P000B
B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
Variable valve timing
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P000B means the ECM commanded the bank 1 "B" (typically exhaust) camshaft to a new timing position and the variable-valve-timing phaser responded too slowly. It's usually an oil-flow or phaser problem rather than a sensor fault, so the engine runs rough or down on power but does not normally stall or fail to start.
High
Can I keep driving? Yes, but not indefinitely — a slow-responding cam phaser usually just runs rough and down on power, and ignoring it risks further VVT and timing-chain wear.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Reduced power and poor acceleration
- Decreased fuel economy
- Rattle or noise from the timing cover at start-up
Common causes
Most likely first
- Low or dirty engine oil, or low oil pressure to the VVT phaserLikely
- Stuck or clogged camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid)Common
- Worn or stretched timing chain, or a failing phaserCommon
- Damaged wiring or connector at the oil control valveLess often
- Faulty PCM/ECM (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Check oil level and condition first, and correct any low or overdue oil.
- Read freeze-frame data and note the operating conditions.
- Test the camshaft oil control valve and its wiring and resistance.
- Inspect the phaser and timing chain for wear or slack.
- Repair or replace the failed part, then clear and retest.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P000B?+
Short trips are usually okay, but sustained rough running and lost power mean the phaser isn't hitting its target — fix it before timing-chain or phaser wear gets worse.
Can I just clear P000B?+
It returns once the ECM re-tests cam timing unless the oil, solenoid, or phaser issue is repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P000B
Read & clear P000B yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX