P001C code meaning
A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit High Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P001C 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 reads too high, typically because of a short to battery voltage or overcurrent in the output stage. The engine usually stays on one profile, typically the base profile with low lift. Some manufacturers report these faults with their own codes instead.
P001C 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 P001C
- 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 P001C
- Most likelyControl wire shorted to battery voltage
- PossibleActuator coil shorted, causing overcurrent
- PossibleConnector corroded or contaminated with oil
- 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 P001C 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. |
| 1C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P001C 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 P001C
What does P001C mean?
P001C means "A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit High 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 P001C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P001C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P001C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P001C 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 P001C 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 P001C 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.