P0014
Powertrain"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
The exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is being held more advanced than the ECU has commanded. Either the variable valve timing system is over-correcting, or something mechanical is off.
ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P0014. 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 P0014 mean?
P0014 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (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.
Symptoms commonly associated with this code
Symptoms that drivers often report alongside this code. Not all may apply to every case:
- • Engine warning light
- • Rough idle, particularly when warm
- • Reduced power and slower throttle response
- • Slightly worse fuel economy
- • Sometimes a knock or rattle from the engine on cold start
Possible causes
Causes commonly associated with P0014, listed in approximate order of typical investigation. The actual cause on a specific vehicle can only be confirmed by professional diagnosis.
- 1. VVT (oil control) solenoid stuck, often from carbon or sludge in old oil. By far the most common cause on petrol engines
- 2. Low engine oil pressure, the cam phaser can't be controlled if hydraulic pressure is low. Check oil level first
- 3. Failed cam phaser
- 4. Timing chain stretch on prone engines (BMW N47/N57, Ford EcoBoost, VAG TFSI)
- 5. Wiring fault to the VVT solenoid
- 6. Less common: the engine is running on dirty or wrong-spec oil and the system can't function correctly
How mechanics typically diagnose
A typical diagnostic sequence used by mechanics, provided here for educational reference only. Diagnostic work should be performed by a qualified mechanic with the appropriate tools and training.
- 1. Check engine oil level and condition. Black, gritty, or low oil starves the system. This is the cheapest first check
- 2. Pull the VVT (oil control) solenoid for that bank. Clean it with carb cleaner, tip the plunger out and look for carbon. Refit
- 3. If carbon is heavy and an oil change is overdue, do an oil and filter change with the manufacturer's spec oil
- 4. Read live data: actual cam timing vs commanded. If they diverge significantly, the cam phaser or chain is the issue
- 5. On chain-stretch-prone engines with high mileage, consider whether the chain is the underlying cause regardless of solenoid health
Common questions about P0014
Do I need to replace the solenoid or just clean it? +
Try the clean first. They're around £20-£70 new, but a good chunk of P0014s clear with a clean and an oil change. If the code returns within a few weeks, replace. If you're already at 80,000+ miles and the solenoid is original, replacing rather than cleaning is sensible.
I just had an oil change and the code came back, what now? +
If the code came back quickly after a service, the solenoid is the next suspect. If a fresh solenoid doesn't fix it either, you're looking at the cam phaser or, on chain-prone engines, the chain itself.
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 →