P0011 on 2024 Acura Integra Type S: VTC System Malfunction Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2024-2024 Acura Integra Type S

While P0011 on many vehicles points to mechanical issues like a bad solenoid or low oil, the 2024 Integra Type S has a known, documented software problem as the primary cause. Acura released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 24-026 in April 2024, which states the P0011 code is likely due to a "lack of oil control by the PCM" that can be fixed with a software update. This is corroborated by a nearly identical TSB for the mechanically identical Honda Civic Type R (FL5), TSB #A24-070, making this a well-defined platform-specific issue rather than a typical component failure. Forum users on both IntegraForums and CivicXI.com confirm that prior to the TSB release, dealers were sometimes replacing parts with no success, but the software update is now the definitive fix.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
• Emissions System Problem message on the dashboard
• Rough or unstable idle, especially on startup
• Poor acceleration and reduced engine power
• Decreased fuel economy
• Automatic rev-matching system may be disabled

Most Likely Causes

1. PGM-FI Software Requires Update 🔴 High Probability This is a known issue documented by Acura in TSB 24-026 for all 2024 Integra Type S models. The logic in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for controlling the VTC actuator can be overly aggressive, causing the camshaft timing to overshoot its target. This is confirmed by owner experiences on forums where the software update resolved the issue permanently.
   How to confirm: An Acura dealer must check the vehicle's current software version against the updated version specified in TSB 24-026. Owners on forums reported that before the TSB was widely known, dealers would just clear the code, only for it to return until the software was updated.
   Typical fix: The dealer will update the PGM-FI software, then perform a Camshaft Position (CMP) learn and an Intake VTC (IN-VTC) learn procedure. This is covered under the vehicle's factory warranty. The entire process, including a required engine cool-down period for the relearn procedure, may require the car to be at the dealer overnight.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The K-series engine's VTC system is hydraulic and highly sensitive to oil level, 🎬 See an in-depth look at how the K-series VTC system works. pressure, and cleanliness. While a software issue is more likely on this specific model, incorrect oil level remains a fundamental check. The TSB itself lists checking the oil level as the first diagnostic step.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level using the dipstick and inspect the oil's condition. The TSB itself lists checking the oil level as the first step before proceeding to the software update.
   Typical fix: Top off or change the engine oil and filter using the correct viscosity (0W-20).
   Est. part cost: $50-$90
3. Faulty VTC Oil Control Solenoid (Spool Valve) ⚪ Low Probability While less likely on a new vehicle than the software issue, solenoid failure is a common cause for P0011 on older Honda/Acura K-series engines. It can become stuck or clogged over time, though this is highly improbable on a 2024 model.
   How to confirm: After confirming the oil is good and the software is updated, a technician can test the solenoid's resistance and function. While no specific value for the K20C1 is published, general VVT solenoids test between 5-20 ohms. It can also be removed and inspected for a clogged screen or stickiness.
   Typical fix: Replace the VTC oil control solenoid.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing VTC Actuator (Cam Phaser): This was a more common issue on older K-series engines, often causing a cold-start rattle. It is very unlikely on a new 2024 model but remains a theoretical possibility if other diagnostics fail.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. Top off or change if necessary.
2. If the oil level is correct, schedule an appointment with an Acura dealer.
3. Reference Acura Service Bulletin 24-026, which describes the P0011 code being caused by a software issue.
4. The dealer will connect the vehicle to their diagnostic system (i-HDS) and verify the current PGM-FI software version.
5. If the software is outdated, the dealer will perform the update.
6. Following the update, the dealer will perform the required CMP and IN-VTC learn procedures to calibrate the system. This may require the vehicle to cool down below 94°F (34°C).
7. If the code returns after the software update, further diagnosis of the VTC solenoid, wiring, and mechanical timing components may be necessary.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• PGM-FI Software Update (OEM #37805-6PV-A030) — This is the new Program ID for the specific fix identified by Acura in TSB 24-026 to correct the logic that controls the VTC system. The old, faulty software is identified by part number 37805-6PV-A01.
  Trusted brands: Acura
  OEM price range: $0 (Warranty)
  Aftermarket price range: N/A
• VTC Oil Control Solenoid / Spool Valve — If the software update does not resolve the issue, this is the next most likely component to fail, though it is extremely rare on a new vehicle. The part number for the K20C1 engine in this vehicle must be confirmed with an Acura dealer, as the previously listed P/N 15810-RNA-A01 is for older K-series engines and is incorrect.
  Trusted brands: Honda OEM
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1009 — This is a Honda/Acura specific code for 'VTC Advance Malfunction' and points to the same system. It can be triggered by the same root causes.
• P0341 — This code for 'Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance' can be triggered if the timing is erratic enough that the sensor's readings are deemed implausible by the computer.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Acura TSB 24-026: 'MIL Is On With DTC P0011' - Specifies a PGM-FI software update as the corrective action.
• Acura TSB Bulletin #B24-026: Notes that the MIL comes on and sets DTC P0011 (Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) A System Malfunction) due to a lack of oil control by the PCM, causing the VTC to overshoot its target.
