P0014
B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1
Variable valve timing
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed more advanced than the ECM commanded, or the variable-valve-timing system isn't responding correctly. The usual culprits are a dirty or stuck VVT oil-control solenoid, old or low engine oil, or a worn cam phaser. It shows up as rough running, hard starts and lost power.
High
Can I keep driving? Usually drivable short-term, but expect rough running, hard starts or stalling; fix soon to avoid accelerated timing-component wear.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Rough idle or rough running
- Hard starting or occasional stalling
- Reduced power and hesitation on acceleration
- Rattle or ticking from the front of the engine (cam phaser)
Common causes
Most likely first
- Dirty, low, or wrong-viscosity engine oil clogging the VVT (oil-control) solenoidLikely
- Stuck or failed camshaft oil-control valve (VVT solenoid)Common
- Stretched, worn, or jumped timing chain / worn cam phaserCommon
- Faulty exhaust camshaft position sensorLess often
- Damaged wiring or connector at the solenoid or sensorLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Check engine oil level and condition first — change oil and filter with the correct grade if it's dirty or low.
- Inspect and test the camshaft oil-control (VVT) solenoid; clean or replace it.
- Scan cam/crank correlation and check the timing chain, guides, and tensioner for wear.
- Inspect the cam position sensor and its wiring/connector.
- Replace the cam phaser if it's worn, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0014?+
For short trips usually, but rough running and hard starts can strand you, and running with wrong cam timing stresses the phaser and chain. Fix it promptly.
Can I just clear P0014?+
It will come back within a few drive cycles unless the cause — often a dirty VVT solenoid or old oil — is actually addressed. Try an oil change and solenoid clean first.
Related codes
Often seen with P0014
Read & clear P0014 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