P000B Fault Code (Causes & Fixes) "B" Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
Updated: Feb 4
✔ This article has been fact checked.
P000B is an OBD fault code that stands for "(B) Camshaft position slow response bank 1". This fault can occur for a variety of reasons.
A P000B trouble code means the camshaft's position varies from the position expected by the powertrain control module (PCM). The letter "B" shows that the problem is with the exhaust valves, and the word "Bank 1" shows that it is on the bank 1 side of the engine.
This code may be accompanied by a P0010 code, indicating that bank 1 is the cause of the problem.
The fault codes P000A, P000C, and P000D are also related. P0011, P0012, P0013, P0014, P0015, P0020, P0021, P0022, P0023, P0024, and P0025 are some more codes that may occur.
If a DTC is related to the powertrain, it will begin with the letter "P" when read by an OBD reader. Fault codes in the P0xxx format are generic fault codes.
Table of Contents:
The Meaning of a P000B Fault Code
Vehicle camshafts open and shut the intake and exhaust valves on the engine's cylinders to keep the engine running smoothly. The camshaft timing is critical for the engine to run properly.
The timing of this action is slower than anticipated when the vehicle's computer produces the OBD code P000B.
In this instance, the fault is with the exhaust valves in bank 1, as shown by the letter "B".
The intake valves are denoted by the letter "A".
The PCM (powertrain control module) maintains track of both the current and future positions of the camshaft.
The PCM identifies an insufficiency if the camshaft position change is less than it should be during the diagnostic phase. A P000B code will be set if the changes in response time persist over time.
Possible Causes
Due to the large number of moving components in the engine and camshaft system, there are several possible causes for this code. The following are the most common causes for a P000B code.
A corroded or damaged connector, wire, or harness
A defective PCM or ECM
Camshaft position actuator solenoid failure
Camshaft position sensor failure
Fuel cap is loose
Oil pressure is low (due to blockage in the oil galleries, faulty oil pump, low oil level, etc.)
Timing chain or belt problems
VCT (variable cam timing) phaser failure
VCT unit binding
There are numerous issues that might be causing your vehicle to generate a P000B code.
Engine timing issues need the use of specialised equipment to evaluate the engine timing and precisely reset the timing when all repairs are completed.
Signs & Symptoms
Typically, the main indication of a P000B fault code is the illumination of the MIL (check engine light).
You may notice:
An increase or change in engine noise
Poor engine performance
Higher emissions
Other fault codes, such as P0010 or other codes, may occur with a P000B code.
Is It Serious?
The vehicle may seem to run well and without any visible major faults.
However, if the issue is not addressed immediately, significant damage to components such as the camshaft follower may occur, causing expensive future repairs.
It is advised to avoid driving the car until it has been diagnosed and fixed.
Diagnosing the P000B Trouble Code
The diagnostic procedure should begin with confirming the P000B code and correcting any previously set codes. Check the engine oil level and top it up if necessary.
The codes should then be cleared, and the vehicle should be checked again to determine whether the fault continues. If the code appears again, the following additional actions may be required.
Camshaft adjustment valve testing.
Check the camshaft position actuator solenoid.
Check the engine oil levels and compare them to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Check the engine oil pressure.
Using a professional OBD scanner, check for the diagnostic code.
Examine the camshaft advance mechanism visually.
Examine the oil passageways for obstructions.
Inspect the wiring and circuits visually for evidence of damage or corrosion.
Common Diagnostic Mistakes
Low oil pressure is often disregarded as the main cause of this error code, despite the possibility that the fault is with the camshaft mechanism or other components.
If any of the oil pump connections deteriorate or any of the channels get clogged, the decreased oil pressure may cause a camshaft position slow response code to be generated.
As a result, it's recommended checking the oil level and refilling it if necessary to see whether this resolves the problem.
Troubleshooting Steps
Check for technical service bulletins (TSB) to learn more about the problem. If nothing is revealed, you might continue to a standardised system diagnostic.
Because this code requires different testing for various vehicles, the technique that follows is generalized. Follow the diagnostic flow chart provided by the manufacturer to properly test the system.
