P0013 on 2021 Ram 1500: "B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open (Bank 1) Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2021-2021 Ram 1500

For the 2021 Ram 1500, this code is common enough that Ram has issued at least two Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for it. TSB 09-004-21 specifically addresses P0013 on the 5.7L HEMI and involves inspecting and properly seating the oil control valve connector, indicating a known issue with connectivity from the factory. TSB 0810921 groups P0013 with other VVT circuit faults on the 3.6L engine, suggesting owners should pay close attention to the wiring harness and connectors leading to the solenoid as a primary diagnostic step.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough engine idle or misfires
• Poor acceleration and reduced engine power
• Engine hesitation or stalling
• Decreased fuel economy
• Rattling or clicking noise from the engine

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed VVT Solenoid (Oil Control Valve) 🔴 High Probability The VVT solenoid is an electromechanical part that operates under high heat and oil pressure, making it a common failure point. The internal coil can fail, creating an open circuit. TSBs for this model year point directly to issues with this component and its connector.
   How to confirm: Disconnect the solenoid and measure its resistance with a multimeter. A healthy solenoid should typically read between 7 and 12 ohms. An infinite reading (OL) indicates an open circuit and a failed solenoid that must be replaced. You can also test it by applying 12V power to see if the internal plunger actuates.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid.
   Est. part cost: $35-$110
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability Engine bay heat and vibrations can cause wires to become brittle, frayed, or corroded. TSB 09-004-21 was issued for the 2021 5.7L HEMI specifically because the VVT solenoid connector may not have been fully seated from the factory. A forum member with a 2021 Ram TRX traced a persistent P0013 to a pinched wire in the harness near the firewall.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for the Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid. Check for breaks, corrosion, or loose pins. Perform a push/pull test on the connector to ensure it's secure. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and proper voltage at the connector pigtail.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail. Ensure the connector is fully seated and the locking tab is engaged.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30
3. Low or Dirty Engine Oil ⚪ Low Probability The VVT system is hydraulic and relies on clean oil at the correct pressure. While P0013 is an electrical code, sludgy or low oil can cause the solenoid to stick or work harder, potentially leading to electrical failure or mimicking a fault.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If the oil is very dark, gritty, or below the minimum level, this could be a contributing factor.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using the manufacturer-specified oil weight (e.g., 5W-20 for the 5.7L HEMI). Clear the code and see if it returns.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
4. Rodent Damage ⚪ Low Probability The engine valley on the HEMI engine provides a warm, sheltered area for rodents. A Ram TRX owner reported a P0013 code caused by squirrels chewing through the VVT solenoid harness located in the engine valley.
   How to confirm: Inspect the engine bay, particularly the valley under the intake manifold on the 5.7L HEMI, for signs of nesting, droppings, or chewed wires.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring harness. Consider using rodent-deterrent tape for the repair and implementing preventative measures like peppermint oil or mothballs.
   Est. part cost: $20-$100 for wiring repair supplies.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is extremely rare. Before condemning the PCM, all other possibilities, especially the solenoid and its wiring, must be exhaustively tested. A forum user with a new 2021 Ram TRX ultimately needed a PCM replacement for a persistent P0013 after the dealer had already replaced the solenoid and checked the wiring, but this is an outlier.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the engine oil level and condition. Top off or change the oil if necessary.
2. Scan the vehicle for any other related trouble codes. Codes for other VVT solenoids (P0010, P0020, P0023) could indicate a shared wiring problem per TSB 0810921.
3. Locate the 'B' (exhaust) VVT solenoid on Bank 1 (passenger side). On the 3.6L V6, it is on the front of the passenger-side cylinder head and is easily accessible. On the 5.7L HEMI, it is located at the front of the engine valley, underneath the intake manifold, requiring significant disassembly to access.
4. Inspect the electrical connector and wiring going to the solenoid for any signs of damage, corrosion, rodent chew marks, or loose connections.
5. Disconnect the solenoid and use a multimeter to check the resistance between its two pins. A reading between 7-12 ohms is typical for a good solenoid. A reading of infinite resistance (OL) means the solenoid's internal circuit is open and it must be replaced.
6. With the key on and engine off, check for battery voltage at the electrical connector's power wire.
7. If the solenoid and wiring appear good, consider swapping the exhaust solenoid with the intake solenoid on the same bank (if they are identical parts) and clearing the codes. If the code changes to P0010 (for the intake solenoid), this confirms the solenoid itself is faulty.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid (OEM #For 3.6L V6: 5184294AE. For 5.7L V8 HEMI: 53022298AA or successor 53022298AB. Always verify with VIN.) — This is the most common cause of a P0013 code, as the internal coil can fail, creating an open circuit.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman, NTK, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $70-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$75

