Engine

P000C — Camshaft "A" Position Slow Response (Bank 2)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P000C means

The PCM compares the commanded and actual position of the bank 2 camshaft "A". Normally an oil control valve sends oil pressure to a phaser that shifts cam timing, and the camshaft position sensor reports the result. P000C sets when the cam moves to the target angle more slowly than expected.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Rough idle
  • Misfires
  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Timing chain rattle on startup

Possible causes

  1. Low, old or dirty oil, or low oil pressure
  2. Sticking or faulty VVT oil control valve (solenoid)
  3. Clogged screen on the VVT valve
  4. Faulty camshaft position sensor
  5. Stretched timing chain or worn cam phaser
  6. Damaged wiring or poor connector contact
  7. PCM fault (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and freeze frame data, noting any other VVT or camshaft codes
  2. Check oil level and condition, and confirm the last change interval
  3. Measure oil pressure with a mechanical gauge
  4. Inspect wiring and connectors at the VVT valve and cam sensor, and test power and ground
  5. Test the solenoid resistance and command it with a scan tool
  6. Remove the VVT valve and inspect it and its screen for debris
  7. Compare commanded and actual cam angle in live data
  8. Check timing chain slack and phaser operation

Common fixes

  • Change the oil and filter with the grade the manufacturer specifies
  • Clean or replace the VVT oil control valve
  • Replace the camshaft position sensor
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Replace the timing chain, tensioners and cam phaser

Questions and answers

What does P000C mean?

The variable valve timing on bank 2 camshaft "A" is responding too slowly. Oil problems, the VVT valve or the sensor are the usual culprits.

Can I drive with P000C?

Short trips are usually okay, but don't put it off. With low oil pressure the engine can wear out fast.

Will an oil change fix it?

Often, if dirty or wrong oil or a clogged VVT valve is the cause. If the code returns, check oil pressure and the valve.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.