P000B OBD-II Trouble Code: “B” Camshaft Position Slow Response

P000B code definition

The P000B code is a generic powertrain code related to fuel and air metering and auxiliary emissions controls. In this case, it means that engine control module (ECM) has detected a fault with the position and timing of the camshaft.

Codes related to the P000B include:

• P000A: “A” Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 1)
• P0010: "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
• P0011: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
• P0012: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
• P0013: "B" Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
• P0014: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
• P0015: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
• P0020: "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
• P0021: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
• P0022: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
• P0023: "B" Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
• P0024: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
• P0025: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

What the P000B code means

A P000B code is stored when the ECM, which monitors and checks the actual position of the camshaft versus a target position, sees that the change in position is smaller than a preset threshold, meaning that the response is slow. Whenever an issue is noted, an anti bounce counter keeps track, and if the counter exceeds a predetermined limit specified by the automaker, a P000B code can be stored.

“B” signals that the issue is with Bank 2, which is typically not the Cylinder 1.

What causes the P000B code?

Several problems may cause a P000B code including:

• Possibly loose fuel cap
• Low oil pressure causing erratic camshaft position
• Restriction to oil flow in oil passages
• Restriction to oil flow in variable camshaft timing (VCT) valve body
• Damaged or defective VCT phaser
• Damaged or defective camshaft position sensor
• Damaged or defective camshaft position actuator solenoid
• Binding of the camshaft advance mechanism
• Damaged or defective ECM (rare)

What are the symptoms of the P000B code?

Symptoms of a P000B code may include:

• Check engine or warning light may illuminate
• Vehicle rpm may fluctuate during idle
• May hesitate when going uphill
• There may be no symptoms aside from a stored trouble code

How does a mechanic diagnose the P000B code?

A mechanic may use several methods to diagnose a P000B trouble code, including:

• Utilize an OBD-II scanner to check for a stored P000B trouble code
• Check vehicle oil fluid levels and compare to manufacturer specifications
• Check oil fluid pressure
• Check for clogs in oil passages
• Visually inspect the wiring and circuits for signs of damage or corrosion
• Visually inspect the camshaft advance mechanism
• Test camshaft adjustment valve
• Test the camshaft position actuator solenoid

How serious is the P000B code?

Because a vehicle’s safe driving operation most likely will not be impacted due to faults that store a P000B code, this code is not considered a potentially serious code. When this code appears, it is recommended to take your vehicle to your local service center or mechanic for repair and diagnosis as soon as possible.

What repairs can fix the P000B code?

Several repairs can fix a P000B trouble code and include:

• Repair any damaged or shorted, open, or loose wiring or connectors
• Fill oil to manufacturer recommended levels
• Repair or replace damaged or defective oil pump
• Repair or replace damaged or defective camshaft position sensor
• Repair or replace damaged or defective camshaft position actuation solenoid
• Repair or replace damaged or defective camshaft adjustment valve
• Repair or replace damaged or defective ECM (rare)
• Clear all codes, test-drive the vehicle, and rescan to see if any codes reappear

Need help with a P000B code?

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