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A variable valve timing (VVT) system of your vehicle improves fuel economy and engine efficiency. This system is installed to regulate the closing and opening of the intake valve and exhaust valve to control the air-fuel mixture. It also improves the overall performance of your vehicle. The PCM activates the P0014 code only on vehicles that have a variable valve timing (VVT) system.
When the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft is more advanced than the specified limit, the P0014 code is triggered. This exhaust camshaft controls the exhaust valve that is used to release the engine exhaust gases. This article explains the P0014 code meaning, symptoms, causes, and how to fix it.
Code P0014 Definition
- P0014 Generic: Exhaust Camshaft Position—Timing Over—Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0014 Hyundai: Blink Code: 3,3 Open circuit to Front left outlet valve
- P0014 Peugeot: Camshaft Position B → Over Advanced → Bank 1
- P0014 Kia: Blink Code: 3,3 Open circuit to Front left outlet valve.
What Does the P0014 Code Mean?
The P0014 code indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) of your vehicle detects that the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft is more advanced than what the PCM has commanded it to be.
The trouble code P0014 is related to the engine’s variable valve timing (VVT) system. A VVT system helps to improve your engine performance by adjusting the closing and opening timing of the exhaust valve and intake valve. The proper opening and closing of the engine valves is very important for the proper combustion of the air-fuel mixture.
The PCM/ECM of your vehicle uses the data of the VVT system to control different functions.
The PCM controls the camshaft operation by using an oil control valve (OCV), also known as a variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid. As the PCM monitors that the exhaust camshaft at Bank 1 is more advanced than the specified limit, it triggers the P0014 engine code.
Symptoms of the P0014 Code
As your vehicle’s PCM triggers the P0014 code, you will notice one or more of the below-given symptoms:
- Check engine light illumination
- Engine knocking
- Failed emission test
- Engine misfiring
- Rough idle
- Rough acceleration
- Poor engine performance
- Engine stalling
- Starting issues
- Poor fuel economy
Read More: Symptoms of bad VVT Solenoid
Causes of P0014 Code
There are multiple causes of the P0014 code, but the following are the major causes:
- Bad VVT solenoid
- A bad camshaft position sensor
- Dirty engine oil
- Stuck camshaft phaser in the advanced position
- Low oil levels
- High-viscosity oil that is blocking the passages, restricting oil flow to or from the camshaft phaser.
- Bad exhaust camshaft position solenoid actuator
- Low oil pressure
- Damaged wires or loose connections
- An issue with the PCM
- Bad crankshaft position sensor
- Camshaft timing Error
- Damaged timing belt
Read More: P0336 Code Symptoms and Causes
Common P0014 Code Diagnosis Mistakes
You must avoid the below-given mistakes when diagnosing or fixing error code P0014:
- Not checking oil quality and level
- Overlooking the inspection of the wiring, connectors, and the solenoid.
- Neglecting the inspection of the timing components including the timing belt/chain
- Not using suitable diagnostic tools
- Not clearing the codes after repairs
- Not performing the test drive after clearing the codes
- Installing the parts without testing them
How to diagnose the P0014 Code?
You must have the following tools to diagnose or fix the P0014 code:
- Fused jumper wires
- Specific vehicle service manual
- OBDII scan tool
- Basic hand tools
Follow the below-given steps to diagnose the P0014 code:
- Scan your system using an OBDII scan tool. Clear the fault codes, and scan the vehicle again. You can drive for about 14 to 21 minutes before scanning again. If the code persists, continue with additional diagnostics and troubleshooting.
- Visually inspect the valve or connector for problems with the bank 1 exhaust camshaft oil control valve.
- Use a dipstick to inspect the level and condition of the engine oil. If your car has insufficient oil, add more oil and road-test the car to confirm the problem has been corrected. If your oil is dirty, then drain it and add fresh oil.
- Inspect the connectors and wiring harnesses to confirm they are not corroded.
- Inspect the oil filter for a fault.
- Check your engine for deposits. Check the oil passages and clean them if needed.
