P0015 code meaning
"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0015 means
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. 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.
P0015 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0015
- 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 of P0015
- Most likelyOil pressure or oil level too low, oil worn out
- Most likelyOil control valve sticking closed or its screen blocked
- PossibleCam phaser defective or seized in its rest position
- PossibleTiming chain stretched or jumped a tooth
- Less likelyWear debris in the oil circuit, e.g. from a thrust bearing
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 oilTiming chain
What each part of P0015 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. |
| 15 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0015 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 P0015
What does P0015 mean?
P0015 means ""B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)". 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. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0015?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0015 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0015 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0015 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 P0015 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 10 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0015 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.