P005C
B Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Performance/Stuck Off Bank 2
Valvetrain (variable valve lift)
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P005C means the bank 2 camshaft profile (variable valve lift) actuator isn't switching as commanded and appears stuck off. This oil-controlled mechanism changes the valve-lift profile, so when it's stuck the engine loses power — most noticeably higher in the rev range — and may idle roughly. Low or dirty oil and a faulty control solenoid are the usual culprits.
High
Can I keep driving? The engine runs and drives, but expect reduced power (especially at higher rpm) until the actuator is fixed.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced power, especially in the upper rpm range
- Rough or unstable idle
- Hesitation on acceleration
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty camshaft profile control solenoid (oil control valve)Likely
- Low, dirty, or wrong-viscosity engine oil restricting actuator movementCommon
- Clogged or sludged oil passages feeding the actuatorCommon
- Damaged wiring or a corroded connector at the solenoidLess often
- Mechanically stuck profile actuator (least likely)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Check engine oil level and condition first — low or dirty oil is a common cause; correct it before deeper diagnosis.
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the profile-control solenoid connector and wiring.
- Measure the solenoid's resistance against spec (often roughly 7 ohms); replace if out of range.
- Test the solenoid's oil control and clean or clear any restricted oil passages.
- If the circuit and oil supply are good, suspect a stuck actuator. Clear the code and road-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P005C?+
It's generally safe to drive short-term, but you'll have reduced power and the underlying oil or actuator issue should be addressed to avoid further valvetrain wear.
Can I just clear P005C?+
It returns once the actuator fails to switch again. Fix the oil supply or solenoid problem first.
Related codes
Often seen with P005C
Read & clear P005C 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