Code P0014: camshaft "B" over-advanced (bank 1)

Original definition (SAE J2012): Camshaft Position B - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)^[1][2][3]

1. 1Dirty, degraded oil, oil of the wrong viscosity or at a low level, or a blocked oil filter. TroubleCodes.net considers it the cause of almost all cases.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}
2. 2Faulty or stuck variable valve timing solenoid valve (VVT or VCT): for example, with its screen clogged by sludge or debris, or with oil flowing continuously to the system.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}
3. 3Damaged wiring or connectors on the solenoid valve, or loose connections.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}
4. 4Worn camshaft phaser (cam phaser) or one stuck in an over-advanced position.^[1][4][5]
5. 5Stretched or incorrectly fitted timing chain, faulty tensioner or worn belt, leaving the camshaft out of time.^[2][4][5]
6. 6Blocked oil passages to the variable valve timing system.^[2][5]
7. 7Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor.^[2]
8. 8ECU fault.^[5]

• Engine warning light on.^[1][2][3][4]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
• Difficulty starting the engine; Autodoc Club warns that it may even fail to start.^[1][2][4]Hard to start: faults that cause it
• Rough idle or unstable engine running, with excessive noise and vibration according to Autodoc Club.^[1][4]Vibrations: faults that cause it
• Less power and a sluggish response when accelerating.^[2][4]Less power: faults that cause it
• The engine may stall or cut out suddenly.^[1][2][3]Engine stalls: faults that cause it
• Increased fuel consumption.^[1][3][4]Uses more fuel: faults that cause it
• Black smoke from the exhaust.^[1]Black smoke: faults that cause it
• High engine speed when starting the engine.^[1]

1. 1Read all the codes with a diagnostic tool. Saab's procedure checks that there are no codes for the solenoid valves (P0010, P0013), for crankshaft to camshaft correlation (P0016, P0017) or for the crankshaft sensor (P0335).^[2][5]
2. 2Check the oil: level, condition and viscosity. Carista starts with an oil and filter change using the viscosity the manufacturer specifies, and Saab verifies the oil level and pressure before going any further.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}
3. 3Inspect the wiring, connector and earths of the exhaust camshaft solenoid valve: breaks, corrosion and loose connections.^[1][3]
4. 4Use a multimeter to measure the solenoid valve's resistance: TroubleCodes.net gives 7-12 Ω as the usual value and Saab gives 8-13 Ω on its 2.0 petrol engine; use the manufacturer's figure. To isolate the faulty part, TroubleCodes.net suggests swapping the solenoid valves over and Saab suggests replacing the suspect one with a known good one.^[3][5]
5. 5With the diagnostic tool, command the solenoid valve to operate and watch the live data to see whether the camshaft follows the command: on the Saab 2.0, the difference between the requested and actual angle should be less than 2 degrees.^[5]
6. 6Remove the solenoid valve and check whether its screen is broken or blocked and whether there is debris or sludge in the oil passages.^[2][5]
7. 7If the oil, solenoid valve and wiring are fine, check the timing chain or belt, the tensioner and the camshaft timing, and the phaser: Carista advises looking for chain stretch if the code persists and MechanicBase advises verifying the timing.^[2][4][5]
8. 8Replace the solenoid valve, the phaser or the ECU only when the tests indicate it.^[5]

• Camshaft adjuster

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• Timing chain kit

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• Timing kit

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