P002C

B Camshaft Profile Control Circuit High Bank 1

P002C is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: B Camshaft Profile Control Circuit High 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.

Code
P002C
Group
Powertrain
System
CKP/CMP
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What P002C means

P002C is a generic OBD-II powertrain code indicating that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected an abnormally high voltage condition in the 'B' camshaft profile control circuit on Bank 1 — the cylinder bank containing cylinder number 1. The 'B' designation typically refers to the exhaust camshaft in engines with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC).

Modern engines use Variable Valve Timing (VVT) or variable camshaft profile systems to optimise power, torque, and fuel economy across different operating conditions. The ECM commands an oil control solenoid (OCS) to shift the camshaft between low-lift and high-lift profiles by directing pressurised engine oil into the hydraulic actuator. A 'High' circuit fault means the ECM measured a voltage at the control line that exceeds the expected duty-cycle window, pointing to a short to voltage, an open return path, or a failed solenoid driver. If left unaddressed, the camshaft may be locked in one profile, degrading performance at certain RPM ranges and potentially causing valve timing issues that accelerate wear on timing components.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P002C is logged.

  • 1
    Short to voltage (B+) in the camshaft profile control solenoid wiring harness
  • 2
    Defective or failed oil control solenoid (OCS) for the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft
  • 3
    Damaged, corroded, or loose connector pins at the solenoid harness plug
  • 4
    Open circuit in the solenoid ground return path causing voltage to appear high
  • 5
    Contaminated or degraded engine oil preventing proper hydraulic actuation
  • 6
    Low engine oil level reducing hydraulic pressure to the VVT actuator
  • 7
    Faulty ECM solenoid driver circuit (rare)

Symptoms drivers notice

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL / Check Engine Light) illuminated
Reduced engine power or sluggish throttle response, especially at higher RPM
Rough or unstable idle due to incorrect camshaft profile engagement
Decreased fuel economy as the engine cannot optimise valve timing
Possible rattling or ticking noise from the VVT actuator on cold start

How to diagnose P002C

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Connect a scan tool, record freeze-frame data, and note all related codes (P002A, P002B) before clearing
  2. 2
    Check engine oil level and condition; replace oil and filter if dark or sludged, using the manufacturer-specified viscosity
  3. 3
    Visually inspect the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft OCS connector and wiring for chafing, melted insulation, or corrosion
  4. 4
    With ignition on and solenoid unplugged, back-probe the control wire with a DVOM — a reading above 1 V confirms a short to voltage
  5. 5
    Measure solenoid coil resistance at the connector; compare against spec (typically 6–15 Ω); replace if open or shorted
  6. 6
    With solenoid reconnected and engine warm, command the solenoid on/off via the scan tool's actuator test and verify voltage drops to near 0 V during commanded activation
  7. 7
    If wiring and solenoid test normal, inspect ECM connector pins for damage and consider ECM diagnosis as a last step

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with P002C active?

Short-term driving is usually possible as the engine will still run, but performance will be degraded. Prolonged driving risks uneven valve timing wear and potential damage to the VVT actuator, so repair should not be deferred more than a few days.

What does 'B' camshaft mean?

In SAE/ISO naming, the 'A' camshaft is the intake side and the 'B' camshaft is the exhaust side. On a Bank 1 DOHC engine, P002C therefore points to the exhaust camshaft VVT system on the side containing cylinder 1.

Will an oil change fix this code?

If degraded oil caused the solenoid to stick or restricted hydraulic flow to the actuator, a fresh oil and filter change with the correct viscosity can resolve it. However, if the fault is electrical (short to voltage, failed solenoid coil), an oil change alone will not clear the code.

Is P002C the same as P002A?

No. P002A is a low-circuit fault for the 'A' (intake) camshaft profile on Bank 1. P002C is a high-circuit fault for the 'B' (exhaust) camshaft on Bank 1. They share diagnostic procedures but point to different camshafts and different circuit failure modes.

Disabling P002C in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P002C — 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.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

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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