• Honda TSB A24-070: 'MIL Is On With DTC P0011' - The parallel bulletin for the Honda Civic Type R (FL5), confirming the platform-wide nature of the software issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Acura has issued Service Bulletin 24-026, dated April 16, 2024, for all 2024 Integra Type S models. It states that the check engine light may come on with DTC P0011 due to the PCM's oil control logic causing the VTC to overshoot its target. The corrective action is a software update.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Engine Coolant Temperature for IN-VTC Learn Procedure — expected: Below 94°F (34°C). Failure: The i-HDS tool will not allow the IN-VTC learn procedure to proceed if the engine is hotter than this value.
• Required Dealer Software Version — expected: i-HDS version 1.008.024 or later; HDS Software Version 3.105.028 or later.. Failure: Using older software may not correctly apply the update or perform the relearn procedures.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Acura i-HDS (Honda Diagnostic System): CMP Learning — This procedure must be performed immediately after the PGM-FI software is updated to allow the PCM to learn the new camshaft position sensor values.
• Acura i-HDS (Honda Diagnostic System): Clear and Complete IN-VTC Learn Procedure — This is the final calibration step after the CMP Learn is complete and the engine has cooled below 94°F. It calibrates the operational range of the VTC system to the new software logic.
• Acura i-HDS (Honda Diagnostic System): Jump the SCS line — This is a software-based command used to finalize the learning procedures. The TSB requires this to be done for 60 seconds after both the CMP learn and the IN-VTC learn.
• Acura i-HDS (Honda Diagnostic System): Radiator Fan Function Test — This function can be manually activated by the technician to help speed up the engine cool-down process to get below the 94°F threshold required for the IN-VTC learn procedure.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• VTC Solenoid & CMP Sensor Connectors/Grounds — Specific connector numbers, pinouts, and ground point locations (e.g., G101) for the 2024 Integra Type S are not publicly available in free documentation.. This information would be required for manual voltage and resistance testing of the VTC solenoid and camshaft position sensor circuits. This data is typically found in the official Acura Service Information System, accessible via a paid subscription at techinfo.acura.com.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• IntegraForums user 'norsairius' (2024 Acura Integra Type S) — Check Engine Light with code P0011.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially, the dealer reset the code, but Acura Tech Line advised them not to replace any parts.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user's experience in January 2024 was part of the initial wave of issues. Acura confirmed to the dealer that a software update was in development, which later became TSB 24-026. The implied fix is the official software update.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 37805-6PV-A01 → 37805-6PV-A030 (Program ID) — The original PGM-FI software logic allowed the VTC system to overshoot its target timing advance. The new software corrects this control logic.
  Heads up: 37805-6PV-A01 is the 'failed part number' used for warranty claims and will cause P0011 to appear. The vehicle must be updated to the new software.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• Early 2024 models: 2024 Integra Type S vehicles produced before approximately April 2024 were likely shipped with the original PGM-FI software (ending in A01) and are susceptible to throwing code P0011. Vehicles produced after this date likely have the updated software (ending in A030) from the factory.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Safety Recall: Sticking or Slipping Steering Gearbox 🔴 High — Widespread enough to trigger a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V-353, Acura TSB 24-054) affecting 2023-2025 Integra models, including the Type S. Owners report the steering wheel may not return to center smoothly. (Ref: Acura TSB 24-054 / NHTSA 24V-353)
• Wastegate Actuator Rattle 🟡 Low — Some owners on forums for both the Integra Type S and Civic Type R (FL5) report a rattling noise from the electronic wastegate actuator, particularly at certain RPMs or during deceleration. It is generally considered an annoyance rather than a critical failure.
• Safety Recall: Driver's Seat Lift Link Bolt Loose 🟠 Medium — Acura issued a recall (TSB 24-056) for a specific range of 2024 Integras where the driver's seat height adjustment link bolt may not have been properly tightened, potentially causing the seat to move unexpectedly. (Ref: Acura TSB 24-056)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific P0011 issue, a used part is never the solution, as the primary fix is a dealer-installed software update. If secondary diagnosis points to a hardware failure (e.g., VTC solenoid, cam sensor), using a part from a very low-mileage (<10,000 miles) wrecked vehicle could be considered, but is generally not recommended for a vehicle this new.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 10000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the donor vehicle's VIN to ensure it's the same model and engine (Type S, K20C1).
• Inspect electrical connectors for any bent pins, corrosion, or cut wires.
• Check for any physical damage, cracks, or signs of extreme heat on the part's housing.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• PGM-FI Software Update: This can only be sourced and installed by an Acura dealer.
• Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM): A used ECM is not plug-and-play and requires dealer programming to sync with the vehicle's immobilizer. Given the complexity, a new OEM unit is the only reliable option if the ECM itself is faulty.
• VTC Oil Control Solenoid & Camshaft Position Sensor: Due to the sensitivity of modern engine electronics and the newness of the platform, using OEM or the original supplier (e.g., Denso, if applicable) is strongly advised over unproven aftermarket brands.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• The vehicle is too new for a consensus to have formed on reliable aftermarket brands for these specific components.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Avoid generic, no-name electronic sensors and solenoids from online marketplaces, as they have a high failure rate and may not meet the precise tolerances required by the K20C1 engine.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

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Frequently Asked Questions