P2C05 code meaning
A Camshaft Profile Actuator Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C05 means
Engines with switchable cam lobes use small solenoid actuators that push a pin into a groove of a sliding cam sleeve; a feedback signal confirms that the pin has moved. P2C05 is the general circuit fault for feedback A on the intake camshaft (camshaft A) of bank 1. GM uses it on the 2.7 L turbo four L3B in the Silverado and Sierra 1500 from 2019: in tables 19OBDG03D and 25OBDG03B the ECM tests the circuit while the output is energised and reports an open circuit at 200 kilohms or more between signal and ground in 4 of 5 samples, with supply above 11 V, as Type A with MIL on the first trip. Low and High are P2C07 and P2C08. GM bulletins PIT5677 and 21-NA-149 trace such codes on the L3B to engine harness chafing and blown fuses. Lift changes are locked out.
P2C05 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2C05
- Check engine light on immediately
- Cam lift switching and cylinder deactivation unavailable, slightly reduced power or economy
- With harness damage, many other codes and possibly no start
Common causes of P2C05
- Most likelyEngine harness chafed, sometimes with blown fuses (GM L3B bulletins)
- PossibleLoose or corroded connector at the profile actuator
- PossibleOpen circuit inside the actuator or its feedback element
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
A camshaft profile actuator pos sensor a b1Wiring harnessECM
What each part of P2C05 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 05 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C05 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 P2C05
What does P2C05 mean?
P2C05 means "A Camshaft Profile Actuator Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 1". Engines with switchable cam lobes use small solenoid actuators that push a pin into a groove of a sliding cam sleeve; a feedback signal confirms that the pin has moved. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C05?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C05 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C05 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C05 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 P2C05 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C05 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.