P0014 – Camshaft Position B – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

The P0014 trouble code appears in your Engine control module’s trouble code memory when there is a problem with your camshaft timing or variable camshaft timing system.

There are quite a few things that can cause this error code, and it can result in serious engine damage if you ignore it, so you want to diagnose it as soon as possible. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the P0014 error code.

Code P0014 Definition

Camshaft Position B – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

What does the P0014 code mean?

P0014 indicates that the camshaft position sensors detected an incorrect camshaft timing on camshaft B on bank 1. In most cases, this means that there is a problem with your variable camshaft timing control, but it can also mean that there is a problem with the camshaft timing.

The timing between the camshafts and crankshaft must be correct for good engine performance, and it uses the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor to measure this timing.

If the timing is off on either the crankshaft or camshafts, the engine control module will notice this problem and store the P0014 trouble code and illuminate the check engine light.

P0014 Trouble Code Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the p0014 trouble code are engine performance issues such as a hard start, rough acceleration, or a stalling engine. You will also likely experience a check engine light on your dashboard.

Here are some of the signs you may notice with a P0014 trouble code:

Check engine light
Hard starting
Rough acceleration
Performance issues
Stalling engine

Causes of the P0014 Code

The most common cause of the P0014 is a faulty VCT or VVT valve solenoid, which controls the camshaft timing adjustment. It can also be caused by a faulty camshaft position sensor, a faulty timing chain, or a timing tensioner.

Here are the most common causes of the P0014 trouble code:

Incorrect Camshaft Timing
Faulty camshaft timing control solenoid
Failed VVT or VCT solenoid
Clogged oil lines to the VVT or VCT solenoid
Low Engine Oil
Low oil pressure
A faulty camshaft position sensor
Faulty crankshaft positions sensor
Damaged wirings
Faulty Timing Chain or Timing Belt
Faulty Timing Tensioner

How serious is the P0014 Code?

Very Serious: The P0014 code could mean that there is something seriously wrong with your timing belt or timing chain. This can cause the pistons to hit the engine valves if something is wrong with the timing belt or timing chain, resulting in complete engine damage which can be very costly.

It is highly recommended to fix the problem as soon as possible and not ignore the problem and continue driving your vehicle when the P0014 code appears on your code scanner.

What repairs can fix the P0014 code?

There are many repairs that can fix the P0014 code, but you always want to make a proper diagnosis before replacing any parts. Usually, repairs related to camshaft timing can fix this error code.

Some common repairs that can fix the P0014 code include:

Add engine oil or change the oil and oil filter
Clean oil lines to VCT or VVT system.
Clean or replace the VVT or VCT solenoid
Replace the timing belt or timing chain
Replace camshaft timing control valve solenoid
Replace the camshaft position sensor
Replace the crankshaft position sensor
Repair faulty wirings

Common P0014 Diagnosis mistakes

The most common P0014 diagnosis mistake is thinking the timing chain or belt is bad without properly diagnosing it. Replacing a timing chain or timing belt can be very expensive, and the P0014 code can be caused by many other things, so you definitely want to do a proper diagnosis first.

The most common problem with P0114 is a faulty VVT or VCT system, which controls the timing of the camshaft system. However, it could also be something as simple as a bad camshaft position sensor or a low oil level.

Recommended Tools for Diagnosis

Diagnostic OBD Scan Tool
Multimeter
Basic Hand Tools
Auto Repair Manual
Electrical Contact Cleaner

How to diagnose the P0014 Trouble Code

Diagnosing the P0014 code can be quite difficult without the right expertise and knowledge. This is because it can be difficult to reach the camshaft timing and check it without the right tools and knowledge due to the complex systems.

However, here are some easy ways most people with basic knowledge can use to diagnose the P0014 trouble code:

Connect an OBD2 scanner and look for any related trouble codes that could cause the P0014 code. If you see any related codes to the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor, you want to diagnose these first, which could solve the P0014 trouble code.
Check your engine oil level and make sure it is good. If it is low, add oil or change oil and the oil filter. Then clear the P0014 code and try again.
Check your service manual and check the oil filler cap to see if you can see a lot of sludge inside the engine. If there is a lot of sludge, it’s possible that your engine oil is very old, which could cause the VVT or VCT engine control valve’s oil lines to clog up. In this case, you may need to change the engine oil and clean the oil lines and VVT valve.
Check the operation of the VVT or VCT valve solenoid using your diagnostic scanner. Try an output test to see if the VCT valve solenoid moves or not. You can also try with 12v+ power and ground if you have some car electrical knowledge.
If easily accessed, remove the VCT control valve solenoid and clean the oil passages with compressed air and a proper cleaner solution.
Check the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensors to make sure they send the right signals.
Check engine camshaft timing manually. Check your repair manual on how to do this in your engine. If it is faulty, you must disassemble the timing belt or chain and inspect for damage.

If there are any steps here that you are not sure about, it may be wise to contact a professional diagnostic technician for a proper diagnosis.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair P0014?

There is no way to say a fixed repair cost to repair the P0014 error code, due to the variety of problems that can cause this error code. It could be something as simple as low engine oil, which could be fixed for a few bucks. It can also be caused by a worn timing chain or belt, which can cost $3,000 or more to fix.

Here are some common repair costs associated with the P0014 code:

VVT or VCT Control Valve Cleaning – 0$
Low Engine Oil Level – $10 to $100
Variable camshaft timing control solenoid – 200$ to 500$
VVT or VCT control unit replacement 500$ to 1500$
Timing chain or timing chain replacement 600$ to 3000$

How do you fix code P0014?

To fix the P0014 code, you must first find out what’s causing this error code. The easiest way to begin is to look for other related error codes. If you see any codes related to the VVT or VCT control valve, you need to inspect and diagnose this valve. You also want to check the camshaft timing and make sure there are no timing issues.

Can P0014 be caused by low oil?

Yes. P0014 can be caused by low oil. Low oil will cause low oil pressure, and the camshaft tensioners and solenoids are often controlled with the oil pressure, so if the oil pressure is low, it will cause problems with the camshaft timing, resulting in P0014.

Can bad spark plugs cause P0014 code?

P0014 means there is a problem with the camshaft timing or the camshaft timing reading, and the spark plugs are not really related to this. Therefore, it would be very rare for bad spark plugs to cause the P0014 error code.

Can I drive with code P0014?

No. It’s not recommended to drive with the P0014 code without first diagnosing the problem. If there is a problem with the camshaft timing and you ignore it, it can result in complete engine failure if you are unlucky, which in most cases will result in an engine replacement, which can be very expensive.

How much does it cost to replace the camshaft sensor?

If you find that the camshaft sensor is bad, it is often quite cheap to replace it. You can expect to pay around $50 to $200 for the sensor itself, and the sensor is often replaced within 30 minutes. Therefore, you can expect a total replacement cost of $80 to $300 for a camshaft sensor replacement on most vehicles. But in some car models, it can be more expensive.

The P0014 code means there is a problem with the camshaft timing. This can either be due to an actual incorrect camshaft timing, which can be a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately, or it can result in very expensive repair costs.

But it can also be caused by something as simple as low engine oil or a bad camshaft position sensor, which can often be fixed for under $300. If you do not feel that you have the right expertise to solve this problem, contact a professional mechanic as soon as possible.