P0014: The exhaust cam on the left side is stuck too far advanced
"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Exhaust cam timing is more advanced than the computer asked for. Get it checked within a few days and avoid high revs. If it runs rough or loses power, stop driving.
Stop driving and get help if
- The check engine light is flashing
- The temperature gauge runs high, or you see steam (overheating)
- The car loses power, hesitates badly or stalls
- You smell burning or see smoke
- A brake warning light comes on, or the brakes feel different
Pull over as soon as you can, turn the engine off, and call a tow or roadside help.
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 the fix could involve
From the cheaper fix to the bigger one. Prices depend on your car, your area and the shop, so ask for a written quote that names the part and the labor before you approve it.
- Exhaust VVT solenoid
- Camshaft phaser replacement
- Timing chain and phaser kit
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 reads P0014 alongside any related cam timing codes, so you can see whether it is paired with a circuit code like P0013 or a correlation code like P0017. Get Lewis on the App Store or Google Play.
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.
Check your car's recalls free. No scanner needed.
Lewis checks your car against NHTSA safety recalls by year, make and model. It is free and works before you own a scanner.