P000A OBD Fault Code - (A) Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1 (Explained)
Updated: Jun 2
This is an OBD fault code standing for "(A) Camshaft position slow response bank 1", this fault can trigger for multiple reasons.
Fault Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
P000A | (A) Camshaft position slow response bank 1 | Low oil pressure, faulty camshaft position sensor, camshaft actuator solenoid, or camshaft adjustment valve 1, faulty VCT (variable cam timing) phaser, binding in the VCT unit, damaged / corroded connector terminal, wiring, or harness, faulty PCM or ECM |
A P000A OBD fault code indicates the actual position of the camshaft differs from the position that the powertrain control module (PCM) expects. "A" suggests that the intake valves on are the source of the issue, "bank 1" suggests its on the bank 1 side of the engine.
The PCM keeps track of the camshaft's current position and where it will be in the future.
This code may also be accompanied by a P0010 fault, which suggests that bank 1 is the source of the issue.
P000B, P000C, and P000D are also related fault codes. Some other codes that may appear include the following; P0011, P0012, P0013, P0014, P0015, P0020, P0021, P0022, P0023, P0024, and P0025.
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.
What P000A Means
In order to keep the engine running smoothly, camshafts in vehicles are used to open and close the intake and exhaust valves on the engine's cylinders.
For the engine to work effectively, the timing of the camshafts is crucial.
The timing of this operation is slower than anticipated by the vehicle's computer when it generates the OBD code P000A. "A" denotes that bank 1's intake valves are the source of the issue.
The PCM (powertrain control module) keeps track of the camshaft's current position as well as where it will be in the future.
The PCM notices a deficit if the change in the camshaft's position is smaller than it should be during the diagnostic time, and if the changes in response time persist over time, a P000A code will be set.
Causes
There are a variety of potential causes for this code due to the substantial amount of moving parts in the engine and camshaft system, the following are the most common reasons for a P000A code.
Loose fuel cap
Low oil pressure (due to blockage in the oil route, a defective oil pump, low oil level, etc)
Faulty camshaft position sensor
Malfunctioning camshaft position actuator solenoid
Faulty camshaft adjustment valve 1
Faulty VCT (variable cam timing) phaser
Binding in the VCT unit
Connection terminal, wiring, or harness that is rusted or damaged
A faulty PCM or ECM
Timing chain or belt issues
Signs & Symptoms
Typically the only sign accompanying a P000A error code is the MIL (check engine light) illuminating.
In some cases you may notice an increase or a change in engine noise, poor engine performance, and emissions may be increased.
Sometimes, other fault codes will appear alongside a P000A code, such as P0010 or various other trouble codes.
How Serious Is a P000A Fault
The car might seem to operate without any obvious serious issues and function smoothly.
But if the problem isn't fixed right away, substantial harm could be done to components like the camshaft follower, necessitating future repairs that will be even more costly.
It is best to avoid driving the vehicle and have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
Diagnosing this Fault Code
The diagnostic process should start with validating the P000A code and fixing any codes that were previously set. You should check the engine oil level and top up the oil if needed.
After then, the codes should be erased, and the car examined again to see if the error persists. If the code reappears then additional actions that could be necessary include the following.
Visual examination of connectors and wiring
Examining the camshaft adjustment system
Camshaft adjustment valve output test (N205)
Crankshaft gear examination
Examination of the pickup tube filter and other oil passageways on the oil pump
Common Diagnostic Mistakes
Despite the possibility that the issue may be with the camshaft mechanism itself or other components, poor oil pressure is frequently disregarded as a cause of this code.
A camshaft position slow response code might be set off by the lower oil pressure if any of the oil pump connections deteriorate or if any of the passages clog.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
For further information on the problem, look for technical service bulletins (TSBs). If nothing is discovered, you may proceed to a standardised diagnosis of the system.
The process outlined below is generic because different vehicles require different testing for this code. You should use the diagnostic flow chart provided by the manufacturer to properly test the system.
To identify which wires are which, you should refer to the factory wiring diagrams before continuing.
For many different vehicles, Autozone provides free online repair manuals, while ALLDATA offers single vehicle subscriptions.