Before you begin, check the factory wiring diagrams to see which wires are which.
Test the Camshaft Position Sensor
The majority of camshaft position sensors are permanent magnet sensors or Hall Effect sensors.
A Hall Effect sensor is wired with three wires: reference, signal, and ground. In contrast, a permanent magnet sensor will only have two wires: ground and signal.
Hall Effect Sensor: It is necessary to identify the signal return wire. Then, using a back-probe test lead, attach it to a digital multimeter (DMM). Set the DMM to DC volts and connect the black metre line to chassis ground. If the sensor is operating correctly, you should see a fluctuating reading on the metre when you crank the engine. If not, the sensor must be replaced since it is faulty.
Permanent Magnet Sensor: After disconnecting the sensor connector, attach a multimeter to the sensor terminals. After you've set it to AC voltage, crank the engine. A changing voltage readout should be shown. If not, the sensor must be replaced since it is faulty.
Test the Sensor Circuit
Hall Effect Sensor: Begin by checking the ground side of the circuit. Attach a multimeter (set to DC volts) to the connector's harness side between the battery positive terminal and the sensor ground terminal to do this. If the ground is good, you should get a reading of about 12 volts. To test the 5-volt reference side of the circuit, connect a multimeter (set to volts) between the battery negative terminal and the sensor reference terminal on the harness side of the connection. Turn on the car's ignition. A reading of about 5 volts should be shown. Both of these tests must provide positive results; otherwise, the circuit must be located and repaired.
Permanent Magnet Sensor: Check the ground connection on the circuit. To achieve this, attach a multimeter (set to DC volts) between the battery's positive terminal and the sensor ground connection on the connector's harness side. If the ground is good, you should get a reading of about 12 volts. If not, a circuit diagnostic and repair will be necessary.
Test the Oil Control Solenoid
Disconnect the solenoid connection. To determine the internal resistance of the solenoid, use an ohms-reading digital multimeter.
To achieve this, connect the multimeter between the solenoid ground terminal and the solenoid B+ terminal. Compare the resistance measurement to the OEM specifications.
If the multimeter displays a reading that is outside of limits (OL) or out of specification, it is time to replace the solenoid.
By removing the solenoid, you will be able to physically inspect the screen for metal shavings.
Check the Oil Control Solenoid Circuit
Check Power Side: Disconnect the solenoid connection. Check for power at the solenoid using a digital multimeter (set to DC volts) while the car is turned on (typically about 12 volts). Connect the negative metre lead to the battery's negative terminal and the positive metre lead to the solenoid B+ terminal on the connector's harness side. The metre should display around 12 volts. Otherwise, the circuit must be examined and corrected.
Check Ground Side: Disconnect the solenoid connection. Check for ground with a digital multimeter (set to DC volts) when the car ignition is turned on. Connect the positive metre lead to the battery positive terminal and the negative metre lead to the solenoid ground terminal on the harness side of the connection to accomplish this. Using an OEM equivalent scan tool, turn on the solenoid. The metre should show around 12 volts. Otherwise, the circuit must be examined and corrected.
Check the Timing Chain & VVT actuators
If everything has been working well up until this point, the timing chain or VVT actuators may be at issue.
Remove the necessary parts to gain access to the timing chain and actuators.
Inspect the chain for excessive movement, damaged guides, or tensioners.
Examine the actuators for evident deterioration (such as worn teeth).
Possible Fixes for a P000B Code
Once the P000B error code has been correctly identified, you may attempt the following fixes to see whether they solve the issue.
Replace any shorted, open, or loose wiring or connectors.
Fill engine oil per the manufacturer's specifications.
If the oil pump is damaged or broken, repair or replace it.
If the camshaft position sensor is faulty or useless, repair or replace it.
Repair or replace a damaged or defective camshaft position actuator.
If the camshaft adjustment valve is damaged or defective, repair or replace it.
Repair or replace an ECM that is malfunctioning or damaged.
Clear all codes, test the vehicle, and then rescan to see if any fault codes reappear.