How to Fix a Chrysler 300 Check Engine Light Code P0013 - Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Hi! Today, we're delving into a common yet perplexing issue that might cause your beloved Chrysler 300 to light up like a Christmas tree on the dashboard. Yes, I'm referring to the notorious Check Engine Light, specifically when it decides to throw a P0013 code at you. This code signifies trouble in the camshaft position actuator circuit, and before you rush off to your nearest garage, let me guide you through a satisfyingly technical yet achievable home fix.

The Prelude to Fixing Code P0013

First things first, ensure your Chrysler 300 is of the 2013 vintage with the majestic 3.6 L Pentastar V6, a marvel of engineering with its rear-wheel drive and an engine positioned in line with the vehicle. This detail is crucial, as it sets the stage for our repair saga.

Diagnostic Beginnings

Arm yourself with an OBD2 scanner, a device more potent in diagnosing vehicle ailments than the stethoscope is for the human heart. Connect it via Bluetooth, and with a magician's flick (or simply tapping the ignition switch twice without starting the engine), you'll coax the car into revealing its secrets. Choose the Chrysler model on your scanner, and opt for the powertrain control module to unearth the exact cause of your distress: the P0013 code related to the Bank 1 camshaft 2 position actuator circuit.

The Heart of the Matter: Bank 1 Explained

With the precision of a skilled surgeon, remove the engine cover to gaze upon the heart of your Chrysler. The position of Bank 1 and Bank 2 might confuse the uninitiated, but fear not. The cylinder that boldly sits the furthest forward declares itself as Bank 1's champion. In our case, the sensor triggering our check engine light's despair lies here, waiting for our intervention.

A Symphony of Sensors

As you navigate the engine's anatomy, remember that the sides of Bank 1 and Bank 2 serve as the stage for our sensor symphony. The actuator in question, a small yet vital component, is responsible for our current predicament.

Performing the Operation

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Engage with the sensor as one would with a delicate instrument. Disconnect it, unfasten the three T25 screws holding it in place, and gently remove it, revealing its O-ring. Replace this O-ring, a small but critical gesture towards ensuring a perfect seal with the new sensor.

Installation Is but the Reversal of Removal

With the new sensor and O-ring ready, reverse the disassembly process. Ensure each screw is tightened to perfection, reconnect the electrical harness, and reassemble the intake and engine cover. A ritual of clearing the code follows, using your trusty OBD2 scanner to confirm the repair's success.

Conclusion: A Test of Patience and Precision

Should the Check Engine Light decide to test your resolve by reappearing, consider examining the wiring or contemplating deeper mechanical contemplations such as a stretched timing chain. Yet, with patience and precision, your DIY fix should hold, banishing the P0013 code to the annals of history.

In your quest for automotive mastery, you might find our other guides illuminating, such as replacing the engine oil and filter on a Chrysler 300, or perhaps the intricacies of adding and checking engine coolant. For the aesthetically inclined, our headlight assembly replacement journey might catch your eye. And should the mood strike for further electrical adventures, the guides on replacing the window regulator motor or the trunk actuator and button could prove invaluable.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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