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P0014
System
Powertrain
Type
Generic (SAE)
Subsystem
Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
Urgency
Fix soon

Trouble code

P0014 code: Camshaft position B timing over-advanced (bank 1)

Published

Short answer

P0014 means the engine computer saw the bank 1 "B" camshaft, usually the exhaust cam, more advanced than it commanded. The most common causes are low or dirty oil, the wrong oil viscosity, a sticking oil control valve (VVT solenoid), or a worn cam phaser. Stretched timing chains can also cause it. Check the oil first and fix it soon.

Scan tools that read P0014 and more

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This page is for owners of engines with variable valve timing (VVT) who pulled P0014. The code is common on many modern engines and often starts with something as simple as oil level or condition. We cover what the code means, the symptoms, a causes table in a sensible checking order, how to use a scan tool to compare desired and actual cam angle, and when a timing chain inspection is needed.

What P0014 means

P0014 is a generic SAE J2012 code: "B" Camshaft Position, Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). Under the SAE naming, camshaft "A" is the intake, left or front cam, and camshaft "B" is the exhaust, right or rear cam. On most dual overhead cam engines, P0014 refers to the bank 1 exhaust camshaft.

Engines with VVT use oil pressure, routed by an oil control valve, to rotate a phaser on the camshaft and change valve timing. The computer commands a target angle and reads the actual angle from the cam sensor. If the actual timing is more advanced than commanded, or does not follow commands, it sets P0014. Use the code decoder to compare it with nearby codes.

System
P

P powertrain, B body, C chassis, U network

Code type
0

0 generic (same on every car), 1 set by the maker

Subsystem
4

For P codes: 4 means auxiliary emission controls

Fault
20

The exact fault: here, catalyst efficiency, bank 1

How an OBD2 trouble code is built, using P0420 as the example. The structure is set by SAE J2012.

Symptoms of P0014

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle or stalling, especially when warm
  • Rattle or ticking at startup on some engines
  • Hesitation or reduced power
  • Lower fuel economy
  • Sometimes no driveability change at all

Common causes of P0014

Because VVT runs on engine oil, oil-related causes come first.

CauseHow to checkTypical fix
Low oil levelCheck the dipstick on level ground with the engine offTop up to the correct level and find out where oil is going
Dirty, sludged or wrong viscosity oilCheck service history and oil condition; compare with the grade on the oil cap or manualChange oil and filter with the specified grade
Sticking or failed oil control valve (VVT solenoid)Check coil resistance; command it with a bidirectional tool and watch cam angle changeClean or replace the oil control valve
Clogged oil screen for the VVT system (on engines that have one)Remove and inspect per service informationClean or replace the screen
Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valveInspect for oil, corrosion or damage; check circuit with a multimeterRepair wiring
Worn or sticking cam phaserActual cam angle does not follow commands even with a good solenoid and oilReplace the phaser
Stretched timing chain or jumped timingCorrelation codes such as P0016 or P0017; verify timing marks per service informationTiming chain service
P0014 causes, cheapest and most likely first

How to diagnose P0014

  1. 1

    Read all codes and save the freeze frame. Note RPM, engine temperature and load. The freeze frame guide explains each value.

  2. 2

    Check related codes. P0011 is the intake cam on bank 1. P0016 or P0017 correlation codes point toward timing chain stretch or a jumped chain. Oil control valve circuit codes point to wiring or the solenoid.

  3. 3

    Check oil level and condition. Change the oil with the correct viscosity if it is low, dirty or overdue, then clear the code and retest.

  4. 4

    With a scan tool, watch desired and actual exhaust cam position in live data. They should track closely once the engine is warm.

  5. 5

    If you have a bidirectional scan tool, command the exhaust oil control valve and watch whether actual cam angle responds and the idle changes.

  6. 6

    Remove and inspect the oil control valve and any screen. Debris or sludge can make it stick.

  7. 7

    If oil, solenoid and wiring are good and the cam still does not follow commands, have the phaser and timing chain inspected.

Note.Timing chain and phaser work is complex and engine-specific. Incorrect timing can damage the engine. Follow the service information exactly or use a professional.

How to fix P0014

Many P0014 cases clear up after an oil and filter change with the right oil, or after replacing a sticking oil control valve. These are reasonable DIY jobs on many engines. If the cam phaser or timing chain is worn, the repair is larger and often best done by a shop.

After any repair, clear the code and drive under varied conditions while watching desired and actual cam angle. A scanner that can graph live data makes this easy; see bidirectional scan tools if you want to command the VVT solenoid yourself.

Compare bidirectional scan tools for VVT tests →

Can you drive with P0014?

For a short time, if the engine runs smoothly. Check the oil before driving further. Low oil is both a cause of P0014 and a risk to the whole engine.

Do not ignore it for long. If the cause is a stretched or jumped timing chain, it can get worse, and on some engines that leads to serious damage. Stalling also becomes a safety issue in traffic. See can you drive with the check engine light on.

Related codes

Cam timing on bank 1 also covers P0011 (intake cam over-advanced). Correlation between cam and crank is P0016. Sensor circuit faults set P0340 or P0335.

Frequently asked questions

Can an oil change fix P0014? Sometimes. Low, dirty or wrong viscosity oil is a common cause, so an oil change with the specified grade is a sensible first step.

Is P0014 the intake or exhaust cam? On most engines, "B" is the exhaust camshaft. Check the service information for your engine to be sure.

What is the difference between P0011 and P0014? P0011 is camshaft A, usually intake, and P0014 is camshaft B, usually exhaust, both on bank 1 and both over-advanced or performance faults.

Does P0014 mean my timing chain is bad? Not necessarily. Oil and the oil control valve are more common causes. Chain stretch is more likely if correlation codes are also present.

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