P0014
Exhaust Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1
The engine computer sees the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 in the wrong position. This is often caused by low or incorrect oil, a faulty variable timing solenoid, or a mechanical timing problem.
- SEV
- 4/5
- DRIVE
- CAUTION
- DIY
- $20–$350
- SHOP
- $150–$1,500+
Quick answer
AI-CITATION READYWhat it means
Can you drive with it?
Most common causes
- Engine oil level is too low
- Engine oil does not meet the manufacturer's requirements or is dirty/sludged
- Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure
Typical repair cost
DIY usually runs $20–$350. Typical shop repair lands around $150–$1,500+, depending on the root cause.
01 / Definition
P0014 means the PCM has detected that the exhaust camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded, or that the variable valve timing system is not responding correctly. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. The fault can be caused by oil supply problems, a failed VVT control component, or incorrect mechanical cam timing.
02 / Drive status
With caution. You may be able to drive a short distance, but continued driving can cause poor running and possible engine damage if timing is incorrect. Avoid hard acceleration and fix it as soon as possible.
03 / Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Reduced engine power
- Poor acceleration
- Engine hesitation
- Hard starting
- Stalling
- Rattling noise from timing chain area
- Poor fuel economy
04 / Causes
| 1 | Engine oil level is too low | high |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Engine oil does not meet the manufacturer's requirements or is dirty/sludged | high |
| 3 | Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure | high |
| 4 | Variable valve timing actuator failure | medium |
| 5 | Worn timing chain | medium |
| 6 | The engine is not timed correctly | medium |
05 / Diagnostic sequence
- 01Verify the code with a scan tool and check for related codes such as P0011, P0012, P0016, or oil pressure-related codes.
- 02Check engine oil level, condition, and viscosity. Correct low oil level and confirm the oil meets manufacturer specifications.
- 03Inspect service history for overdue oil changes or sludge buildup that can restrict VVT oil flow.
- 04Use a scan tool to monitor commanded and actual exhaust camshaft timing on bank 1.
- 05Inspect the bank 1 exhaust camshaft timing control solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or poor contact.
- 06Remove and inspect the VVT solenoid for debris or sticking. Test resistance and command operation if specifications are available.
- 07Check actual engine oil pressure if low oil pressure is suspected.
- 08Inspect timing chain condition and verify mechanical cam timing if cam timing does not respond correctly or rattling noise is present.
- 09Test or inspect the VVT actuator/phaser if the solenoid and oil supply are good but timing remains over-advanced.
- 10Clear codes and perform a road test while monitoring cam angle data to confirm the repair.
06 / Repairs
| 1 | Correct the engine oil level and replace the oil and filter with the manufacturer-specified viscosity if oil is low, dirty, or incorrect. | $20–$120 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Clean or replace the bank 1 exhaust camshaft timing control solenoid if it is sticking, clogged, or electrically faulty. | $40–$350 |
| 3 | Repair damaged wiring or poor electrical connections to the VVT solenoid. | $20–$200 |
| 4 | Replace the variable valve timing actuator/phaser if it is not moving correctly or is stuck advanced. | $200–$900 |
| 5 | Replace a worn timing chain and related components if chain stretch or timing drift is found. | $300–$1,500+ |
| 6 | Correct mechanical engine timing if the camshaft timing marks are not aligned properly. | $400–$1,500+ |
MFG / Manufacturer notes
These supplements add make-specific diagnostic framing. Pages without full matrix backing or lane approval stay guarded and canonicalize back here until they are explicitly approved for indexing.
- Open
Audi P0014
Approved indexable child page
07 / Related codes
08 / FAQ
What does bank 1 mean on P0014?
Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder 1. On inline engines, it refers to the only cylinder bank.
Can low oil cause P0014?
Yes. Low oil level or oil that is too thick, too thin, dirty, or incorrect for the engine can prevent the VVT system from controlling cam timing properly.
Will an oil change fix P0014?
Sometimes. If the code is caused by low oil, dirty oil, sludge, or incorrect oil viscosity, an oil and filter change may correct it. If a solenoid, actuator, or timing chain has failed, more repairs will be needed.
Is P0014 serious?
Yes. It can cause poor performance, stalling, and possible engine damage if the cam timing is mechanically incorrect or the timing chain is worn.
Can I replace the VVT solenoid myself?
On many vehicles, yes, if the solenoid is easy to access and you have basic tools. Mechanical timing diagnosis and timing chain work are more advanced repairs.
09 / Source and method
- DATA BASIS
- OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
- METHOD
- STATIC VALIDATION
- SAFETY
- INFORMATIONAL
This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.
Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.
Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.