P0010 fault code: 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit

P0010 means “'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit” — a fuel and air metering fault in the powertrain.

Can I DIY?

Professional-only boundary. You may scan P0010 and look at the actuator plug; circuit or timing work is for a garage.

Do not DIYReviewed page boundary
ToolsSpecialist equipment

This is the conservative boundary from the reviewed code record. This page has no frozen site-wide safety grade, so it does not publish a repair route.

What to tell the garage about P0010

Do not drive. The computer cannot drive the intake-side camshaft actuator because it sees an electrical-circuit problem — wiring, connector or the actuator itself — not a confirmed jumped cambelt. No verified drive rating is listed.

Take these reviewed, code-specific details with you. They help the garage confirm the fault without turning this page into a repair procedure.

  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Registration number
  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Exact code P0010 and any companion codes
  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Whether the engine starts, stalls, or the engine management light flashes
  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Whether the camshaft actuator plug looked seated (visual only)
Hot systems

Never open a hot coolant cap — pressure can scald you. Exhaust and catalytic converter get hot enough to burn and ignite debris. Stay clear of electric fans; they can run after shut-off.

P00xxFuel and air metering
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0010 mean?

P0010 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P00xx block, which covers fuel and air metering. The stored description is “'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0010 fail an MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT until the fault is repaired and the light stays off.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe.
P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High P0005Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit/Open P0006Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit Low P0007Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit High P0008Engine Position System Performance

P0010 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0010?

Do not drive. Driveability guidance is not available for this code — treat as do not drive until checked.

Will P0010 fail my MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT until the fault is repaired and the light stays off.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.