Why is my engine revving while idling and getting a P0011 code?

For reference : Did Lucas Oil Stabilizer RUIN my Prius engine?! (Engine shuttering + P0011 code) | PriusChat

Best to go step by step through the workup (below), or find a mechanic who can.

The workup for DTC P0011 (and P0010 P0012 P0016) : https://attachments.priuschat.com/attachment-files/2018/04/144690_VVT.pdf

 

This thread may be helpful to solve p0011

VVT Oil Filter? Poor MPG'S? | PriusChat

 

A camshaft controls when the valves at the top of the engine open and close. The intake cam controls when air (& fuel) go into each cylinder while the exhaust cam controls hot gases (the results of combustion) out. Each cam spins (in a clockwise direction), driven by a chain and sprockets from the crankshaft.

The exhaust cam is bolted directly to its sprocket- the rotational position relationship between them is fixed. If you have a mark on the sprocket, everytime it comes to the straight up position (12:00), the cam will be in the exact same position every time.

Now for the intake cam, having a fixed positional relation isn't the most efficient for every RPM condition. If there is a mark on the intake sprocket and that comes up to 12:00 position, maybe the intake cam IS best at "12:00" when the engine is idling (known as the fully "retarded" position). But at higher RPM, maybe having the cam at 12:45 or 1:00 position is better. Since the cam rotates clockwise, it reaches any given position "sooner" than the sprocket- this called advancing the cam. That is what Variable Valve Timing does- alters the rotational position of the cam to its sprocket (from 0 to 40° on the prius ).

The engine computer (ECM) monitors the cam position, and if it's not where it should be, then the ECM sets a code. P0011 indicates that the intake cam is more advanced than what the ECM wants it to be. Something in the VVT system isn't working correctly. The system uses pressurized engine oil - directed by a solenoid valve that is controlled by the ECM- to act on a mechanism inside the intake sprocket to move the cam. A common cause for this code is that some carbon grit or varnish causes the solenoid valve to stick in the "advance the cam" direction. (I assume that the warning light goes out when the ECM actually wants the cam to be advanced).

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Replacing a 2008 Prius VALVE ASSEMBLY, CAMSHAFT TIMING OIL CONTROL Part Number: 15330-21011 | PriusChat

Some general videos for cleaning Toyota P0011 camshaft position sensor

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=prius+P0011