P0014
B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)P0014 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). It is logged by the engine control unit when the ckp/cmp monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0014 means
P0014 is a generic SAE powertrain code that sets when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the exhaust camshaft position on Bank 1 (the bank containing cylinder #1) is more advanced than the commanded target angle. The 'B' designation refers to the exhaust camshaft in DOHC engines. The code is the exhaust-side counterpart to P0011 ('A' camshaft, intake side, Bank 1) and is specific to vehicles equipped with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) or Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) systems.
The VVT system relies on pressurised engine oil fed through the Oil Control Valve (OCV) solenoid to hydraulically rotate the cam phaser and advance or retard camshaft timing. When oil pressure is insufficient, oil is contaminated, or the solenoid/phaser is mechanically faulty, the system cannot hold or return the exhaust cam to its retard target position. The PCM compares the desired cam angle against the signal from the camshaft position sensor and triggers P0014 when the error exceeds calibration limits.
In the majority of cases, deferred or neglected oil changes are the root cause. Carbon sludge accumulates in the narrow oil galleries and OCV filter screen, starving the phaser of the flow it needs.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0014 is logged.
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1
Low or degraded engine oil (most common — sludge blocks OCV filter screen)
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2
Faulty or clogged Oil Control Valve (OCV/VVT solenoid) for the exhaust camshaft
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3
Failed or sticking exhaust camshaft phaser (actuator)
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4
Stretched timing chain or worn timing chain guides
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5
Damaged, corroded, or shorted wiring/connector at the OCV solenoid
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6
Faulty exhaust camshaft position sensor or reluctor wheel damage
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7
PCM software fault or internal PCM failure (rare)
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0014
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Check engine oil level and condition first — if oil is dark, low, or overdue for service, perform an oil and filter change
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2
Read and record all stored DTCs; note whether P0011 or other cam/crank correlation codes are also present
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3
Inspect the OCV solenoid wiring harness and connector for corrosion
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4
Test OCV solenoid resistance with a multimeter
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5
Command the OCV on/off with a bi-directional scan tool while watching the cam actuator angle
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6
Inspect the OCV filter screen for sludge deposits
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7
If all electrical and solenoid tests pass, evaluate the cam phaser mechanically
Related powertrain codes
- P000A — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000B — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000C — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P000D — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P0010 — A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0011 — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0014 code?
Short distances are possible but not recommended. The over-advanced exhaust cam timing reduces engine efficiency and can cause stalling.
Will changing the oil fix P0014?
In many cases, yes — especially if the oil is overdue, degraded, or sludged. Fresh full-synthetic oil restores proper pressure to the VVT system.
What is the difference between P0014 and P0011?
Both codes relate to Bank 1, but P0011 covers the intake ('A') camshaft being over-advanced, while P0014 covers the exhaust ('B') camshaft.
How much does it cost to fix P0014?
An oil and filter service is the cheapest fix. An OCV solenoid replacement typically costs $100–$300 parts and labour. A cam phaser replacement is more involved at $400–$900+.
Disabling P0014 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0014 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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