Test the Camshaft Position Sensor
Permanent magnet sensors or Hall Effect sensors make up the majority of camshaft position sensors.
There are three wires that connect to a Hall Effect sensor: reference, signal, and ground.
A permanent magnet sensor, on the other hand, will only have two wires: ground and signal.
Hall Effect Sensor
The signal return wire should be identified. Then, utilise a back-probe test lead to connect a digital multimeter (DMM) to it.
Turn the DMM to the DC volts setting and connect the black metre lead to chassis ground.
Crank the engine, you should notice a fluctuating reading on the metre if the sensor is working properly. If not, the sensor needs to be changed because it is defective.
Permanent Magnet Sensor
Connect a DMM to the sensor terminals after removing the sensor connector. Crank the engine after setting the DMM to AC voltage.
A reading with fluctuating voltage should be visible. If not, the sensor needs to be changed because it is defective.
Test the Sensor Circuit
Follow the instructions below to test the sensor circuit.
Hall Effect Sensor
Start by inspecting the circuit's ground side. To do this, attach a DMM (set to DC volts) to the connector's harness side between the battery positive terminal and the sensor ground terminal.
You should achieve a reading of approximately 12 volts if the ground is good.
Connect a DMM (set to volts) between the battery negative terminal and the sensor reference terminal on the harness side of the connector to test the 5-volt reference side of the circuit.
Switch on the car's ignition. A measurement of roughly 5 volts should be shown.
Both of these tests must provide satisfactory results; otherwise, the circuit will need to be identified and fixed.
Permanent Magnet Sensor
Verify the circuit's ground connection. Connect a DMM (set to DC volts) between the positive terminal of the battery and the sensor ground connection on the connector's harness side to do this.
You should obtain a reading of approximately 12 volts if the ground is good. If not, a diagnosis and repair of the circuit will be required.
Test the Oil Control Solenoid
Remove the connector for the solenoid. In order to measure the solenoid's internal resistance, use a digital multimeter set to ohms.
Connect the multimeter between the solenoid ground terminal and the solenoid B+ terminal to do this. Compare the resistance measurement to the requirements of factory repairs.
The solenoid needs to be replaced if the multimeter shows a reading that is outside of limits (OL) or out of specification, which indicates an open circuit.
Removing the solenoid will allow you to visually check the screen for metal shavings.
Check the Oil Control Solenoid Circuit
Check Power Side: Remove the solenoid connector. With the vehicle ignition on, use a digital multimeter (set to DC volts) to check for power at the solenoid (typically about 12 volts). To do this, connect the negative meter lead to battery negative terminal and the positive meter lead to the solenoid B+ terminal on harness side of the connector. The meter should read about 12 volts. If not, the circuit will need to be diagnosed and repaired.
Check Ground Side: Remove the solenoid connector. With the vehicle ignition on, use a digital multimeter (set to DC volts) to check for ground. To do this, connect the positive meter lead to battery positive terminal and the negative meter lead to the solenoid ground terminal on harness side of the connector. Command the solenoid on with an OEM equivalent scan tool. The meter should read about 12 volts. If not, the circuit will need to be diagnosed and repaired.
Check the Timing Chain & VVT actuators
If everything is in order up to this stage, the timing chain, or VVT actuators may be in fault.
In order to access the timing chain and actuators, remove the required parts. Look for excessive movement, broken guides, or tensioners in the chain.
Look for visible damage (such as worn teeth) on the actuators.
Fixing a P000A Fault Code
The following fixes could get rid of this stored code:
Replaced cam position sensor
A new valve for the N205
Cleaning of the pickup tube filter and other oil passageways in the oil pump
Replacement of the wiring or connectors going to or coming from the camshaft adjustment valve
Changing the oil pump
Replacing the VCT phaser
Engine timing adjustment
Additional Notes
There are so many different problems that could be causing your vehicle to generate a P000B code.
Engine timing problems need specialised equipment to test the engine timing and correctly reset the timing when all repairs are finished.
We recommend this digital multimeter on Amazon.
