Engine

P003E — Camshaft Profile Control "A" Performance/Stuck Off (Bank 2)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P003E means

P003E sets when the engine computer compares its commanded camshaft profile or phasing change on bank 2 with the actual response and sees a mismatch. The system uses a control solenoid and pressurized engine oil to move a phaser or switching mechanism. If it stays in the off position or responds poorly, the PCM logs the code and turns on the check engine light.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Possible ticking or rattle near the cam phaser on cold start

Possible causes

  1. Faulty VVT control solenoid or actuator
  2. Low oil level, dirty oil or wrong oil grade
  3. Clogged oil passage or solenoid screen
  4. Damaged wiring or connector in the camshaft control circuit
  5. Faulty camshaft position sensor
  6. Rarely, an internal PCM fault

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and review freeze frame data, noting other cam timing codes
  2. Check oil level, condition and that it matches the specified grade
  3. Inspect the bank 2 solenoid wiring and connector for chafing, corrosion or oil contamination
  4. Test solenoid resistance and verify power and control signal from the PCM
  5. Remove the solenoid and check its screen, passages and free movement
  6. Compare commanded and actual cam angle on a scan tool
  7. Check the camshaft position sensor and timing chain condition for stretch
  8. Test oil pressure if nothing else explains the fault

Common fixes

  • Change oil and filter with the correct grade and spec
  • Clean or replace the VVT solenoid
  • Repair wiring or replace the connector
  • Replace the camshaft position sensor
  • Replace the cam phaser or actuator if it is mechanically faulty

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P003E code?

Short trips to a shop are usually fine, though power may be reduced. Don't put it off, since oil-related causes can wear the engine.

Will an oil change fix P003E?

If the oil is old, dirty or low, it often does. If not, the solenoid, wiring and phasing mechanism need testing.

What most often causes P003E?

A faulty or clogged VVT solenoid, or oil problems, are the most common causes. Wiring and sensor faults are less frequent.

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.