- If your engine doesn’t have debris, check the exhaust camshaft oil control valve located at Bank 1 for proper operation. This test can be performed by unscrewing the OCV from the camshaft and testing it using a jumper. Power and ground are transmitted to the solenoid through a pair of fusible wire jumpers.
- If the oil control valve is working properly, you will hear a click, and the valve will move in both directions. If it doesn’t generate clicking noise or movement, replace it.
- Inspect the timing components for a fault.
- Clear the codes and perform a test drive.
- If P0014 appears again after performing all the above diagnosis steps, you may have internal engine problems. It is recommended to contact a professional.
What repairs can fix the P0014 code?
One or more of the following repairs can fix the P0014 trouble code:
- Reset the fault code and perform a road test
- Replace or repair the bad timing chain
- Check the engine oil level and condition, and add more oil if needed.
- Adjust the engine timing if needed.
- Replace the bad oil filter
- Replace the damaged catalytic converter.
- Replacing the bad crankshaft position sensor
- Replacing the bad camshaft position sensor
- Cleaning the clogged oil passages
- Replace the bad oil control valve
- Repair or replace the damaged wires connected to the camshaft oil control valve for bank 1 exhaust camshaft
Repair Costs for P0014 Code
To fix or repair the P0014 code, you may need one or more of the following repairs. These prices are based on national averages and include parts and labor. Your cost may vary according to your area, vehicle model, and labor cost.
| Parts | Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil control valve replacement | $310 to $410 |
| Oil change | $40 to $70 |
| Camshaft replacement | $1384 to $1614 |
| Timing belt replacement | $520 to $3,270 |
| Camshaft Sensor replacement cost | $90 to $260 |
How serious is the P0014 Code?
The P0014 code is a serious trouble code. It is recommended not to drive with this code for a long time. Failure to fix this trouble code can lead to costly repairs in the long term, as it may eventually cause the engine pistons to collide with its valves.
When you observe the P0014 code, it is recommended to cease driving immediately to prevent any damage to the exhaust system.
How to Prevent Code P0014?
To prevent the P0014 code from triggering, you need to follow the following control measures:
- Regular oil changes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Periodically check the engine oil to ensure it is within the recommended range
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions
- Always use quality oil
- Regularly change your oil filter
- When your vehicle triggers the check engine light, fix it promptly
- Use high-quality fuel
- Avoid aggressive driving
- Avoid rough terrain. Excessive vibrations may badly affect camshaft timing.
FAQ Section
Can I drive a car with a P0014 Code?
Yes, you can continue driving your vehicle with P0014. However, it is recommended to check and fix the code by an expert as soon as possible. Driving with this code can cause hard starts, poor fuel economy, poor engine performance, stalling, and erratic idling. Driving with a faulty camshaft position sensor can cause many problems, including poor fuel economy, poor engine performance, and engine misfires.
Can too much oil cause P0014?
Too much oil in your car engine can cause increased engine pressure, fouled sparks, collapsed valve hoses, and other problems. Excessive oil flow can cause clogging and foaming in the oil area, causing lubrication problems. Oil flow must be restricted to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently.
What causes timing over advanced?
- Bad oil control solenoid
- Damaged timing components
- A failed camshaft actuator (aka phaser)
- A low engine oil level or contaminated oil(very common)
Can an oil change fix P0014?
An oil change may fix the problem if the code is due to a bad oil filter. However, if the code is caused by something else, e.g., a leak or a problem with the engine controls, changing the oil may not fix the problem.
How many camshaft position sensors does a car have?
Camshaft sensors determine the position of the camshaft and send this data to the PCM. The latest engines have camshaft sensors on each camshaft. A car with a common engine (a four-cylinder engine) has four camshafts and one sensor per camshaft. Other types of engines such as V6, V8, and V12 have different numbers of sensors.
How long does it take to change a camshaft sensor?
Replacing a camshaft position sensor typically takesbetween one and two hours. However, this may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Can P0014 be caused by low oil?
Yes, the P0014 engine code can be triggered due to low oil levels. The camshaft tensioners and solenoids require a sufficient supply of engine oil to work efficiently. When the oil level reduces, it causes poor oil pressure which may lead to different issues related to camshaft timing, ultimately leading to the P0014 code.
Read More
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