What Does P0015 Mean?
The PCM has determined that the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft timing is more retarded than the commanded position. The exhaust VVT system is failing to advance when requested, keeping the cam in its default retarded state. This is the exhaust cam counterpart of P0012 and can cause poor scavenging and reduced engine efficiency.
Common Causes
30%
Low oil level or degraded engine oil providing insufficient hydraulic pressure
30%
Stuck Bank 1 exhaust VVT oil control valve in the retarded position
20%
Blocked oil feed passage or clogged solenoid screen at exhaust VVT actuator
15%
Exhaust VVT phaser locking pin stuck in default position
5%
Timing chain jump or excessive stretch on exhaust side
Diagnostic Steps
1
Verify engine oil is at the correct level and meets manufacturer viscosity specification; change if overdue
2
Monitor Bank 1 exhaust cam angle — if it remains near 0 degrees when commanded to advance, the phaser or solenoid is at fault
3
Test the exhaust VVT solenoid electrically: resistance should be 6.9-7.9 ohms, and it should click when 12V is applied directly
4
Remove the solenoid and inspect the filter screen for sludge accumulation; a clogged screen is a very common root cause
5
With the solenoid removed, apply regulated shop air (30 PSI) to the oil passages and verify flow to the phaser
Estimated Repair Cost
$50 - $800
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The PCM has determined that the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft timing is more retarded than the commanded position. The exhaust VVT system is failing to advance when requested, keeping the cam in its default retarded state. This is the exhaust cam counterpart of P0012 and can cause poor scavenging and redu...
The most common cause of P0015 ("B" Camshaft Position -Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1) - See Trouble Code P0012) is: Low oil level or degraded engine oil providing insufficient hydraulic pressure
Typical repair costs for P0015 range from $50 to $800, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Reduced engine performance and efficiency with possible rough idle and increased emissions. The vehicle remains drivable but should be serviced before catalytic converter damage occurs.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0015 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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