Fault codeP0014

B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

What this code means

B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1).

“Bank 1” is the side of the engine that holds cylinder number 1; “Bank 2” only exists on V and flat engines. An in-line engine has a single bank.

P0014 is a generic code: it means the same thing on every make. P0014 belongs to family P00xx — Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls. Its page explains how to read a code and groups all its codes by part.

Variable valve timing (camshaft actuator)

Many engines can shift the timing of their camshafts while running, using an oil-pressure actuator (phaser) on the end of the camshaft, controlled by a solenoid valve. The control unit advances or retards the cams to balance power, consumption and emissions, and checks with the camshaft sensor that the position it asked for is reached.

Symptoms

Rough idle, hard starting, loss of power or jerking, higher consumption; sometimes a rattle from the top of the engine, especially when cold. The control unit asks for one camshaft position and the phaser delivers another — too advanced, or too slow to move.

Common causes

• Engine oil too low, too old or of the wrong viscosity — the phaser runs on oil pressure
• Dirty or seized variable valve timing (VVT) control solenoid
• Worn or stuck camshaft phaser
• Stretched timing chain or belt, timing out of position (see P0016)
• Faulty camshaft position sensor or wiring

How to diagnose it

First check the oil level and condition: it is the cheapest cause and one of the most common. An oil change with the manufacturer's specified oil settles a share of cases, especially if servicing has been stretched.

Then remove the VVT solenoid: it cleans easily and its mesh filter is often blocked. If the code returns, the timing and the phaser need checking, which means opening the engine.

Watch it live in Klaro

With an OBD2 adapter plugged in, these live readings show the part at work, when your car reports them:

• Engine RPM
• Timing advance
• Calculated engine load

What to do

Have it checked this week. The car remains usable, but the fault will not clear itself and will fail the roadworthiness test.

Repair cost

Oil change: €50 to €120. VVT solenoid: €40 to €150. Phaser: €150 to €500 for the part, often replaced together with the timing chain, which brings the job to €600 to €1,500.

How to read this code

• PPowertrain
• 0standardised code
• 0Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
• 14P0014

Other codes for the same part

• P0010A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank1)
• P0011A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
• P0012A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
• P0013B Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank1)
• P0015B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
• P0020A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
• P0021A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
• P0022A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
• P0023B Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
• P0024B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
• P0025B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
• P0026Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)