Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
The P0014 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- medium
- Estimated cost
- $80-$3,000+ (oil/filter change at the low end; a timing chain, guides, and tensioner job on the GM 3.6L V6 commonly runs $1,500-$3,000+)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Rough idle
- Rattling on startup
- Reduced power
- Poor fuel economy
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Stuck exhaust OCV allowing over-advance Very High
- Oil sludge in actuator passages High
- Low oil pressure Moderate
- Worn timing components Moderate
- PCM fault Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Change engine oil and filter, then clear the code and retest.
-
Monitor exhaust cam timing with a scan tool. A reading ahead of target confirms over-advance.
-
Test exhaust OCV for proper operation: resistance check and commanded response.
-
Check timing chain tension if other VVT codes are also present.
-
Inspect oil passages for blockages.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0014 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2012-2019 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain 2.4L Advanced DIY
Exhaust camshaft position actuator timing is over-advanced. On the Ecotec 2.4L, this is almost always caused by timing chain stretch or a failed exhaust cam actuator solenoid (ACDelco 12655421). GM TSB #14-06-01-002A. Replace the timing chain kit and both VVT solenoids together. Do not just replace the solenoid without checking the chain.
Labor: 4-6 hours2007-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L Easy DIY
Exhaust cam VVT solenoid is stuck advanced. Replace the exhaust side OCV (Denso 15340-28020). Check for sludge in the oil galleries feeding the VVT actuator. Use Toyota-approved 0W-20 synthetic oil. If the code returns, inspect the exhaust cam sprocket actuator for internal wear. This is less common than P0011 on Toyota but same diagnostic approach.
Labor: 0.5-1 hour2010-2018 Buick LaCrosse/Regal 2.4L Ecotec Easy (solenoid), Advanced (chain) DIY
Same Ecotec 2.4L as Equinox -- exhaust cam actuator solenoid fails or timing chain stretches. Replace exhaust VVT solenoid (ACDelco 12655421) and inspect timing chain for stretch. If chain is loose, replace the full timing chain kit. Change oil to Dexos1-approved 5W-30 and reduce oil change interval to 5,000 miles.
Labor: 0.5 hour (solenoid), 4-6 hours (chain)2013-2020 Ford Escape/Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost Advanced DIY
Exhaust cam phaser is over-advanced due to worn phaser internals or low oil pressure. Check oil level and condition first. Ford TSB 19-2346 covers phaser issues. Replace the exhaust cam phaser and timing chain tensioner. Use Motorcraft 5W-30 full synthetic. If the engine has a knocking or rattling noise at startup, the phaser is the confirmed cause.
Labor: 5-7 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with P0014?
Yes for a short time, but address it promptly. Over-advanced exhaust timing can cause pinging under load and increase catalytic converter temperatures.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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