Is it safe to drive with this code?

You may be able to drive short distances with reduced performance, but continuing to drive can lead to further engine damage, particularly to the camshaft follower or timing components. Limiting your journeys and arranging a repair promptly is advisable—see our disclaimer for guidance on when professional assessment is essential.

It may affect your MOT if the malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light) is illuminated at the time of test—the emissions and engine management checks form part of the MOT. See our disclaimer for full details on MOT-related codes.

Roughly how much does it cost to fix?

Repair costs vary considerably depending on the underlying cause. An oil change or cleaning a solenoid might fall in the low two-figure to low three-figure range, whilst replacing a VVT solenoid or camshaft position sensor is often in the low to mid three-figure bracket. If timing chain, tensioners, or cam phaser replacement is required, costs can reach the high three-figure to four-figure range due to labour intensity. Independent garages typically charge less than main dealers, and complexity varies significantly by vehicle make and model.

Can I fix this myself or do I need a garage?

Basic checks—oil level, condition, and external wiring—are straightforward for a competent home mechanic. However, accurate diagnosis often requires scan tools with live data capability, and accessing internal timing components or testing oil pressure usually demands workshop facilities, specialist tools, and experience with variable valve timing systems.

Professional mechanic working in workshop

← All fault codes | Timing

P000A

Powertrain

A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1

The camshaft on Bank 1 is responding more slowly than expected when adjusting valve timing, typically indicating an issue with the variable valve timing system or oil supply to the camshaft phaser.

garage.co.uk

Need a garage?

Compare quotes from verified UK garages near you.

→

car.co.uk

Sell your car

We specialise in problem cars: warning lights, faults, high mileage. Fair instant offer.

→

trader.co.uk

List your car

Free private listing. Reach thousands of UK buyers, no fees.

→

ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P000A. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.

Recommended next steps

Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.

What does P000A mean?

P000A is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1.

This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.

About Timing codes

Timing codes relate to the variable valve timing (VVT) system, cam position, crank position, or the correlation between them. On engines prone to timing chain stretch (BMW N47, Ford EcoBoost, VAG TFSI), these codes often signal a stretched chain rather than a sensor fault.

P000A is one of 160 codes in this category. Browse all Timing codes →

What we know about P000A specifically

We record the SAE J2012 standardised definition and the system this code belongs to, but we have not yet published detailed driver-reported symptoms, common causes, or step-by-step diagnostic guidance for P000A.

Rather than invent that information by generating generic content from a template, we leave it out. For specific guidance, the most reliable sources are:

•your vehicle's own service manual or manufacturer-specific technical bulletins
•a qualified mechanic with a manufacturer-level diagnostic tool
•a marque specialist familiar with your make and model

Codes nearby

Codes adjacent to P000A in the P-code series. Many fault codes appear together with their neighbours because they relate to the same circuit or component.

P0007 Fuel Shutoff Valve "A" Control Circuit High

P0008 Engine Position System Performance Bank 1

P0009 Engine Position System Performance Bank 2

P000B B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1

P000C A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2

P000D B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2

Other Timing codes

Other fault codes in the same system as P000A. The ones with detailed guides have plain-English explanations, symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

P0010

"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1) Detailed guide

P0011

"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) Detailed guide

P0012

"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1) Detailed guide

P0014

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

P0016

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) Detailed guide

P0017

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B) Detailed guide

Spotted an issue or have something to add? Mechanics, technicians, and drivers who have first-hand experience with P000A can submit a correction or expansion. We review every submission before publishing, mechanic submissions are prioritised.

Information only, not professional advice

The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →

✎

Help us improve the P000A page

Spotted an error, missing detail, or have first-hand experience to add? Tell us, we review every submission.