Engine

P005C — B Camshaft Profile Control Performance/Stuck Off (Bank 2)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P005C means

The engine control module uses an oil-controlled solenoid to change the valve timing or lift profile of the B camshaft on bank 2. It compares the commanded position with camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals. P005C sets when the actual position does not match the command or the system stays stuck in the off state.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Poor throttle response
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Rough idle or hesitation
  • Possible ticking or noise from the valvetrain

Possible causes

  1. Faulty camshaft profile control solenoid or VVT actuator
  2. Low, old or wrong-viscosity oil, or low oil pressure
  3. Clogged oil passage or solenoid screen
  4. Wiring or connector damage, corrosion or open/short in the solenoid circuit
  5. Faulty camshaft position sensor
  6. Stretched timing chain or incorrect cam timing
  7. ECM software or internal fault (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, and look for related cam timing or misfire codes
  2. Check oil level, condition and that the viscosity matches the spec
  3. Inspect the bank 2 solenoid connector and harness for damage, oil and corrosion
  4. Measure solenoid coil resistance and compare to spec
  5. Check power, ground and the control signal from the ECM with a scope or meter
  6. Remove the solenoid and inspect the screen, oil passage and plunger movement
  7. Compare actual and desired cam position on a scan tool and test the cam sensor
  8. Check oil pressure and timing chain condition if the electrical side checks out

Common fixes

  • Change the oil and filter with the specified type
  • Clean or replace the camshaft profile control solenoid
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Replace the camshaft position sensor
  • Replace the VVT actuator or fix timing chain issues
  • Update the ECM software if a service bulletin exists

Questions and answers

What does P005C mean?

The ECM detected that the bank 2 B camshaft profile control is stuck off or not reaching the commanded position. Oil problems, a bad solenoid or wiring are the usual causes.

Can I drive with P005C?

Only briefly and gently, for example to a repair shop. Power is reduced, and low oil pressure could quickly damage the engine.

Will an oil change fix P005C?

Sometimes, if the oil was low, old or the wrong viscosity. If the code returns, check the solenoid, wiring and sensors.

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.