P0014: Camshaft B timing over-advanced (bank 1)
Camshaft B on bank 1 is more advanced than the ECU asks for; oil condition, the timing solenoid or the chain are the usual suspects.
| Code | P0014 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P00xx, Air, fuel and emissions |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0014 means
The ECU compares the real camshaft position, read by a sensor, with the position it has requested from the variable timing system. If the camshaft stays more advanced than requested for a while, this code is stored. Most often the actuator cannot move properly because of low or dirty oil or a sticking oil control solenoid. Camshaft B is usually the exhaust camshaft, although each manufacturer defines it.
Most common causes
- Low oil level or oil of the wrong viscosity
- Old or dirty oil clogging the solenoid or its mesh filter
- Sticking variable timing oil control solenoid
- Worn or seized cam phaser (the adjustable camshaft pulley)
- Stretched timing chain or belt, or a jumped tooth
- Camshaft position sensor giving a false reading
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Unstable idle or engine stalling
- Hesitation or lack of power
- Harder starting
- Higher fuel consumption
Can you drive with P0014?
With care You can drive gently, but do not leave it: if the cause is the timing chain or low oil, the damage can get worse.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Check the oil level on the dipstick first and when it was last changed. With a scan tool, compare desired and actual camshaft angle in live data: if the actual value does not follow the desired one, suspect the solenoid or the phaser.
How to read and clear P0014 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0014 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0010 Camshaft A actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
- P0011 Camshaft A timing over-advanced (bank 1)
- P0012 Camshaft A timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0013 Camshaft B actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
- P0015 Camshaft B timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0016 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor A)
- P0017 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor B)
- P0018 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 2, sensor A)
- P0019 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 2, sensor B)
- P0020 Camshaft A actuator control: open circuit (bank 2)
- P0021 Camshaft A timing over-advanced (bank 2)
- P0022 Camshaft A timing over-retarded (bank 2)
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Timing belt and chain.
What does code P0014 mean?
The ECU compares the real camshaft position, read by a sensor, with the position it has requested from the variable timing system. If the camshaft stays more advanced than requested for a while, this code is stored. Most often the actuator cannot move properly because of low or dirty oil or a sticking oil control solenoid. Camshaft B is usually the exhaust camshaft, although each manufacturer defines it.
Can you drive with P0014?
You can drive gently, but do not leave it: if the cause is the timing chain or low oil, the damage can get worse.
How do you clear P0014?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0014 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
