P0014 Code: Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1 (How To Fix)

A turned-on check engine light is a nightmare for every driver. This can happen for many different reasons. In case it is followed by rough idling and loss of power, that can point to a P0014 code. A failed emission test is another sure symptom of this code. To diagnose it you will need to use the OBDII scanner. When the scanner shows the code P0014, what should you do?

The P0014 code is usually related to bad camshaft timing. Specifically, the problem is in the camshaft in bank B1 on position B. Bank 1 refers to the part of the engine with a first cylinder. Position B is the camshaft exhaust either at the rear or the right part of the engine, looking from the driver’s side. This error indicates that the camshaft is in the too-advanced position.

The engine control module (ECM) sets a threshold for the crankshaft. When the crankshaft passes that threshold while advancing or retarding it will trigger a P0014 code. The common symptoms for this code are difficulty with starting the car and stalling. Bad combustion will also lead to increased fuel consumption. If you want to learn what causes this error and how to resolve it, stay with us.

Decode the Enigma of the P0014 OBD2 Code

The P0014 code is one of the codes connected with the camshaft and its timing. The first trigger for it is a problem with the engine’s variable valves. When that happens, that point to a misalignment of the camshaft and the crankshaft. When they are not synchronized, the combustion process will suffer. That will result in poor fuel economy, a rise in emission levels, and overall poor engine performance.

What is the P0014 Code? 

The P0014 code is a result of a camshaft timing error. The camshaft or the crankshaft is in the wrong position in correlation to the valve. The valve should be open or closed at a certain moment. If that process is not followed, the code will show up.

The other cause for this error is problems with camshaft position sensors. If they or their wiring are faulty, that will also cause this error.

See Also: P0011 Code: Camshaft Position Timing Over Advanced

How the P0014 Code is Generated

The sensors of the camshaft and the crankshaft are communicating with the engine control module. The ECM sends information about these components and their required location. If the crankshaft and camshaft are in the wrong position at any time, that will be detected. Any incorrect camshaft timing will trigger a P0014 code.

How the P0014 Code Affects Your Vehicle’s Performance

The air and fuel mixture combust, creating the power needed to move the car. When the combustion process is not efficient, the engine will not know how much fuel it needs. That results in poorer fuel economy, lousy combustion, and often troubles with starting the car.

When there is too much fuel in the mix, that will also lead to an increase in harmful emissions, you will notice this when you go to test the car for levels of bad emissions. Cars with this issue usually fail this test.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Causes of the P0014 Code

A long list of reasons can result from this error. Some are more serious than others, but you must address them the same.

Primary Causes for the P0014 Code

• The camshaft timing is wrong. When the camshaft timing is off that will issues with the opening and closing of the valves. That problem can equally impact both intake and exhaust valves
• Malfunctioning cam timing control solenoid. It can prevent the valve from advancing or retarding when needed
• Faulty sensors. If the camshaft or the crankshaft sensors are broken, they will present this message when the only problem is the sensor
• Worn timing chain or belt. Depending on the engine build, it will have either a belt or a chain. If it is incorrectly timed or worn, it will cause disbalance for both the camshaft and the crankshaft

• Blocked oil lines to the VVT or the VCT solenoid. Oil is needed for both components to work. They work on hydro-mechanic systems, and they demand a steady supply of pressurized oil. If the oil lines are blocked, that will, in the long run, destroy the solenoid.

Less Common but Significant Causes of the P0014 Code

• Damaged wirings and connectors. This is not such an uncommon problem, but it is easy to fix. The wiring and the connectors are always on the impact of heat, dirt, and other elements. They are worn simply by aging. All these factors may eventually cause an electrical problem, triggering a P0014 code
• Low level of oil. If there is not enough oil, the lubrication, and cooling of the moving parts will be insufficient
• Faulty camshaft tensioners. Camshaft tensioners are often damaged because of low levels of oil. They are controlled with oil pressure. If there is not enough oil or the oil pressure is low, the tensioners will be in problem.

Eliminating Guesswork: Symptoms of the P0014 Code

If you want to eliminate a problem, start with the easy ones. Check the oil. After that, inspect the sensors. Leave the rest of the troubleshooting to the professionals if this is your limit.

Physical Symptoms of the P0014 Code

There are several symptoms and components that you can visually check:

• Raise the dipstick and check the level and the quality of engine oil
• Inspect the wiring, connectors, or valves of the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft.

Hidden Symptoms Your Vehicle May Show With a P0014 Code

• A blocked camshaft phaser can cause this error code. It needs to be free and to be able to move as needed. If it is blocked, that will cause this issue
• Wrong engine oil viscosity. If you mistakenly added the engine oil of the wrong viscosity, that will quickly come up as an error.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the P0014 Code

The P0014 error code is a medium extremity error. You may fix it with a simple oil and filter change. In a more severe case, you will need to change the camshaft and the crankshaft. Rarely the faulty timing chain or belt will need to be replaced.

Do-It-Yourself Solutions: Simple Fixes for the P0014 Code

You can try to fix the most simple symptoms if you have enough experience. Most of these operations are common repairs, but you will still save some money. Before doing any of these actions, consult the repair manual.

• Replace the oil and the filter. Sometimes that is enough to resolve this issue. Do a change, and reset the error code. Drive the car and see will the error return
• Change the sensors. Depending on the availability of the sensors, you may try to locate, test, and replace them if needed. For the test, you will need the multimeter. Check all the connectors, and they should show between 4.9 and 5.1V. If there are no readouts, replace the sensors
• Replace the camshaft and the crankshaft. Is this a DIY assignment depends on the accessibility of these components. If they are hard to access, leave that to a professional.

Check Out Car Electrical Problems: What Causes This Trouble?:

When to Call in the Experts

In some cases, you will need to pay the mechanic. If the problem demands a lot of work with expensive repair costs, it is better to let the professional do their job.

That is the case when it is time for the timing chain replacement or when the timing belt is old and worn. Also, these components have to be installed with special tools. Each timing belt has its timing lines that have to be followed correctly.

Before you decide which mechanic to employ, check their cost estimate for repairs. Auto repair shops can have very different labor cost prices.

Safeguarding Your Vehicle: Preventing the P0014 Code

Once you have experienced the P0014 issues, you want to avoid it in the future. The best way to do it is regular maintenance.

Regular Checks to Avoid the P0014 Code

It is a universal good practice from time to time to check vehicles for oil leaks. You shouldn’t wait for the oil level warning light to turn on before deciding to check the oil level. You can check below the car for puddles of oil, or the oil level at the dipstick.

Also, replace the oil and filters on time. We recommend using high-quality oil. You will pay a bit more, but it will do wonders for the engine.

If you know the location of the camshaft and crankshaft sensors, you can check them from time to time. Wiring and connections are especially exposed, so keep an eye on them.

Top Professional Tips for Keeping the P0014 Code at Bay

For this, you need extensive mechanical knowledge. You should be able to check if the timing belt is well aligned. A badly aligned belt or chain can nock off balance the camshaft and the crankshaft.

Also, checking the oil lines to the VVT or the VCT solenoid will help you in forgetting about this issue.

FAQs: Answering Your Queries About the P0014 Code

Need More Help with a P0014Code?

In every article regarding error codes, we try to cover the topic both widely and deeply. But, sometimes we cannot cover all the possible problems and solutions for them. If this article gave you at least a glimpse look about your issue, that is enough. After that, the best way to resolve this issue is through a mechanic.