Figuring out why your Check Engine Light is on means deciphering OBD-II (or “OBD2”) codes, and that can be kind of annoying. That’s why Car Autance did it for you! You’re welcome, now let’s get into solving your issue.
OBD2 P0014: What It Means
This code reads as “camshaft position over-advanced (bank 1).” This can be pretty serious, though sometimes rectified with a simple fix.
Likely Symptoms
Here’s what you may experience due to the P0014 code:
- Check Engine Light. A guarantee, it may even flash in some cars.
- Rough engine running. It will usually run rough, and lose power in some parts of the engine’s operating range.
- Hard starting. If the camshaft isn’t in the right position, it can be harder for the engine to start.
- Rattling from engine. The parts in the camshaft phaser, variable valve timing, or oil solenoids controlling it can be totally broken, causing a concerning rattle.
Probable Causes
Here’s what could be causing the issue:
- Your engine oil level is way too low. This would be your easiest fix. Make sure you’re topped up on oil. If you aren’t topped up, then there is a chance that was your issue. Beware of other damage caused by the lack of oil.
- Engine oil is excessively dirty. If the engine oil hasn’t been changed in the correct intervals, the oil filter could have no filtration left, and modern synthetic oils designed to clean dirt and carry it, end up depositing the dirt in the small passages of the engine, like the cam phaser.
- Camshaft phaser solenoid is dirty or stuck. If the oil hasn’t been changed, this is what can be affected. That dirt can build up in the simple solenoid for the phaser, and cause it to jam, and not allow the commanded amount of oil into the cam phaser.
- Camshaft phaser is stuck or damaged. That same dirt can build up in the complex cam phaser and jam it, or damage it, not allowing the camshaft phaser to move.
What Part Is Potentially Affected?
This is a serious code, and could result in permanent damage to the engine, and timing components. Most likely, you’ll end up needing to replace the camshaft phaser, and potentially cause the engine to jump timing, blowing the engine. This is an urgent repair.
Possible Fixes
Here are the most common fixes to remedy the P0014 code:
- Top up or change the oil. Make sure the oil level is full, and verify the age of the oil. If it looks dirty, it’s a safe bet to replace it.
- Replace/repair the camshaft phaser (variable valve timing) solenoid. These are often relatively easy to access and remove. Remove the solenoid and clean it, and try to run the engine again. If that didn’t fix the code, try a replacement one.
- Replace the cam phaser (variable valve timing). If nothing else works, it’s likely that your cam phaser (known under various names like VTC for Honda, VVT-i for Toyota) will require replacement. This is a serious undertaking, only for the experienced shade-tree mechanic or professional.
Finding The Parts You Need
Now that you’ve figured out what’s wrong with your hooptie, let’s talk about where you’re gonna find that part’s replacement.
There are plenty of places you can buy auto parts from, but Car Autance gets paid if you click this Advance Auto link so that’s the one we’re serving up. Advance Auto Parts also has delivery, curbside pickup, and a host of helpful diagrams to aid your repair!
