Engine

P001E — Camshaft Profile Control Circuit Low, Bank 2 (A)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P001E means

The engine computer controls camshaft timing or profile on bank 2 through a VVT control solenoid. P001E sets when the voltage in that solenoid's control circuit is lower than expected. The cause is often an open circuit, a short to ground or a failing solenoid. As a result the computer cannot regulate valve timing accurately.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Sluggish acceleration or power loss
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Possible hesitation or hard starting

Possible causes

  1. Failed camshaft profile or VVT control solenoid on bank 2
  2. Damaged wiring or poor connection at the solenoid connector
  3. Low or dirty engine oil, or the wrong viscosity
  4. Faulty camshaft position sensor
  5. Low system voltage or a weak battery
  6. PCM fault (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, and note any other cam timing or VVT codes.
  2. Check the oil level, condition and viscosity against the specification.
  3. Inspect the bank 2 solenoid wiring and connector for chafing, corrosion or oil intrusion.
  4. Test battery voltage and charging system output.
  5. Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare it to spec.
  6. Check power and ground at the connector and test the wires for shorts.
  7. Command the solenoid with a scan tool and watch whether cam timing responds.
  8. Check the camshaft position sensor and its signal.

Common fixes

  • Replace the camshaft profile/VVT control solenoid
  • Repair the wiring or replace the damaged connector
  • Change the oil and filter with the correct grade and specification
  • Replace the camshaft position sensor if it tests bad
  • Reprogram or replace the PCM as a last resort

Questions and answers

What does P001E mean?

It means a low signal in the bank 2 "A" camshaft profile control circuit. The PCM sees lower voltage than expected in the VVT solenoid circuit.

Can I drive with P001E?

Briefly and carefully, for example to a shop. Power may be reduced, and driving for long raises fuel use and the risk of problems in the timing system.

Can bad oil cause P001E?

Yes. VVT systems depend on clean oil at the right pressure, so low or dirty oil can cause faults. Check the oil first, then the wiring and the solenoid.

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.