Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)

What it means

The variable valve timing system uses oil pressure to rotate the intake camshaft for better performance and economy. This code means the camshaft is more advanced than the computer commanded, most commonly due to oil problems or the timing control valve.

Symptoms5

• Unstable idle.
• Reduced performance, especially at low speed.
• Occasional hard starting.
• Rattle from the front of the engine after a cold start.
• Check engine light on.

Possible causes5

• Low oil level, old oil or incorrect viscosity.
• Variable timing control valve stuck or clogged.
• Clogged small screen filter for the timing valve on some engines.
• Faulty camshaft phaser.
• Stretched timing chain or weak tensioner.

How to diagnose and fix5

1. Check the oil level immediately and change it to the specified oil and viscosity if old.
2. Clear the code and see whether it returns after the oil change.
3. Inspect the timing control valve and its screen; clean it or replace the valve.
4. Test the valve with a scan tool while watching actual cam angle.
5. If the code persists, have the cam phaser and timing chain inspected.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

An oil change or timing control valve is usually in the first tier, but a cam phaser or timing chain job can reach the third.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.

Frequently asked questions