. Corroded solenoid connector pins
  5. Clogged solenoid screen
  6. Rarely, a faulty engine computer

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and freeze frame data, noting any cam position codes
  2. Check oil level and condition
  3. Inspect the solenoid connector and harness for chafing, oil and corrosion
  4. Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare with spec
  5. Check for power and the control signal at the connector
  6. Test wires for opens and shorts to ground
  7. Remove the solenoid and inspect its screen and plunger
  8. Command the solenoid with a scan tool active test

Common fixes

  • Replace the VVT solenoid
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Change oil and filter with the specified grade
  • Clean or replace the solenoid screen
  • Clear the code and road test to confirm

P1380 on different brands

Land Rover
Camshaft position actuator circuit malfunction.
Mazda · manuals
Camshaft position actuator circuit, bank 1.

Questions and answers

Can I drive with P1380?

For a short time, such as to a shop, yes, but power will drop and the engine may run rough. Don't put off the repair and keep an eye on the oil level.

What most often causes P1380?

Usually a failed VVT solenoid, dirty or low oil, or damaged wiring near the front cover. Start with the oil and the connector.

Will an oil change fix it?

If dirty or low oil is the cause, it can help, especially with cleaning the solenoid screen. If the circuit has an electrical fault, you'll need a wiring repair or a new solenoid.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.