P000A – “A” Camshaft Position Slow Response
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P000A | A Camshaft Position Slow Response (Buy Part On Amazon) | - |
We recommend Torque Pro
Table of Contents
- What Does Code P000A Mean?
- Where is the P000A sensor located?
- What are the common causes of code P000A?
- Get Help with P000A
What Does Code P000A Mean?
OBD II fault code P000A is a generic code that is defined as “”A” Camshaft Position- Slow Response Bank 1”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects either that the actual position of the camshaft labelled “A” (usually the intake camshaft) does not match the desired position, or, that the camshaft is slow to respond to commands to advance or retard the valve timing on the bank of cylinders that contains cylinder #1. Note that this code only applies to applications that are fitted with VVT (Variable Valve Timing), or VCT (Variable Cam Timing).
On applications that are fitted with VVT or VCT, the PCM has the ability to rotate each camshaft relative to a fixed reference point in order to alter the valve timing. The practical advantage of this is that at low engine speeds, the valve timing can be set to produce maximum power, while at higher engine speeds the valve timing can be altered to improve the engines’ volumetric efficiency to improve fuel economy, while reducing emissions at the same time.
In practice, each camshaft is fitted with an actuator that uses pressurized engine oil to change the position, or phasing of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft to produce different power delivery characteristics at different engine speeds. In terms of operation, each camshaft actuator is fed with pressurized oil through a solenoid that is controlled by the PCM.
As a practical matter, the PCM uses input data from the engine speed sensor, throttle position sensor (or throttle pedal position sensor on drive-by-wire systems), various transmission sensors, and others to calculate an appropriate valve timing strategy based on the current engine speed, as well as on the rate of the throttle plate’s movement.
Based on these inputs, the PCM will open the oil control solenoid, which allows the actuators to rotate the camshaft to a position (relative to a fixed reference point on the crankshaft) to either advance or retard the valve timing, and that is calculated to produce improved power delivery and fuel economy. This position is referred to as the camshafts’ desired position, and the rotation of the camshaft is monitored by a dedicated position sensor that alerts the PCM that the desired position has either been reached, or not, as the case may be. Conversely, when the PCM needs to return the camshaft to its base setting, it will reverse the flow of pressurized oil through the oil control solenoid to relieve the pressure on the camshaft actuator.
Nonetheless, if the camshaft does not reach the desired position, or takes too long to complete a movement, the PCM recognizes that the camshaft is out of phase with either, or both the exhaust camshaft and the crankshaft, and it will set code P000A and illuminate a warning light as a result.
Where is the P000A sensor located?
The image above shows the location of the camshaft position sensors on a Mini application. The green arrow indicates the position of the intake camshaft’s sensor, while the red arrow indicates the position of the exhaust camshaft’s sensor.
It must be noted though that although the actual appearance of camshaft position sensors differ greatly between applications, these sensors are always located in close proximity to the camshaft(s) either on the valve cover(s), or in the cylinder head(s). However, since there may be other sensors located on the valve cover(s) or in the cylinder head(s) as well, it is important to refer to the manual for the affected application to locate and identify the camshaft position sensors correctly. Failure to do this could lead to a misdiagnosis, and quite possibly, the unnecessary replacement of parts and components.
What are the common causes of code P000A?
Some common causes of code P000A could include the following-
- Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, or corroded wiring and/or connectors in the camshaft position sensors’ control/signal circuit(s)
- Dirty, degraded, or contaminated engine oil that prevents the free movement of either, or both the oil control solenoid and the camshaft actuator
- Low oil level, or insufficient oil pressure
- Defective oil control solenoid
- Defective camshaft actuator
- Excessive wear of the timing chain(s), and/or associated sprockets, guides, and tensioning devices
- Defective camshaft position sensor
- Defects in, or failures of any sensor that is involved in valve timing management, including throttle position sensors, engine speed sensors, and throttle pedal position sensors
- Failed or failing PCM, but note that since this is a rare event the fault must be sought elsewhere before any control module is replaced
Help Us Help You
Please comment below describing your issue as well as the specifics of your vehicle (make, model, year, miles, and engine). To get a detailed, expedited response from a mechanic, please make a $9.99 donation via the payment button below.
2013 VW Jetta TSI 1.8 GLI loss of power manual drive. Changed O2 sensor. But at times has been running outta fuel ,a number of times ….in the part I’ve seen other vehicles to the same ,an fuel pump was change out an it ran better. What u think. I know it’s not the intake manifold..
Deejay,
Has a fuel filter been changed recently?
This sounds like that kind of problem.
Especially since you said a fuel pump seemed to help.
Take care of this first and let us know how it goes.
This is the most lucid explanation I’ve found online. It seems to be sensitive to oil temperature and-or difficult to pinpoint the problem. Three visits to Porsche Service and it remains unresolved. First visit they dismissed it as old or cold oil (ridiculous; they changed it themselves; car is garaged) or a low battery (put it on a tender). Code recurred but then cleared itself, then recurred months later in cold weather on taking it in for an oil change. Second visit they swapped the two solenoids. Code came back. So they replaced one of the solenoids. Code came back but then cleared itself when it got warm. When it recurs, they will likely replace the second solenoid, but I wonder if the position sensor is at fault?
Thom, I would have to concur with Nathaniel’s observation. If that does not provide a satisfactory outcome, you may wish to ask the Porsche dealer if they would recommend flushing the oil out and starting over. At least this way you have a base or starting point for the oiling system so that could be completely eliminated.
One more thing; if you are using a 5w40 or 5w50 oil, switch to a 0w40. It’s recommended by Porsche for all temps and can provide lower viscosity / easier flowing in the colder temps.
In my experience, this code can be caused by oil sludge or burnt oil on the cam position sensor. That might explain why it happens while cold and goes away when it warms up and burns off. I would try taking out the cam sensor and giving it a good cleaning. Best of luck to you.
after changing camshaft position sensor with code P000A do you have to reset anything
Raczej nie po wymianie uszkodzonego czujnika i skasowanie błędu ecu sam zorientuje sie ze ma poprawny sygnał z czujnika