If your car shows a check engine light and the engine is knocking, this can indicate a problem with the camshaft. Connecting a hand reader with the OBDII module can check the engine fault code.
An engine has around 200 components, and its performance can deteriorate even by malfunctioning a single component. However, it cannot be easy to detect what component is malfunctioning by visually inspecting the engine (1). That is why engine fault codes are incorporated inside the vehicles that indicate the specific malfunctioning components. So, the technician/driver can change or repair that specific component.
P0014 is a specific fault code indicating an issue in the exhaust camshaft timing.
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The camshaft plays a major role in the injection of fuel and exhaustion of gases. The vehicle’s computer directs the camshaft to be in a particular position according to the engine’s load and speed. However, certain issues can impact the camshaft position that can illuminate a check engine warning light and P0014 fault code. This article will highlight the causes and symptoms of P0014, along with some common solutions to resolve this issue.
Key Takeaways
The following are the key takeaways from this article:
P0014 is a critical engine fault code indicating an advanced camshaft position at bank one.
Connecting a hand code reader with the OBDII module can detect this engine fault code.
The common symptoms of this fault code include a check engine light, difficulty starting the engine, reduced fuel mileage, and rough sound/engine knocking.
The common causes of this error include dirty/low engine oil levels, different oil viscosity, and faulty VVT solenoids.
You can resolve this issue by changing the engine oil if the issue is due to engine oil viscosity or a low oil level.
If the VVT solenoid is malfunctioning, then try replacing the solenoid at the earliest.
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Role of Camshaft in Exhaust
Modern auto manufacturers use the variable valve timing system (VVTI) to increase their models’ fuel economy and engine performance. VVT regulates engine performance by controlling the intake and exhaust valves (1). In simpler words, VVT is a command by which the intake and exhaust valves only open partially according to the intake and exhaust requirements, unlike conventional engines. The vehicle’s computer adjusts the camshaft using an oil control valve or VVT solenoids (variable valve timing control solenoids). In normal conditions, VVT regulates the valves. Still, certain problems in the engine oil viscosity or solenoid failure can cause changes in the camshaft position (3).
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When the P0014 engine fault code is set, then the exhaust camshaft in Bank 1 is in an advanced position than the engine computer has directed it to be.
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How to Comprehend P0014 Engine Fault Code
An engine fault code has five characters, each illustrating a different meaning. The following table illustrates the way P0014 is comprehended (4):
Number of Character
Specific Character
What does it Signify
First
P
The problem lies within the powertrain part of the vehicle. So, the problem is in either engine, transmission, or fuel metering.
Second
0
This means that the code is standardized, so the SAE manual can be used further to interpret the code instead of the instruction manual.
Third
0
This number illustrates that the problem lies within the vehicle’s engine components.
Fourth and Fifth
14
The specific fault index is 14 indicating an advanced cam position at Bank 1 at the exhaust valve.
Common Symptoms of P0014
P0014 is an engine code and represents an issue with the engine’s timing system. The common symptoms when the code P0014 occurs are as follows:
Difficult to Start
The common symptom of code P0014 is that it becomes difficult to start the car. This issue occurs when there is a problem with the camshaft.
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When a driver tries to start the car, clicking noises are observed, indicating that there is an error in the engine. The engine becomes damaged, and as a result, it becomes difficult to start the car. Furthermore, if the car is started, it suddenly dies because of the minimum power supplied by the engine (4). This signal indicates that code P0014 is due to the defective engine cylinders.
Minimum Fuel Mileage
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Another major symptom of the engine code P0014 is the minimum fuel mileage. This issue occurs due to various reasons, such as faulty air sensors and damaged oxygen sensors.
This issue occurs when the tires do not have the correct air pressure, resulting in fuel leakage. Besides, the dirty air filter results in the poor functioning of the engine (3). Due to these issues, the engine cannot get enough quality clean air, so a large amount of fuel is burnt. Also, the dirty or damaged fuel filter can impact fuel flow into the engine. This causes the minimum fuel mileage, and as a result, the engines do not operate properly. Thus, the code P0014 indicates the issue of the minimum fuel mileage due to the following reasons.
Rough Sound and Vibrations
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The major symptom that the engine light is indicated due to code P0014 is the noisy drive with rough vibrations. The car’s noise and vibrations indicate that air is mixed with the fuel, which is the major reason for the problems in the camshaft.
When there is an unequal proportion of air and fuel in the vehicle, the compression of the cylindrical piston causes combustion. As a result, the spark ignites. Due to this ignition, more smoke will be released from the car’s exhaust system, and the engine will behave abnormally, causing vibrations and noise while driving. Thus, due to the code P0014, the shakiness and vibrations are observed.
Common Causes of P0014
Viscosity of Oil
The major reason for the engine code P0014 is the highly viscous engine oil. For smooth operation, the engine requires a certain amount of viscosity. If the engine oil is highly viscous, it impacts its performance.
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Due to high viscosity, the passage for the oil flow to the camshaft is then blocked (4). Thus the oil cannot flow properly, and for the efficient working of the engine, it is compulsory to supply the oil at a constant speed so that the engine works smoothly.
