P000B

B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1

Q: Is it safe to drive with P000B?

Short trips are usually okay, but sustained rough running and lost power mean the phaser isn't hitting its target — fix it before timing-chain or phaser wear gets worse.

Q: Can I just clear P000B?

It returns once the ECM re-tests cam timing unless the oil, solenoid, or phaser issue is repaired.

Variable valve timing Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P000B means the ECM commanded the bank 1 "B" (typically exhaust) camshaft to a new timing position and the variable-valve-timing phaser responded too slowly. It's usually an oil-flow or phaser problem rather than a sensor fault, so the engine runs rough or down on power but does not normally stall or fail to start.

High

Can I keep driving? Yes, but not indefinitely — a slow-responding cam phaser usually just runs rough and down on power, and ignoring it risks further VVT and timing-chain wear.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

189

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

Appears alongside · share of P000B scans

P0014in 28.0% of scans

P000Ain 27.5% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Rough or unstable idle
Reduced power and poor acceleration
Decreased fuel economy
Rattle or noise from the timing cover at start-up

Common causes

Most likely first

Low or dirty engine oil, or low oil pressure to the VVT phaserLikely
Stuck or clogged camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid)Common
Worn or stretched timing chain, or a failing phaserCommon
Damaged wiring or connector at the oil control valveLess often
Faulty PCM/ECM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Check oil level and condition first, and correct any low or overdue oil.
Read freeze-frame data and note the operating conditions.
Test the camshaft oil control valve and its wiring and resistance.
Inspect the phaser and timing chain for wear or slack.
Repair or replace the failed part, then clear and retest.

P000B by make

Based on commonly reported failure patterns across owner and repair communities, not on our scan data.

BMW

On BMWs with VANOS, the exhaust side can respond slowly when the solenoid, its screen or the oil is the problem. Low or dirty oil makes it more likely.

Ford

On Ford engines with variable cam timing, this can point to a sticky cam phaser or dirty oil. Check the oil level and condition first.

Toyota

On Toyotas with dual VVT-i, the exhaust cam phaser or oil control valve can respond slowly, particularly with dirty or low oil. Oil service is a sensible first step.

Volkswagen

On VW and Audi turbo engines, a slow exhaust cam adjuster can come from low oil, a sticky adjuster or a timing chain stretch. Get it checked soon if it comes with a rattle.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P000B?+