P0014 – Exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced. Bank 1

The P0014 diagnostic trouble code means your engine’s camshaft (often called cam) timing is off. Specifically, the “B” camshaft, which controls the exhaust valves, is opening the valves too early. 

 

 

In engine configurations, such as V-shaped, W-shaped, or flat, the cylinders are grouped into “banks.” Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine containing the first cylinder. While the location of the first cylinder depends on the engine’s design and manufacturer, it’s typically closest to the front of the engine near the drive belt. 

 

 

Code P0014 often indicates problems with the variable valve timing (VVT) system, which optimizes engine performance by adjusting when the valves open and close. It could also mean a stretched timing chain/belt or a faulty camshaft position sensor. 

 

 

Most vehicles today have an internal combustion engine that operates using a four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The illustrations below show what each of these strokes looks like from the inside: 

 

 

In these illustrations, you can see how the camshafts control the valves while the crankshaft moves the piston. Precision in this process is critical for engine efficiency. 

 

If the exhaust valves open too early (as happens with P0014), the engine loses energy because the air-fuel mixture escapes the cylinder before completing the power stroke. This reduces efficiency, increases emissions, and can lead to long-term damage. 

 

 

P0014 isn’t something to ignore. It’s often a sign of a bigger issue, like a stretched timing chain, a worn belt, or a tensioner that’s starting to fail. If you catch it early, it’s usually an affordable fix, but waiting too long can be risky – especially if your car has an "interference" engine. 

 

In interference engines, the pistons and valves share the same space at different times, so if the timing chain or belt fails, the pistons and valves can collide. That kind of damage can be catastrophic and might even mean replacing the entire engine. 

 

By diagnosing this problem in time, you can save thousands in repairs and prevent being stranded on the side of the road. 

 

 

 

 

Technically, yes – but it’s not recommended. Driving with a P0014 code can cause poor engine performance, reduced acceleration, rough idling, and worse fuel efficiency. These issues make driving unpleasant and unsafe, particularly when merging onto highways or navigating heavy traffic. 

 

Sometimes, your car might enter limp mode, a safety feature that limits engine performance to protect it from further damage. While limp mode can help you get to a repair shop, it’s not meant for long drives or daily use. 

 

 

Watch for these warning signs: 

 

 

Code P0014 appears due to: 

 

 

Use these tips to diagnose and fix a P0014 error code accurately:   

 

 

Firstly, use your scan tool to clear the P0014 fault code from your car. 

 

 

 

 

 

A low engine oil level or contamination is often a primary cause of the P0014 code. Changing engine oil is a relatively simple maintenance task, so it’s a logical first step to rule out these potential causes before diving into more complex repairs. 

 

To change the engine oil, follow these steps: 

 

In vehicles with variable valve timing systems, faulty camshaft variable timing solenoid is another common culprit. To inspect it, you'll need the following tools: 

 

To inspect the solenoid, follow these steps: 

 

 

If the P0014 code persists despite addressing the common causes, it might point to a more serious issue, such as a stretched timing chain, a worn timing belt, or a faulty tensioner. 

 

 

The most common repairs for the P0014 error code are a camshaft position sensor replacement, a camshaft variable timing solenoid replacement, and an engine oil/filter change. 

 

Expect to pay around $200 for the oil change. If you're going to do that yourself, that's about $60-$100.  

 

Replacing a camshaft position sensor usually costs about $200 with labor, while replacing a camshaft variable timing solenoid cost about $300-$400. If you are going to do the replacement yourself, both the sensor and the solenoid are in a similar price range, around $20-$150. 

 

For more serious issues, like engine chain replacement, expect to pay $1000 or more. Keep in mind that all costs might be even higher for luxury models.