Fault code P000C – “C” camshaft position slow response (Bank 2)

Fault code P000C is called “”C” Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 2)” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.

Technical description and explained code P000C

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code. The P000C error is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly from model to model.

Many modern vehicles use variable valve timing (VVT) to improve engine performance and fuel economy. In the VVT system, the transmission control module (PCM) controls solenoid-controlled oil regulating valves.

These valves apply oil pressure to the actuator mounted between the camshaft and drive chain sprocket. In turn, the actuator then changes the angular position or phase change of the camshaft. A camshaft position sensor is used to monitor the position of the camshaft.

The slow response code of the camshaft position is set in the following case. When the actual position of the camshaft does not match the position required by the PCM during the camshaft phase change.

Regarding the description of fault codes, the letter “A” designates the intake, left or front camshaft. On the other hand, “B” denotes the exhaust, right or rear camshaft. Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains the No. 1 cylinder, and Bank 2 is the opposite side. If the engine is inline or straight, there is only one bank.

Code P000C is set when the PCM detects a slow response to a change in camshaft position phase from Bank 2 circuit “C”. This code is related to P000A, P000B, and P000D.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P000C has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

1. Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up.
2. Increased emissions.
3. Poor operation of the propulsion system.
4. Engine noise.

The P000C fault is considered serious because problems with the camshaft can cause significant damage to engine performance or complete engine failure. If this fault is detected, it is recommended that the problem be corrected as soon as possible.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P000C can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

• Incorrect oil supply.
• Failure of camshaft position sensor.
• Oil regulating valve failed.
• VVT actuator is defective.
• Trouble with timing chain.
• Faulty wiring.
• Faulty PCM.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P000C

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P000C:

1. Inspect the camshaft position sensor.
2. Do a diagnosis of the camshaft sensor circuit.
3. Carefully check the oil control solenoid.
4. Test oil control solenoid circuit.
5. Check timing chain and VVT drives.

Diagnose and repair of problems

Start by checking the engine oil level and condition. If oil is normal, perform a visual inspection of the camshaft position sensor. Also check the oil adjustment solenoid and associated wiring.

Look for loose connections, damaged wiring, etc. If damage is found, repair, erase the code and see if it comes back. Then check the maintenance bulletins (TSB) for the P000C error. If nothing is found, you will need to move on to a step-by-step diagnosis of the system.

The following is a generalized procedure, as testing this code varies from vehicle to vehicle. To accurately check the system, you will need to refer to the manufacturer’s diagnostic flowchart.

Camshaft position sensor

Most camshaft position sensors are Hall or permanent magnet sensors. There are three wires connected to the hall effect sensor: reference, signal and ground. A permanent magnet sensor will have only two wires: a signal wire and a ground wire.

Hall sensor:

Determine which wire is the signal return wire. Then connect a digital multimeter to it using a test lead with a stylus. Turn the digital multimeter to the DC voltage position.

Connect the black wire of the meter to the ground. Turn the engine – if the gauge is working properly, you should see a fluctuating reading on the meter. Otherwise, the sensor is defective and should be replaced.

Sensor with permanent magnet:

Remove the sensor connector and connect a digital multimeter to the sensor terminals. Turn the digital multimeter to the alternating voltage position and crank the motor. You should see a fluctuating voltage value. If not, the sensor is faulty and should be replaced.

Diagnose camshaft sensor circuit

Hall sensor:

Start by checking the circuit ground. To do this, take a digital multimeter set to DC voltage. Connect between the plus terminal of the battery and the sensor ground terminal on the connector side of the wiring harness.

If there is a good ground, you should get a reading of about 12 volts. Next, check the 5-volt reference side of the circuit. Connect between the battery’s minus terminal and the reference sensor terminal on the harness side of the connector.

Turn on the car’s ignition. You should see a value of about 5 volts. If either of these two tests does not give a satisfactory reading, the circuit should be diagnosed and repaired.

Permanent magnet sensor:

Check the grounding of the circuit. To do this, take a digital multimeter set to DC voltage. Connect between the positive battery terminal and the sensor ground terminal on the connector side of the wiring harness.

If there is a good ground, you should get a reading of about 12 volts. If not, the circuit will need to be diagnosed and repaired.

Oil control solenoid

Remove the solenoid connector. Use a digital multimeter set to ohms to check the solenoid’s internal resistance. To do this, connect the meter between the solenoid B + terminal and the solenoid ground terminal.

Compare the resistance measurement to the factory repair specifications. If the meter reads out of specification. Or out of acceptable limits (OL) indicating an open circuit, the solenoid should be replaced. It is also a good idea to remove the solenoid to visually inspect the screen for metal debris.

Oil control solenoid circuit

Check the supply side of the circuit:

Disconnect the solenoid connector. With the vehicle’s ignition on, use a digital multimeter set to constant voltage. To check for power to the solenoid (usually 12 volts).

To do this, connect the minus lead of the meter to the minus terminal of the battery. And the plus wire of the meter, to the solenoid B + terminal on the wiring harness side of the connector. The multimeter should read 12 volts. Otherwise the circuit will need to be diagnosed and repaired.

Check the ground side of the circuit:

Remove the solenoid connector. With the vehicle’s ignition on, use a digital multimeter set to DC voltage to check the ground. To do this, connect the plus lead of the meter to the plus terminal of the battery. And the negative lead of the meter, to the solenoid ground terminal on the wiring harness side of the connector.

Give the solenoid a command to turn on with an OEM equivalent diagnostic tool. The multimeter should read 12 volts. If it does not, the circuit will need to be diagnosed and repaired.

Timing chain and VVT actuators

If everything has been checked up to this point, the problem with the P000C fault may be in the timing chain, or the VVT actuators. Remove the necessary components to gain access to the timing chain and actuators.

Check the chain for excess play, broken guides, or tensioners. Check the actuators for visible damage, such as worn teeth.

On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently

Fault code P000C can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

• Audi
• Chevrolet
• Chrysler
• Dodge
• Ford
• Jeep
• Mercedes (W203)
• Saturn
• Subaru
• Volkswagen

Fault code P000C can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0008, P0011, P0016.

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