Dirty Engine Oil
The other major reason for the engine code P0014 is the dirty engine oil. Engine oil plays a vital role in the efficient performance of vehicles as it provides constant lubrication to the engine part. Therefore, when the engine oil becomes dirty, code P0014 indicates that its performance is weakening, and it is time to replace the engine oil (1). The engine oil becomes dirty when the oil loses its viscosity and is mixed with metal, debris, and dirt.
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Due to the dirty oil, the engine parts are not well lubricated and have become rusted. Moreover, the dirty engine oil will reduce fuel efficiency. Thus, the code P0014 is indicated to prevent the engine from serious damage due to the dirty engine oil.
Faulty VVT Solenoid
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One major reason for the engine code P0014 is the defective Variable valve timing solenoids. These VVT solenoids may get defective for various reasons, such as an electronic control unit error affecting the solenoids’ working.
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The electronic control unit in the vehicle system checks the car’s sensor system and compares the sensors’ performance. In case of any defect, the variable valve timing will not operate properly and indicates the code P0014 (5). Also, this VVT is responsible for adjusting the camshaft timings. The adjusted camshaft timings will help to move the vehicle smoothly. Still, the affected camshaft timings will negatively impact the engine. The car’s rpm will not be maintained, and as a result, there will be vibrations in the system (2).
Also, due to the disturbed camshaft timing, the acceleration produced in the car might be rough, and misfires in the cylinder might occur during the acceleration (4). Therefore, the code P0014 occurs to save the engine from permanent damage.
Common Solution to Resolve this Problem
Change the Engine Oil
As discussed above, P0014 can occur for several reasons, including different viscosity of oil, dirty/low engine oil, and faulty VVT solenoid. So, the repair might require intermediate technical skills. We recommend that you start the repair by confirming the DTC code again. In the first step, you should connect your code reader with OBDII to read the code again. If the code reader is showing P0014, then start the repair by checking the engine oil. Take the stick out and put it back by cleaning it. If the engine oil level is low, refill it by following the vehicle’s instruction manual.
Check for Sludge in Powertrain
Similarly, if the engine oil is dirty, you should replace the engine oil. You can also check the valve train for any sludge. In this case, remove the oil cap and inspect the valve train for sludge. The sludge blocks the oil passage to the oil control valve, so replace the engine oil if there is any sludge in the valve train. Test drive the vehicle to check if the issue is resolved.
Replace the Solenoid
If the issue is not resolved, it is a sign that the VVT solenoid is malfunctioning.
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Although, you are recommended to take the car to a professional mechanic to replace the malfunctioning VVT solenoid. However, you can check its functioning at home by supplying power and ground to the solenoid. In this case, remove the oil control valve and ground the solenoid. Then try supplying power to the solenoid using the jumper wires (2). If you hear a click or see the solenoid moving, the VVT solenoid works properly. Else, you should consult a mechanic to resolve the issue.
Typical Cost to Resolve this Issue
The following table illustrates the cost required to resolve P0014:
Common Issues
Critical Level
Cost Required to Resolve the Issue
Dirty or Low Engine Oil
High: Can seize the engine if the vehicle is driven for a long distance
$30-70
High Viscosity Engine Oil
High: Can cause internal engine component failure and engine seizing
$30-70
VVT Solenoid Failure
High: Can cause internal engine component failure if the vehicle is driven for a long distance
Labor Cost/Consultation Cost
Labor Cost/Consultation Cost
–
$75-100
We have estimated these prices for the commonly used vehicle models in the US. So, these prices can change depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and variant.
Conclusion
P0014 is an engine fault code similar to P0011, but in this case, the camshaft is in an advanced position on the bank side, causing problems in the exhaust. As a result of an advanced camshaft position, the engine burns more fuel, resulting in higher emissions than a standard vehicle. Furthermore, you can also face problems in starting the vehicle and a severe decrease in fuel efficiency. Majorly this problem arises due to engine oil problems (low engine oil, different viscosity engine oil, etc.). Still, a faulty VVT solenoid can also cause an advanced camshaft position at the exhaust. So, it is recommended to resolve this issue by checking the engine oil level and then the VVT solenoid.
Firstly, checking the engine oil level and sludge in the valve train is recommended. The P0014 issue is mostly resolved by replacing the engine oil. However, changing the engine oil is not resolving the issue, which can signify that the VVT solenoid needs to be fixed. In this case, you can check the solenoid by providing it power using jumper wires. However, if you are inexperienced, you can burn the solenoid by providing high power and improper grounding. So, take the car to a mechanic to check and replace the faulty VVT.
Usually, the engine oil is recommended by the manufacturers for all weather conditions. In this case, you should consult the vehicle’s instruction manual to get further information about the engine oil requirements of your vehicle.
It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the DTC P0014. The engine components can get damaged if the vehicle is driven with an advanced camshaft position at the exhaust. In addition, excessive fuel burning or low engine oil levels can impact the lubrication of internal engine components. This can even result in engine seizing.
