EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P0015 "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$70–$2,750
Do it yourself
Possible, medium
Shop time
0.5–10 hours

The engine control module compares the commanded position of the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 with the actual position from the camshaft and crankshaft sensors.

How the engine computer detects it

This code is set when the camshaft stays further retarded than commanded for longer than a calibrated time. Usually the phaser does not move far enough out of its rest position, because oil pressure is too low to release the locking pin, the oil control valve does not open, or the oil screen is blocked. A stretched timing chain also shifts the camshaft towards retarded. Bank 1 is the cylinder bank that contains cylinder 1.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Noticeably less torque and pulling power
  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Harder starting in some cases
  • Rattle from the timing drive if the chain is stretched

Common causes

  1. Oil pressure or oil level too low, oil worn out Most likely
  2. Oil control valve sticking closed or its screen blocked Most likely
  3. Cam phaser defective or seized in its rest position Possible
  4. Timing chain stretched or jumped a tooth Possible
  5. Wear debris in the oil circuit, e.g. from a thrust bearing Less likely

How to diagnose P0015

  1. Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
  2. Inspect the parts involved: cam phaser exhaust bank1, oil control valve exhaust bank1, engine oil, timing chain.
  3. Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
  4. Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.

Reading the code

P
Powertrain
0
Generic (SAE) code
0
Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
15
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P0015?

Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0015?

Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.

Will P0015 clear by itself?

The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.

Can I fix P0015 myself?

Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.