P005C
B Camshaft Profile Control Performance/Stuck Off Bank 2P005C is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: B Camshaft Profile Control Performance/Stuck Off 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 P005C means
P005C is set when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects an abnormally high voltage in the variable valve lift (camshaft profile) control solenoid circuit on Bank 1. A "circuit high" condition means the measured signal voltage exceeds the upper calibration threshold — the typical cause is a short to battery voltage (B+) somewhere in the control wire, a failed solenoid with an open internal winding forcing the pull-down path to disappear, or a faulty ECM output stage that cannot properly sink current. The variable valve lift system switches camshaft profiles by energising solenoids with a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) ground-controlled signal; when the ECM senses the control line floating high instead of being pulled toward ground when commanded, it cannot confirm solenoid state and disables the system. The cam profile defaults to the low-lift position, reducing high-RPM performance while protecting the mechanism from uncontrolled actuation. Unlike the circuit-low fault (P005B), a circuit-high fault rarely involves oil contamination and more often traces to a wiring short against a battery-positive source or an open solenoid coil.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P005C is logged.
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1
Short to battery voltage (B+) in the camshaft profile control solenoid signal wire on Bank 1
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2
Open internal solenoid coil causing the ECM driver to see a floating high-impedance line
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3
Damaged wiring contacting a voltage source such as an alternator output wire or ignition supply
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4
ECM output driver failure causing incorrect voltage output on the control pin
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5
Faulty or missing solenoid ground path leaving control circuit unloaded
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6
Connector pin damage allowing an adjacent powered circuit to bleed voltage into the control wire
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7
Previous repair introducing incorrect wire routing or mis-spliced connections
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P005C
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Retrieve all stored codes with a scan tool; related cam position or timing codes can help differentiate an electrical fault from a mechanical cam phaser failure
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2
Unplug the Bank 1 cam profile solenoid connector and measure the ECM control wire voltage with ignition on; a reading near battery voltage (12–14 V) when the solenoid is commanded off confirms a short to B+
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3
Measure solenoid winding resistance with the connector unplugged; an open circuit reading (OL) indicates a failed solenoid coil, which removes the load and lets the wire float high
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4
Trace the control wire harness from the solenoid to the ECM, inspecting for contact with high-voltage sources, chafed insulation, or improper previous repairs
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5
Verify the solenoid has a good ground connection independent of the ECM control wire; a missing ground can cause circuit-high symptoms
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6
Perform an ECM output driver test using a manufacturer scan tool or by substituting a test load (known resistor matching solenoid spec) on the ECM pin to verify correct voltage swing
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7
Replace the solenoid if winding resistance is open; repair wiring if a short-to-B+ is found; consider ECM only after all external causes are ruled out
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 P005B (circuit low) and P005C (circuit high)?
P005B means the circuit voltage is too low, typically a short to ground. P005C means the voltage is too high, typically a short to battery power or an open solenoid coil. Both disable the variable lift system but require opposite diagnostic strategies — one looks for unwanted ground paths, the other for unwanted voltage sources.
Can an open solenoid coil cause a circuit-high code?
Yes. When the solenoid coil is open (broken internally), the ECM control wire has no load to pull it low when commanded. The line floats at or near battery voltage, which the ECM interprets as a circuit-high fault and logs P005C.
Will the engine run normally with P005C stored?
The engine will run but the variable valve lift system is disabled, leaving the cam locked in low-lift mode. Top-end power and fuel efficiency are reduced, but the engine is generally safe to drive to a workshop.
How do I know if the ECM itself is the cause?
The ECM should only be suspected after verifying that the solenoid resistance is within spec, there is no short to B+ in the harness, and the solenoid ground path is intact. Swapping the ECM or testing the output pin with a known load are the last diagnostic steps.
Disabling P005C in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P005C — 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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