P000B code meaning
B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P000B means
This monitor does not judge the end position of the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 but how fast it follows a change of the commanded angle. The code is set when the actual angle lags behind the target for too long during several adjustments. The adjustment speed depends directly on oil flow, so worn or wrong oil and a partly clogged screen are the usual causes. Drivability is often hardly affected; the fault is an early warning before the camshaft misses its target position altogether. Bank 1 is the cylinder bank that contains cylinder 1.
P000B at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P000B
- Check engine light on
- Slight hesitation when accelerating
- Often no noticeable symptoms
Common causes of P000B
- Most likelyOil too thick or too thin, sludged, or oil level low
- Most likelyScreen at the oil control valve partly clogged
- PossibleOil control valve sluggish
- PossibleCam phaser leaking internally or worn
- Less likelyGenerally weak oil pressure, e.g. worn oil pump or bearings
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cam phaser exhaust bank1Oil control valve exhaust bank1Engine oil
What each part of P000B means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 0B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P000B and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P000B
What does P000B mean?
P000B means "B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1". This monitor does not judge the end position of the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 but how fast it follows a change of the commanded angle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P000B?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P000B fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P000B is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P000B to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 8 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P000B clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.