P0014 is a code I’ve seen countless times in the shop, usually when your car’s computer catches the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 running ahead of schedule. In regular terms, what’s happening is the camshaft-which basically choreographs when your engine’s valves open and close-isn’t lining up like it should. This doesn’t show up on every engine; you’ll only see P0014 on motors with variable valve timing (VVT). That’s the system that lets your car tweak performance for power or fuel mileage on the fly. The ‘B’ points to the exhaust camshaft, and ‘bank 1’ is just the side of the engine where cylinder number one lives. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes-sensors, actuators (or phasers, as we call them in the field), and oil control solenoids all working together. When one piece gets out of whack, your computer lights up the P0014 code to let you know the exhaust cam timing is too far advanced.
DTC P0014
5747
6 minutes of readingCauses of obd code P0014
From experience, I can tell you that P0014 usually comes down to a handful of common culprits. Most often the issue is with the engine oil - either it’s too low or it’s dirty and contaminated. This is especially true if oil changes have been skipped or delayed. Other frequent causes include a faulty oil control solenoid, a worn-out camshaft actuator (also called a phaser), or problems with the timing chain and its guides. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a damaged wire or a loose connection in the circuit. In rare cases, the camshaft position sensor itself or even the engine computer (PCM) can be at fault. Here’s what I typically see:
- Low or dirty engine oil (very common)
- Faulty oil control solenoid
- Failed camshaft actuator/phaser
- Stretched or damaged timing chain or guides
- Wiring issues or poor electrical connections
- Faulty camshaft position sensor
- PCM (engine computer) problems (rare)
This error can also happen on car brands such as Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Cruze.
Symptoms of dtc P0014
When P0014 is active, you’ll likely notice your check engine light is on. But that’s just the start. Most drivers report hard starting, rough idling, or even stalling at stoplights. You might feel the engine running unevenly, or hear a rattling noise from under the hood. Some folks notice their fuel economy drops off, and in worse cases, the engine can misfire or hesitate when accelerating. If things get bad enough, the car might not want to start at all. If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s a sign the engine’s timing is off and needs attention. In some instances, you may also encounter situations described by p0014 00 or hyundai dtc p0014, depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Diagnosis of obd2 code P0014
Here’s how I usually tackle a P0014 code, starting with the basics and working up to the more involved checks. First, I always check the engine oil - both the level and the condition. If it’s low or looks dirty, that’s a red flag right away. Next, I inspect the oil control solenoid for any signs of clogging or electrical issues; sometimes just cleaning or replacing this part solves the problem. After that, I’ll look at the wiring and connectors going to the solenoid and camshaft position sensor - making sure nothing’s loose, corroded, or damaged. If all that checks out, I move on to the timing components: I’ll listen for unusual noises and, if needed, remove covers to inspect the timing chain and guides for wear or slack. In some cases, I’ll use a scan tool to watch the camshaft timing data while the engine runs, comparing what the computer wants versus what’s actually happening. If you’re checking this at home, it’s best to have someone help you watch the oil level while you crank the engine, and don’t forget to look for any leaks or obvious wiring issues before moving on to more complicated parts. For Chevrolet models, dtc p0014 chevrolet and related codes may require a thorough approach to pinpoint the exact cause.
Common Mistakes with P0014 engine code
One thing I see a lot is folks jumping straight to replacing expensive parts, like the camshaft actuator or sensor, without checking the oil first. Skipping an oil change or ignoring dirty oil is a surefire way to end up chasing your tail. Another common mistake is overlooking the wiring and connectors - a loose plug or corroded wire can cause all sorts of headaches. I also see people forget to clear the code and test drive the car after repairs, which can make it seem like the problem’s still there. It’s best to start simple and work your way up, rather than throwing parts at the problem.
Seriousness of P0014 code
This isn’t something you want to put off. If you ignore a P0014 code, things can go south quickly. Driving with advanced cam timing can cause poor engine performance, increased emissions, and even serious engine damage over time. If the timing chain or actuator fails completely, you could end up with bent valves or a ruined engine - and that’s a repair nobody wants to face. Honestly, it’s dangerous to ignore this, especially if you’re already noticing rough running or stalling. The risks just aren’t worth it, so I always recommend getting it checked out as soon as possible.
Repair steps for P0014
In cases like this, the fix depends on what’s causing the problem. Most often, a simple oil and filter change with the correct oil type and weight solves it, especially if the oil was old or low. If that doesn’t do it, I recommend testing and possibly replacing the oil control solenoid. If the actuator (phaser) is at fault, that’ll need to be replaced, but that’s a more involved job. For timing chain issues, you’re looking at a bigger repair, replacing the chain and guides. Don’t forget to check and repair any damaged wiring or connectors, and if the camshaft position sensor is faulty, swap that out as well. After repairs, always clear the code and take the car for a test drive to make sure the problem’s gone for good.
Conclusion
To sum it up, P0014 means your engine’s exhaust camshaft timing is too far advanced on bank 1, usually because of oil issues, a faulty solenoid, or worn timing parts. It’s a moderate to serious problem that can lead to major engine damage if ignored, so don’t put this off. Start with the basics - check your oil and the solenoid - and work your way up. The most reliable fix is to follow a step-by-step diagnosis, address any oil or electrical issues, and only replace major parts if you’re sure they’re the culprit. Getting on top of this early is the best way to keep your engine running strong and avoid a much bigger headache down the road.
