If you have a rough running engine in your Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, Pontiac, or GMC, and the check engine light is on, giving you code P0014, there are a few things you can do. This post explains what causes this specific code and what you can check on your car to clear it.
What Is Code P0014?
Code P0014 is the OBD-II diagnostic code for “Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance Bank 1.” The engine control module (ECM) generates it once it determines that the rotating components inside the engine are not timing properly.
The ECM works to adjust the camshafts using oil control valves, also known as variable valve timing control solenoid valves. They are found in engines that have a variable valve timing (VVT) system. The system improves engine performance by giving you more horsepower and increases fuel economy in small engines.
What Does Code P0014 Mean?
The P0014 code means that the ECM has noticed that the bank 1 exhaust camshaft has advanced beyond the timing level the ECM has instructed it to be. It could also mean that your car is running on very viscous oil that is clogging the passages or that you have a seized camshaft phaser. This applies to most GM vehicles that have the VVT engine.
What Causes Trouble Code P0014?
The most common cause of code P0014 is faulty camshaft position solenoid valves located at the front of the engine. In a typical engine, there should be four in total—two at the back and two at the front.
The front lower valve controls the timing for the exhaust while the front upper valve controls the timing for the intake. They work by redirecting oil pressure or oil flow. This means that they are not going to work right if your oil pressure is low.
What Are the Symptoms of the P0014 Code?
The symptoms of code P0014 include:
- Check engine light that comes on to indicate there’s a problem
- An engine that starts hard due to a camshaft that is too far advanced
- Poor fuel economy caused by camshafts not being in the right position
- An engine that runs rough or stalls depending on the camshaft’s position
- Knocking and rattling noises from the engine
- Engine emissions that result in failed emission tests
How Serious Is Code P0014?
The following can happen if the P0014 code is not fixed
- Your engine may stall or run erratically
- The engine may start hard
- Carbon can build up in the engine valves and pistons due to increased fuel consumption
- Valves can get into contact with the pistons if the vehicle is driven for a long period while the camshaft is out of time. This is caused by a timing chain that jumps the gear teeth
How to Fix Code P0014
Steps for Fixing Trouble Code P0014
- Check the Oil Level and Quality
Before changing any of the valves, it’s best to first check your oil level and quality. If you’ve neglected to change it or it was extremely low, the damage is probably done and you’ll need to change the solenoids.
- Inspect the VVT Solenoids for Metal Particles
Check your solenoids to see if they have any metal particles along the passages. If they do, it means there is more internal engine damage. You’ll need to go deeper into the motor before changing the solenoid valves.
- Replace the Camshaft Position Actuator Valves
However, if your solenoids look good, remove the camshaft position actuator valves and install new ones
- Change the Engine Oil
Once the camshaft position actuator valves are replaced, adding new oil should fix the P0014 code.
How to Diagnose the Camshaft Position Actuator Valves with a Scan Tool
A scan tool should help you determine the desired camshaft position versus the actual camshaft position. If you can change the timing of the camshafts, make sure they follow each other. If they don’t, there could be something wrong with the VVT solenoid.
How to Prevent Trouble Code P0014 from Triggering
One way you can prevent this problem is to keep up with your oil changes and double-check your oil level regularly. Check to see if it’s clean, full and that it has the right viscosity.
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