OBD-II trouble code
P0014: Camshaft Position B — Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
The exhaust camshaft on Bank 1 is more advanced than the engine computer commanded. Most often caused by a stuck VVT solenoid on the exhaust cam, dirty engine oil, or a stretched timing chain on high-mileage engines.
Quick facts
- System
- Powertrain
- Category
- Variable Valve Timing
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $150 – $1,500
- DIY difficulty
- Intermediate DIY
What does P0014 mean?
P0014 is the exhaust-camshaft counterpart to P0011. The engine control module (ECM) commands oil pressure to a variable valve timing (VVT) actuator on the exhaust camshaft via an oil control valve, and the actual cam position is monitored by the exhaust camshaft position sensor. When the actual position is more advanced than the commanded position by more than the ECM tolerates over several attempts, P0014 is stored.
"Camshaft Position B" refers to the exhaust camshaft on most engines (Camshaft Position A is the intake camshaft, the subject of P0011). "Bank 1" is the side of the engine that contains cylinder 1. Not every engine has VVT on the exhaust side — many engines vary only the intake camshaft — so P0014 only appears on dual-VVT engines.
The causes for P0014 mirror P0011. The most common is a stuck exhaust VVT solenoid, frequently due to dirty engine oil clogging the small passages. Low oil level, wrong oil viscosity, and a stretched timing chain on high-mileage engines are also possibilities. The engine will still run, but neglected VVT problems hurt performance, fuel economy, and long-term reliability.
Common causes
- Stuck exhaust VVT solenoid from dirty or sludged engine oil (most common)
- Low engine oil level reducing oil pressure to the exhaust VVT actuator
- Wrong oil viscosity for the engine specification
- Failed exhaust VVT solenoid (oil control valve)
- Stretched timing chain on high-mileage engines
- Failed exhaust camshaft position sensor
- Worn VVT actuator on the exhaust camshaft
- Sludged oil passages in the cylinder head
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Hesitation under acceleration
- Reduced throttle response
- Poor fuel economy
- Occasional stalling or hard starting
- Engine noise during cold start (rattle from worn actuator)
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Check engine oil level and condition first. Severely dirty or low oil is the most common cause. Change oil with the manufacturer's specified viscosity and rescan after 50 to 100 miles.
- 2.Use a scan tool to monitor commanded versus actual exhaust cam position during a drive. The actual position should track the commanded position closely.
- 3.Test the exhaust VVT solenoid resistance and inspect the screen filter for debris.
- 4.Inspect the exhaust camshaft position sensor signal pattern.
- 5.On high-mileage engines, evaluate timing chain stretch by reviewing the ECM's cam-to-crank correlation data.
- 6.If electrical and oil-related causes test fine, the VVT actuator on the exhaust cam itself may need replacement.
Repair cost
$150 – $1,500
An oil change is $50 to $150 and resolves a meaningful share of P0014 cases on neglected engines. Exhaust VVT solenoid replacement runs $200 to $700 in parts and labor. Timing chain replacement is the most expensive outcome at $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the engine.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with vvt solenoid replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
This is an intermediate DIY job. It usually involves diagnostic steps, specialty parts, and some careful work in tight spaces. If you have the tools and a service manual or trustworthy video for your specific vehicle, it is achievable in a weekend. Otherwise, a competent independent shop will be faster.