P0014 code — how to fix error fast

Having engine-related troubles is the worst thing that could happen to any driver, and getting a P0014 code on your diagnostic scanner could point to just that. While this code may indicate that the engine is not running as it should, it’s essential to uncover the full P0014 code meaning before you and your mechanic get to work to fix it.

So, in this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the P0014 code, including what causes it, how to diagnose it, and how to fix it. We will also provide some preventative measures to help you avoid this issue in the future.

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What does code P0014 mean?

The P0014 code indicates that there is a problem with the camshaft position sensor or its circuit. The camshaft position sensor is responsible for monitoring the position of the camshaft and sending this information to the engine control unit (ECU). This information is later helpful to the computer to calculate proper combustion timing

All this is relevant since the crankshaft and the camshaft need to be synchronized when rotating and if they are not, your engine’s performance gets reduced. So, their respective sensors are responsible for controlling the synchronization of their rotation and making sure they spin accordingly with the timing belt or chain. With this code, the camshaft rotation may be improper due to a faulty sensor and it’s essential that you act right away. Our team will help you figure out why this happens and how to deal with it.

What causes the P0014 code?

The P0014 may be relevant to the camshaft position sensor, but you’ll need some more background to get to the bottom of it. Here’s our brief overview of all the most probably causes behind this issue to help you act fast:

Problems with the sensor or its circuit

The camshaft position sensor is the most common culprit behind this issue and it can either be due to a faulty sensor or its circuit. Either way, it’s pretty easy to replace the sensor and its cost goes anywhere from $30 to around $120 depending on the car model.

The circuit can also cause the code in case the scanner tool also displays other codes related to the camshaft. The circuit often goes bad in case of damaged wiring and improper electric power distribution through the system.

Oil-related issues

Not only is the code P0014 connected with the problem of bad camshaft timing, but it’s also relevant to the issue within the engine’s Bank 1 where the first cylinder is located. So, if the engine’s timing as a whole is incorrect due to first-cylinder issues caused by blocked oil passages or low oil pressure, the code may display on the scanner.

Problems with the camshaft phaser or solenoid

This code commonly appears in vehicles with variable valve timing (VVT) technology. This includes some GM models along with Alfa Romeo, Honda, Toyota, and other manufacturers. In such an engine, there are cam phasers and camshaft solenoids that help adjust the position of the camshaft depending on whether your driving style requires more power or fuel economy.

Replacing these components may solve the issue with the code, but most cars with a VVT technology require mechanics to remove the timing chain to access the phaser so that could lead to higher repair costs.

Malfunctioning timing belt or chain

A malfunctioning timing chain can also cause the code to appear. The timing chain is responsible for synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft so that the engine can operate smoothly.

If the timing chain is damaged or stretched, it can throw off the synchronization of these two components, which can cause the camshaft position sensor to send a bad signal to the engine control unit (ECU). In this case, it gets recognized as the sensor’s fault, so you shouldn’t be surprised if the timing belt or chain issues lead to this code’s activation.

What car models does the P0014 code affect the most?

While this code can appear in any car, some vehicles are more likely to face the issue than others, especially those that run with an engine based on VVT tech. For instance, the code is common in General Motors vehicles, such as the following:

• Chevy Cobalt
• Chevy Equinox
• GMC Terrain

You may also spot it if you are driving Toyota vehicles with a VVT-i engine and Honda vehicles like Accord, Civic, and Legend also get affected. So, if your car uses variable valve timing, the chances you’ll read the code sometime during the car’s lifespan are higher.

How to diagnose the P0014 code?

Diagnosing the code P0014 obviously gets easier if you use an OBD2 scanner tool and read the code yourself. However, there are also other things that your mechanic can do to diagnose the code along with using specialized equipment:

Checking the oil level and pressure

A low oil level can cause low oil pressure, which can affect the operation of the camshaft position sensor. So, your mechanic will check the engine’s oil pressure and level to determine whether or not these factors are contributing to the P0014 code. If they are, topping up the oil could be enough to resolve the issue and clear the code. If not, further diagnostic tests will be needed to determine the root cause of the problem.

Inspecting the timing belt or chain

Your trusted mechanic can visually inspect the timing belt or chain for any signs of damage, such as cracks, missing teeth, or stretching. If any damage is found, the timing belt or chain will need to be replaced. The mechanic will also check the tension of the timing belt or chain. If it is too loose, it can cause the camshaft position sensor to send an out-of-range signal, which can trigger the P0014 code.

Checking other components like pulleys and tensioners can also help sometimes, and it’s once again best to leave such action to your mechanic since tampering with the engine could lead to even more trouble.

Examining the camshaft phaser

Finally, you can also diagnose the code P0014 by taking a look at camshaft phasers in a VVT engine. Your mechanic can take a look at the phaser itself to look for any signs of it being worn out or check the operation of the camshaft phaser using a scan tool. This tool can monitor the position of the camshaft and determine whether or not the phaser is functioning correctly.

If it’s not, it could lead to a bad code being sent to the ECU and that could lead to the code you are reading in your car.

How to fix the P0014 code?

Once the cause of the P0014 code has been determined, you can take steps to fix it. Potential fixes may include the following actions that may need to be taken by your mechanic:

Replacing the camshaft position sensor

If the camshaft position sensor is faulty or damaged, it will need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple and straightforward repair that can often be completed quickly.

Repairing the wiring and the circuits

In some cases, wiring or connections in the camshaft position sensor circuit may be damaged, corroded, or loose. Repairing these connections can help restore the proper operation of the camshaft position sensor.

Replace the timing belt or chain

If the timing belt or chain is damaged or stretched, it can cause issues with the synchronization of the camshaft and crankshaft, leading to the P0014 code. Inspecting and replacing this component can help resolve this issue.

Address the low oil level or clogged oil passages

Low oil pressure or a low oil level can cause issues with the operation of the camshaft position sensor. Addressing these issues by adding oil or repairing leaks can help resolve this issue.

The cost of fixing the P0014 code will depend on the cause of the code and the specific repairs needed. If it’s the sensor alone, replacing it could cost up to $200 with the labor costs included. However, replacing a timing chain could lead to higher costs ranging from $500 to $2000 depending on the car model and engine type.

How to prevent the P0014 code?

Preventative measures can be taken to avoid the P0014 code. In most cases, it’s simply enough to timely service and maintain your vehicle, so these actions can help prevent the code:

• Regular oil changes
• Filter replacements
• Oil level checks
• Testing the camshaft position sensor with a multimeter
• Inspecting the timing belt or chain

If you notice any symptoms of the P0014 code, such as rough idling or decreased fuel efficiency, it is essential to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to prevent more severe issues. The problem will likely also cause the “check engine” light to glow up on the dash, so it’s essential to conduct regular maintenance as your best chance of preventing the problem.

Our take

Overall, the P0014 code can be a frustrating issue for car owners, but it is crucial to understand the code to avoid more severe problems. We hope this guide helped you understand the causes of the code, how to diagnose it, and how to fix it so you can take steps to prevent this issue from occurring in the future.

It is always best to seek professional help if you are unsure how to fix the issue or if you notice any symptoms of the code and our advice is to always rely on the help of a professional mechanic in this situation.