Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0014: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
P0014 means the Bank 1 "B" camshaft, usually the exhaust cam, is more advanced than commanded or is not responding properly to the variable valve timing system.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0014 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) commands a desired exhaust cam angle through the Bank 1 "B" variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid and compares it to the actual angle measured from the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. If the cam is more advanced than desired, or does not reach its target within the expected time, P0014 sets. Allowed error and test conditions are manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0014
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Low or degraded engine oil
- Sticking Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid
- Exhaust cam phaser stuck or worn
- Clogged oil screen feeding the solenoid
- Stretched timing chain
- Incorrect cam timing after service
P0014 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Stalling or rough idle when warm
- Hesitation and weak acceleration
- Higher fuel consumption
- Possible rattle from the timing area
How P0014 is diagnosed
- Check oil level, quality and correct viscosity
- Look for related codes such as P0013 or P0017 in the scan
- Compare desired and actual exhaust cam angle in live data
- Command the exhaust solenoid and confirm the cam angle changes
- Inspect the solenoid and its oil screen for sludge or debris
- Measure timing chain stretch and check phaser function if needed
Typical fixes for P0014
- Change oil and filter with the specified oil
- Replace the Bank 1 "B" VVT solenoid
- Replace the exhaust cam phaser
- Replace the timing chain, guides and tensioner if worn
- Correct cam timing alignment
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
Commonly reported on GM Ecotec and V6 engines, Hyundai/Kia engines and some BMW engines with dual variable timing. Definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0014 FAQ
What does code P0014 mean?
P0014 means the Bank 1 "B" camshaft, usually the exhaust cam, is more advanced than commanded or is not responding properly to the variable valve timing system. The standard definition is ""B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)."
Can I drive with a P0014 code?
Short trips are usually possible, but stalling at idle and rough running are common with this code. Check the oil right away and get the system diagnosed soon to avoid further timing component wear.
Why does P0014 cause stalling at idle?
An exhaust cam stuck too far advanced changes valve overlap, which can upset idle air and exhaust flow enough to make the engine stumble or stall.
Can P0014 and P0011 appear together?
Yes. When both the intake and exhaust cams on Bank 1 are affected, a shared cause like low oil pressure or a stretched chain is more likely than two failed solenoids.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.