P0014 Engine Code | Incorrect Camshaft Position Timing—Bank 1 (2024)

Today’s car engines are modern marvels, requiring numerous complex components to work in symphony. However, this isn’t always the case, as indicated by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0014: Exhaust Camshaft “B” Timing Over-Advanced—Bank 1.

P0014 applies to vehicles equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) or variable camshaft timing (VCT) systems. This code indicates an issue with the camshaft’s timing in relation to monitoring from the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM).

VVT and VCT systems are designed to optimize the fuel-air mixture by adjusting the duration of valve openings. This makes the engine more fuel-efficient or powerful based on the vehicle’s requirements. When the P0014 code is triggered, the camshaft timing has surpassed a predetermined threshold, resulting in an over-advanced condition.

Non-inline engines, such as those with a flat or V-shaped architecture, have cylinders divided into banks. Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine that includes cylinder 1. The “B” camshaft mentioned in the code description refers to the exhaust, right, or rear camshaft, depending on the car. So, a P0014 code signals an over-advanced timing issue with the camshaft located in the bank containing cylinder 1, which is positioned in the exhaust, rear, or right side of the engine.

Like all issues involving camshaft timing, code P0014 is serious. An out-of-sync camshaft can cause the pistons to collide with the valves, resulting in bent valves, damaged valve seats, and piston damage. In layperson’s terms, this is catastrophic engine damage.

Of course, that’s a worst-case scenario—other problems can arise, which we’ll explore later. Keep reading to learn about P0014 causes and repairs. We’ll also cover the vehicles most likely to encounter P0014 issues.

Possible Causes of P0014 & Their Repair Costs

Correct camshaft positioning pretty much affects everything that the engine does, from generating power to producing emissions. Besides engine damage risk, a faulty camshaft can make the car hard to start and vulnerable to power loss and stalling. At the same time, a malfunctioning camshaft or crankshaft position sensor can indicate a problem when none actually exists. It all comes down to identifying the reason behind the check engine light and this DTC.

Check out the FIXD article on the most common causes of check engine lights.

Here are issues that can cause a P0014 code and typical repair costs, which can vary depending on the vehicle and locale.

Makes Commonly Affected By P0014

According to FIXD sensor data, select General Motors vehicles are the most vulnerable to a P0014-related issue. At the top of the list is the Chevrolet Equinox, one of the company’s most popular non-truck vehicles. In contrast, the Malibu sedan, not one of Chevy’s hot sellers, takes second place, followed by the Colorado midsize pickup.

However, Chevy isn’t the sole GM brand on this list; GMCs are well-represented, too. Unsurprisingly, the Terrain gets the dubious honor of being the GMC most likely to incur a P0014 code incident. It’s an expected result as the Terrain is the corporate fraternal twin of the Equinox. The larger three-row Acadia follows while the Envoy (discontinued after 2009) gets bronze.

Ford keeps up with Chevy, but not in a good way. Its Escape compact crossover and archrival to the Equinox is the Blue Oval vehicle most prone to code P0014 problems. The Fusion sedan is another Ford with P0014 tendencies, as is the midsize Edge crossover.

Meanwhile, Japanese brands round out the top five spots of this list, starting with Nissan. Research shows that the Maxima sedan is the most common vehicle from the land of the rising sun to encounter P0014 codes. Two of Nissan’s core SUVs, the Rogue and Pathfinder, respectively, follow the Maxima.

Toyota isn’t immune, either. The full-size and discontinued Avalon sedan gets the dubious distinction of being the worst Toyota for P0014 codes. At the same time, the Corolla, the world’s best-selling car, worked its way into second place for that brand. The company’s ubiquitous minivan, the Sienna, gets the third spot.

“We only show the top models for the top 5 makes in this article. To see the rest, click on our article about how common P0014 is for all of the top 100 vehicles in the US.”

How to Diagnose the Cause of Your P0014 Code

Diagnosing a check engine light starts with using an OBD-II scanner to identify what’s causing the issue. The FIXD plug-in sensor will show the code and likely causes on your phone via the accompanying FIXD app. You can also try a basic code reader with a cable to plug into the car’s OBD-II port. In truth, there are only a few things a novice DIYer can do to identify what triggered a P0014 code. You’ll want a flashlight, gloves, and rag to get started.

Safety Essentials

Before exploring the source of a P0014 code, you’ll want to observe the following:

• • Park on a level surface in a safe area

• • Ensure the car is off and the parking brake is engaged

• • Allow the engine to cool

Symptoms of P0014 Causes

Here’s a breakdown of code P0014 causes. While this DTC is very specific, it doesn’t point to a single reason for the check engine light. Investigation is required to get to the heart of the matter.

Let’s dive into what could be causing a P0014 code. Unlike some other diagnostic trouble codes, P0014 can be caused by something simple, like a low oil level or a significant issue, such as a defective timing chain. As a result, any symptom could be associated with any possible cause. Nonetheless, we’ve attributed the possible causes to a likely symptom of that issue.

Can I drive with Code P0014?

Quick answer: No, it is not advisable to drive with code P0014.

It’s always wise to avoid driving when there’s a risk of severe engine damage; code P0014 is one of these situations. Pull over where it’s safe, turn off the engine, and call a tow truck. If you’ve already confirmed a P0014 code via an OBD II scanner, then leave the car (turned off) where it is and call roadside assistance.

Driving even a short distance risks catastrophic engine failure; colliding pistons and valves is never good. Playing it safe means spending a few hundred dollars for a tow and a mechanic’s diagnostic time. The alternative is an engine repair bill or engine replacement that runs into the thousands.

Here’s a more detailed look at driveability with a P0014 code.

DIY | How To Fix P0014 Causes

Repairs involving a P0014 code tend to be intricate. Even someone modestly handy with a wrench may be uncomfortable working on a timing belt or chain. In addition, removing a valve cover isn’t overly complex, but dealing with the valves is.

Separating these efforts into inside and outside the engine work is a good way to determine what is DIYable and what is not. Can an advanced amateur change a timing belt? Possibly, but someone with this skill set isn’t likely to be reading this article.

That said, let’s review reasonable DIY repairs that involve correcting a P0014 code. Importantly, every DIYer should recognize their limits to avoid causing more damage or risking injury.

References:

1. 1. Repair-cost estimates, repairpal.com (various dates). Retrieved June 10, 2024, from repairpal.com.