P0014: The exhaust cam on the left side is stuck too far advanced
"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Short distances only. The car may feel rough or lose power. An over-advanced exhaust cam can cause the valves to conflict with the pistons on worn engines, so do not push it at high RPM.
What it means
The exhaust cam on bank 1 moved further toward advance than the computer commanded, or it moved to advance and got stuck there. Over-advanced exhaust timing causes the exhaust valves to open late relative to intake, which reduces efficiency and can increase emissions. On high-mileage engines with sloppy timing chains, this code sometimes appears because the chain has enough slack to let the cam position drift. A stuck solenoid is still the most likely cause.
Common causes
- Stuck or clogged exhaust VVT solenoidThe solenoid is stuck open toward advance. Sludge from old oil is the usual culprit.
- Low oil level or degraded oilOil pressure holds the cam in position. Low or thin oil allows the phaser to drift.
- Worn exhaust cam phaserA phaser that can no longer hold position lets the cam creep to advance on its own.
- Stretched timing chainChain slack adds error to the cam position signal, sometimes reading as over-advanced.
What it costs
- Exhaust VVT solenoid$80 to $230
- Camshaft phaser replacement$450 to $1,100
- Timing chain and phaser kit$800 to $2,000
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle, sometimes with a rattle at startup
- Poor fuel economy
- Sluggish acceleration
- Rattling noise from the engine at cold start (if timing chain is involved)
What to do next
Check oil level and condition. If overdue, change the oil and reset the code. If P0014 returns, replace the exhaust cam VVT solenoid. If there is also a cold-start rattle, the timing chain needs inspection before you spend money on a solenoid. A stretched chain with a new solenoid will still set the code. Ask a shop to check chain tension before ordering parts.
Lewis displays the exhaust cam's commanded versus actual position so you can see whether it is consistently over-advanced or only drifting at idle. Download Lewis.
Related codes
FAQ
- Can P0014 cause engine damage?
- On most modern engines the computer limits timing range to prevent valve-piston contact. On high-mileage engines with worn guides or a stretched chain, extended over-advance carries more risk. Fix it promptly.
- I replaced the solenoid but P0014 came back. What now?
- Check whether the timing chain is stretched. A loose chain can mimic a stuck solenoid on cam position sensors. A shop can measure chain slack directly.
- Does P0014 always need a shop, or can I fix it myself?
- The VVT solenoid swap is DIY-friendly on many engines, accessible on top of the valve cover. The timing chain is not a beginner job and should go to a shop.