P03E7 code meaning
A Camshaft Position Actuator Position Sensor C Circuit Low Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P03E7 means
On some engines the intake cam phaser (camshaft position actuator A) has its own position sensors, which tell the engine module where the phaser actually is; sensor C is the third of them, bank 1 the side with cylinder 1. P03E7 means the sensor signal stays below its lower limit – signal or reference wire shorted to ground, supply open, or the sensor shorted internally; if the 5 V reference is the cause, other sensors on the same circuit often set codes too. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code. GM's 2.7-litre engine monitors comparable position sensors on its sliding camshaft under other codes (P2C05 ff), with an open circuit above 200 kΩ and a short below 0.5 Ω in 4 of 5 samples – only as a comparison. The phaser is then usually held in its base position.
P03E7 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 repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P03E7
- Check engine light on
- Cam phasing held in its base position, loss of power
- Possibly rough idle or higher consumption
Common causes of P03E7
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground (chafed harness)
- Possible5 V supply open or shorted
- PossibleSensor faulty internally
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cam phaser position sensor cCam phaser intake bank1Sensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P03E7 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| E7 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P03E7 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 P03E7
What does P03E7 mean?
P03E7 means "A Camshaft Position Actuator Position Sensor C Circuit Low Bank 1". On some engines the intake cam phaser (camshaft position actuator A) has its own position sensors, which tell the engine module where the phaser actually is; sensor C is the third of them, bank 1 the side with cylinder 1. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P03E7?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P03E7 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P03E7 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P03E7 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 P03E7 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 P03E7 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.