P001E
A Camshaft Profile Control Circuit Low Bank 2P001E is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: A Camshaft Profile Control Circuit Low Bank 2. 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 P001E means
P001E is a generic OBD-II powertrain code indicating that the PCM has detected an abnormally low voltage condition in the "A" Camshaft Profile Control Circuit on Bank 2. The "A" designation refers to the intake camshaft on the engine bank that does not contain cylinder number one. Variable valve timing systems electronically adjust camshaft lobe profiles to optimise torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions depending on engine load and RPM. The PCM continuously monitors the control circuit voltage to confirm the actuator is responding correctly; when the return voltage falls below the expected minimum threshold, P001E is stored and the MIL is illuminated. A low-circuit fault typically indicates a short to ground in the wiring, an actuator with a winding that is drawing excessive current causing voltage to sag, or a sensor feedback signal that has collapsed below operating range. Like all camshaft profile codes, oil condition and pressure play a supporting role — degraded oil increases actuator response time and can produce anomalous feedback voltages even when the electrical circuit itself is intact. Because P001E mirrors P001C in fault logic but affects the opposite bank, diagnosis should follow the same structured approach: verify oil, inspect wiring for ground shorts, test the solenoid electrically, and confirm live cam-angle data in the scanner before condemning components.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P001E is logged.
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1
Short to ground in the Bank 2 camshaft profile control circuit wiring harness
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2
Faulty VVT solenoid on Bank 2 with an internal winding short causing excessive current draw and voltage sag
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3
Corroded or damaged electrical connector at the Bank 2 actuator creating a low-resistance path to ground
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4
Low engine oil level reducing hydraulic pressure and causing abnormal actuator feedback
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5
Engine oil not meeting manufacturer viscosity specifications, slowing cam phaser response
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6
Variable valve timing actuator failure (internal mechanical seizure) on Bank 2
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7
PCM/ECM internal fault affecting the Bank 2 drive circuit output (rare)
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P001E
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Connect an OBD-II scanner, read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and note any companion Bank 2 or oil pressure codes
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2
Check engine oil level and quality; perform an oil and filter change with the manufacturer-recommended viscosity if overdue or contaminated
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3
Inspect the Bank 2 VVT solenoid wiring harness and connector for chafed insulation, pinched wires, or terminals showing signs of a short to ground
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4
Use a multimeter to measure voltage at the solenoid connector with the ignition on and compare against specification
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5
Test solenoid coil resistance to check for an internal short (resistance significantly below spec indicates a shorted winding)
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6
Review live scanner data to compare commanded versus actual Bank 2 intake cam angle and confirm the actuator is or is not responding
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7
Repair confirmed wiring or component faults, clear codes, and retest to verify resolution
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
What is the difference between P001E (low) and P001D (open) for Bank 2?
P001D (open) means there is no electrical continuity — the circuit is completely broken. P001E (low) means the circuit has continuity but the voltage is below the expected range, typically because of a short to ground or an actuator drawing too much current.
Can dirty engine oil cause P001E?
Yes. VVT solenoids have small internal oil passages that can become blocked by sludge from degraded oil. A partially blocked solenoid may produce irregular electrical feedback that the PCM interprets as a low-circuit condition, even when the wiring itself is undamaged.
Is P001E more serious than P001C or P001D?
All three codes reflect faults in the same camshaft profile control system and carry similar severity. P001E specifically indicates a low-voltage or short-to-ground condition, which can sometimes cause greater current draw and risk of wiring damage if left unrepaired compared to an open-circuit fault.
Which vehicles commonly trigger P001E?
P001E can appear on any V-configuration or opposed-cylinder OBD-II vehicle with per-bank variable camshaft profile control. It is documented across brands including Volvo, GM, Ford, Chrysler/Dodge, and European marques. It does not apply to inline engines with a single bank.
Disabling P001E in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P001E — 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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