Engine

P03EE — Camshaft Profile Actuator C Control Circuit High, Bank 1

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P03EE means

The engine control module (ECM) drives the camshaft profile actuator C on bank 1, part of the variable valve timing or profile system, and monitors the voltage in its control circuit. P03EE sets when that voltage is higher than expected. Typical reasons are an open circuit, a short to power, a failed actuator or a faulty driver inside the ECM.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Rough idle or stalling
  • Reduced engine power
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Engine may enter a limp mode

Possible causes

  1. Failed camshaft profile actuator C or its solenoid
  2. Open or shorted wiring in the actuator control circuit
  3. Corroded or loose connector terminals
  4. Faulty camshaft position sensor affecting control logic
  5. Internal ECM driver fault (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and record the freeze frame data
  2. Inspect the bank 1 actuator connector and harness for chafing, oil contamination and corrosion
  3. Check engine oil level and condition, since the system depends on oil
  4. Measure the actuator coil resistance and compare it with the manufacturer spec
  5. Check power and ground at the connector, and test the control wire for opens and shorts to voltage
  6. Check the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and their signals
  7. Run an actuator command test with a scan tool
  8. If wiring and actuator test good, check the ECM driver

Common fixes

  • Repair damaged wiring and connectors
  • Replace camshaft profile actuator C
  • Change the oil and filter if contamination or low level is the cause
  • Replace a faulty camshaft position sensor
  • Replace or reprogram the ECM once a driver fault is confirmed

Questions and answers

Can I drive with P03EE?

For a short distance at light load, usually yes. The engine may lose power or run rough, so get it diagnosed soon.

What most often causes P03EE?

Usually an electrical problem: damaged wiring, a poor connector contact or a failed actuator. An ECM fault is much less common.

Will clearing the code fix it?

No. If the cause remains, the code will come back. Find and repair the fault first, then clear the code.

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.