P0014 fault code: what it means

P0014: Bank 1 exhaust (B) cam timing is over-advanced or the exhaust VVT system is not responding properly.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

low, old or wrong-grade engine oil
sticking exhaust VVT oil control solenoid
worn exhaust cam phaser
stretched timing chain

P0014 by make

Audi

Exhaust camshaft on bank 1 will not retard to target. Known on Audi 3.2 FSI with binding exhaust cam adjusters; gives a rough idle.

Usual causes: tight or stuck exhaust camshaft adjuster; faulty exhaust camshaft adjuster; low or dirty engine oil

BMW

Exhaust cam timing (exhaust VANOS) over-advanced or not following the DME. BimmerProfs find the exhaust VANOS usually fails first on N and B series petrol engines.

Usual causes: exhaust VANOS solenoid clogged by old oil; low or degraded engine oil; stretched timing chain; exhaust VANOS adjuster unit fault

Haval

Exhaust cam timing over-advanced or slow to respond.

Usual causes: sticking exhaust VVT oil control valve; low or old oil; worn cam phaser

Hyundai

Exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (dual CVVT Theta II / Nu engines).

Usual causes: faulty exhaust oil control valve; low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil; stretched timing chain; sticking exhaust cam phaser

Jeep

Exhaust cam timing over-advanced or slow to respond (bank 1).

Usual causes: sticking exhaust oil control solenoid; low or old oil; worn cam phaser

Kia

Exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (dual CVVT engines).

Usual causes: faulty exhaust oil control valve; low or wrong-grade engine oil; timing chain stretch; sticking exhaust cam phaser

Mazda

Exhaust cam timing (oil-fed VVT) more advanced than target on SkyActiv-G. Mazda lists the oil control valve first, then the actuator, timing chain and engine oil.

Usual causes: oil control valve (OCV) spool stuck; exhaust VVT actuator; loose or jumped timing chain; low, old or wrong grade engine oil / low oil pressure

MG

Exhaust cam timing over-advanced or slow to respond.

Usual causes: sticking exhaust VVT oil control valve; low or old oil; worn cam phaser

Mini

Exhaust cam timing over-advanced or not following the DME. Only on engines with exhaust VANOS (N12 / N16 / N18 and B38 / B48), not the N14.

Usual causes: exhaust VANOS solenoid clogged by old oil; low or degraded engine oil; stretched timing chain

Mitsubishi

Exhaust cam timing (exhaust MIVEC) more advanced than commanded, bank 1.

Usual causes: low or dirty engine oil; sticking exhaust oil control valve; stretched timing chain

Subaru

Exhaust cam timing (exhaust AVCS) on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded. Seen on FB20/FB25, FA20/FA24 and EZ36 engines with dual AVCS.

Usual causes: low, old or wrong-grade engine oil (FB wants 0W-20); sticking exhaust AVCS oil control valve (right side); stretched timing chain

Volvo

Exhaust cam timing over-advanced or slow to respond.

Usual causes: sticking exhaust VVT solenoid; low or old oil; faulty cam timing unit

What the repair usually costs

A/C compressor replace incl. drier and flush (European)NZ$1,560–NZ$3,200 · A$1,490–A$3,050
Timing chain, tensioner and guides (4-cylinder)NZ$1,120–NZ$2,530 · A$1,160–A$2,570
Timing chains and tensioners (V6 / V8)NZ$1,890–NZ$4,080 · A$1,920–A$4,110

Not sure what P0014 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.