Engine

P03ED — Camshaft Profile Actuator C Control Circuit Low, Bank 1

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P03ED means

The engine control module drives camshaft profile actuator C, usually a variable valve timing or cam profile solenoid, and monitors the voltage in its control circuit. P03ED sets when that voltage on bank 1 is lower than expected, due to an open, a short to ground or a failed actuator. The module then cannot adjust valve timing or lift correctly.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation or misfire-like behavior
  • Possible limp mode

Possible causes

  1. Failed camshaft profile actuator (VVT solenoid)
  2. Damaged, corroded or chafed wiring and connectors
  3. Open circuit in the control wire
  4. Control circuit shorted to ground
  5. Weak battery or charging system problem causing low voltage
  6. Faulty PCM driver (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Test battery voltage and charging output
  3. Inspect the bank 1 actuator C connector and harness for oil, corrosion and rubbed insulation
  4. Check engine oil level and condition, since VVT depends on clean oil
  5. Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare it with the manufacturer spec
  6. Test the power and control circuits for opens and shorts to ground
  7. Command the actuator with a scan tool and confirm it responds
  8. If wiring and actuator are good, check the control signal from the PCM

Common fixes

  • Replace the faulty camshaft profile actuator (solenoid)
  • Repair the wiring harness or replace a damaged connector
  • Fix the battery or charging system problem
  • Change the oil and filter if contamination is the cause
  • Replace or reprogram the PCM if confirmed faulty

Questions and answers

What does P03ED mean?

It means low voltage in the control circuit of camshaft profile actuator C on bank 1. The solenoid, wiring or connector is the usual culprit.

Can I drive with P03ED?

Briefly and carefully, for example to a repair shop. Power and fuel economy will suffer, so do not put the repair off.

How do I fix P03ED?

Check the battery, wiring and actuator connector first, then test the solenoid resistance. Repairing the harness or replacing the solenoid fixes most cases.

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.