P001A code meaning
A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P001A means
A camshaft profile actuator switches the intake camshaft (camshaft A) on bank 1 between two or more fixed cam profiles with different valve lift and duration, for example by shifting a cam piece axially or by locking rocker arms or tappets with oil pressure. Unlike a camshaft phaser it does not shift the timing continuously. The second letter "A" in the title numbers the actuator on this camshaft. This code is set when the control circuit of the actuator is open: no current flows when it is driven, because of a broken wire, an unplugged connector or an open coil. The engine usually stays on one profile, typically the base profile with low lift. Some manufacturers report these faults with their own codes instead.
P001A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P001A
- Check engine light on
- Less power at high engine speed because the profile does not switch
- Higher consumption or uneven part-load running, depending on the profile
- Engine speed may be limited
Common causes of P001A
- Most likelyConnector at the actuator corroded, oil-soaked or loose
- PossibleWire broken, e.g. at the valve cover
- PossibleActuator coil open
- Less likelyOutput driver in the engine control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Camshaft profile actuator intake bank1Camshaft profile actuator wiringEngine control module
What each part of P001A 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. |
| 1A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P001A 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 P001A
What does P001A mean?
P001A means "A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1". A camshaft profile actuator switches the intake camshaft (camshaft A) on bank 1 between two or more fixed cam profiles with different valve lift and duration, for example by shifting a cam piece axially or by locking rocker arms or tappets with oil pressure. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P001A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P001A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P001A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P001A 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 P001A to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P001A 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.