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0010 — Intake 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). TSB #0810921 lists these codes together, suggesting a shared wiring or power issue on Bank 1.
• P0020 — Intake 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2). TSB #0810921 lists these codes together, suggesting a potential widespread electrical issue affecting VVT solenoids on both banks.
• P0023 — Exhaust 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2). TSB #0810921 lists these codes together, suggesting a potential widespread electrical issue affecting VVT solenoids on both banks.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 09-004-21: Addresses MIL illumination due to DTC P0013 on 2021 5.7L HEMI engines built within a specific 4-day window. The procedure involves inspecting and, if necessary, properly seating the oil control valve connector under the intake manifold.
• 0810921: Groups P0013 with other VVT circuit codes (P0010, P0020, P0023) for the 3.6L engine. The fix involves splicing a pigtail to the engine ground harness, suggesting a potential grounding issue can trigger these faults.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The 5.7L HEMI engine requires removal of the intake manifold to access the VVT solenoid, making the repair significantly more labor-intensive (2.5-3 hours) than on the 3.6L Pentastar, where the solenoids are externally accessible on the front of the cylinder heads (under 30 minutes).
• Chrysler issued TSB #09-004-21 for the 2021 5.7L HEMI, which instructs technicians to inspect and ensure the VVT solenoid connector is fully seated, as some may have been loose from the factory.
• TSB #0810921 groups P0013 with other VVT circuit codes, indicating a known potential for wiring harness issues that could affect multiple solenoids.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VVT Solenoid Coil Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 7.9 ohms at 68°F (20°C), though some sources state up to 12 ohms is acceptable.. Failure: A reading of infinite resistance (OL - Open Loop) or zero resistance (short circuit) indicates a failed solenoid.
• VVT Solenoid Control Circuit Voltage — expected: Should be close to 0V with key off. With key on, engine off, one pin should have battery voltage.. Failure: Voltage greater than 1.0 volt on the control circuit with the key off can indicate a short to voltage.
• VVT Solenoid Control Circuit Resistance — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms from the PCM connector to the solenoid connector.. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms indicates high resistance in the wiring harness that needs to be repaired.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scan tool: VVT Actuator Test / Solenoid Actuation Command — Use this bidirectional command to force the solenoid to actuate. If the solenoid clicks and/or engine RPM changes, the solenoid and its wiring are likely functional. If the tool reports 'no response' and wiring has been verified, the solenoid is likely bad.
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scan tool: Live Data Monitoring: Target vs. Actual Camshaft Timing — After a repair, monitor the target and actual camshaft timing angles in live data while holding RPMs around 2,000. The values should closely match. A persistent mismatch indicates a remaining mechanical or hydraulic issue (e.g., phaser, oil pressure).
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scan tool: ECM Adaptation Reset — After replacing a component like the VVT solenoid, it's good practice to reset the learned engine adaptations to ensure the PCM uses the correct baseline values for the new part.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G927A — On the engine block, near the lower intake manifold on the 3.6L V6.. TSB 08-109-21 for the 3.6L engine identifies a poor connection at this specific ground as a potential cause for P0013 and other VVT codes. The fix involves cutting off the original eyelet and splicing in a new pigtail to ensure a solid ground connection.
• VVT Solenoid Connector — On the VVT solenoid itself. Bank 1 exhaust is on the passenger side cylinder head.. This 2-pin connector provides power and control from the PCM. Pin 1 is typically the control wire from the PCM, and Pin 2 is the power supply. An open circuit in either wire, or a poor connection at the pins, will trigger P0013.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RAM TRX Forum user 'arcticmn' (2021 Ram 1500 TRX, 95 miles) — Check Engine Light with code P0013.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Dealer initially suspected the VVT solenoid and wiring.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) was faulty and had to be replaced. The part was on national backorder, indicating a possible batch of bad units.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 53022298AA → 53022298AB — The new part 53022298AB features an improved internal O-ring for easier assembly and reduced insertion force, suggesting an enhancement for better sealing and fitment.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2021 (specifically vehicles built between Oct 16, 2020 and Oct 18, 2020): Per TSB 08-109-21, 3.6L V6 eTorque engines built in this 3-day window are subject to a faulty ground harness eyelet at ground G927A, which can cause P0013 and other VVT codes. The fix is a specific wiring repair, not just part replacement.
• 2021 (specifically 5.7L HEMI engines built within a specific 4-day window): Per TSB 09-004-21, vehicles in this build window may have an improperly seated VVT solenoid connector from the factory, directly causing P0013. The fix is to inspect and properly connect it.