P0014 Chevy Malibu - Diagnosing and Fixing the Problem

First appearing in the market back in 1964, the Chevrolet Malibu is one of the oldest nameplates in the automobile industry. Evolving through several generations and surviving the test of time, the Chevrolet Malibu has always been a popular choice amongst families and regular commuters.

P0012/P0014 code highlights

• Level of urgency:Medium
• Possible culprits:VVT solenoid problems, camshaft issues
• Price for repair:$300 - $1,000
• Ifneglected:Engine will work harshly and ineffectively
• DIY repairs:Impossible
• Can you drive?Not for long

What Does the Trouble Code P0014 Mean on Your Chevy Malibu?

With vehicles having Variable Valve Timing (VVT) such as your Chevy Malibu, the P0014 trouble code can come up more often than you would expect. In order to maximize the motor's combustion efficiency, the VVT is used to adjust the camshaft's position.

The Camshaft Position (CMP) actuator can be found being attached to each of the camshafts and operated hydraulically to change the camshaft's angle.

Engines that have VVT are able to change the length of period the cylinder valves stay open at a time.

As a result, the fuel-air mix in the system is altered allowing the engine to be both more fuel efficient and powerful depending on the driving condition and needs of your vehicle. The P0014 Diagnostic Trouble Code refers to a problem or issue related to the timing of the camshaft.         

If your vehicle stores the P0014 trouble code, it means that the position of the camshaft is more advanced than it is supposed to be in relation to your vehicle's regular operating specifications. "B" Camshaft Position Timing Over Advanced and/or System Performance (Bank 1) is the P0014 trouble code's technical definition. The P0014 trouble code can be divided and looked at into three main separated pieces.          

• "B" Camshaft Position

The Chevy Malibu engine equipped with VVT uses camshaft actuators. These camshaft actuators often referred to as phasers, are used to adjust the camshaft's position. Depending on your vehicle/model, the exhaust is the "B" camshaft (right/rear camshaft).      

• Over Advanced or System Performance

At different RPMs, the engine in your Malibu can act as if it has different camshaft characteristics thanks to the VVT. Therefore, it can both advance or hold back the timing as it sees fit according to the vehicle's requirements and needs. Even though that is excellent for your Malibu's fuel economy and power, the system can get stuck in what is known as an "over-advanced position".  

• Bank 1

The side of your Chevy Malibu's engine with the 1st cylinder is Bank 1. If you have a Malibu that is equipped with an inline engine, then you really do not need to worry about this. However, for those with a Malibu that has a "V" engine with two-cylinder heads, you will have to seek out which side is Bank 1.  

Symptoms of P0014

When the camshaft timing is off with your vehicle, there will be some typical symptoms of the trouble code P0014 in your vehicle. Some of these symptoms can change depending on which position the camshaft actuators stop moving.

Below is a list of some common symptoms related to issues with the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 resulting in a P0014 Diagnostic Trouble Code in your Chevy Malibu:   

• Poor/Rough Idle- Due to the "B" camshaft actuator failing while it is advanced too far.
• Rattling Sound- Since it is not where it's not supposed to be, you will notice the camshaft actuator rattling during idle speed.
• Decreased Gas Mileage- Your Malibu will not be able to produce optimum combustion and cause poor fuel economy since the camshaft timing will no longer be able to adjust on the fly.
• Lost Power- When your Malibu needs more power, the cam profile will fail to conduct a performance power curve, and your vehicle's engine will not produce too much power.
• Service/Check Engine Light- If your vehicle shows a P0014 diagnostic trouble code, that means the ECM has detected an issue with the exhaust camshaft. As a result, the check engine light will illuminate to inform you that there is a problem related to the engine.
• Hard to Start- It is very common to have difficulties starting your Chevy Malibu if the timing is too far advanced.

Diagnosing and Fixing the Problem

Even though there are a few potential causes of this trouble code, the P0014 diagnostic trouble code is a somewhat specific error. Hence, diagnosing the P0014 DTC in your Malibu is much easier compared to a lot of other diagnostic trouble codes. It is also possible that the P0014 may be caused by a faulty PCM or ECM malfunctioning and throwing the code accurately.

P0014 is a trouble code related to the powertrain and normally linked to Camshaft Position B (timing over-advanced). Your mechanic will need to diagnose the specific cause for the P0014 DTC and it can cost you about 1 hour of labor. Depending on your vehicle's condition, other related details, and your location, you may be charged anywhere between $75 to $150 at the auto repairs shops.    

Generally, an issue with the timing chain causes this trouble code as a result of the chain not being able to maintain the camshaft to be in sync with the crankshaft due to the chain being overstretched.

Once the camshaft position sensor recognizes that the camshaft has rotated too much or more than expected, the P0014 DTC is set in your vehicle. Below are some of the most likely causes and things to check when dealing with the P0014 Diagnostic Trouble Code in your Chevy Malibu.  

• Engine Oil

The oil quality and pressure are some of the most common causes of the P0014 diagnostic trouble code in your Malibu. Dirty oil and/or oil filter clogging up the camshaft actuator or low oil locking up the engine can easily result in a P0014 diagnostic trouble code.

Also, you may notice the P0014 DTC appearing in your Malibu after an oil change if the oil is too thick or too thin due to the shop not using the correct oil.       

• Failure in the VVT System    

Whether there is a problem with the solenoid, oil pressure, or timing, they are all related to the VVT system failure. Any issues with the VVT system will trigger the P0014 DTC in your Chevy Malibu. The variable valve timing in the engine of your Malibu is controlled by the VVT system.  

The oil pressure is used to change the position of the valve sprocket. Afterward, it then in turn changes the exhaust camshaft's position. Changing the valve timing on the fly helps to improve the performance and fuel economy of your vehicle.  

• Engine Timing

Problems with the engine's timing in your vehicle will result in the P0014 trouble code. It is mainly due to the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor not picking up the right timing with your Malibu's engine. Even if the timing chain jumps a tooth, it can cause the camshaft to be not synced to the crankshaft correctly and throw off the engine timing.       

• Bad/Faulty ECU

All engine functions are monitored and controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Therefore, when there are any issues with the engine's timing, the ECU will detect the problem and send out the P0014 diagnostic trouble code. However, the ECU itself can malfunction and give the code P0014 along with other issues.   

Conclusion

The P0014 diagnostic trouble code is usually a clear indication that your Chevy Malibu may have a serious problem with the engine. If your vehicle is showing this code, most likely there is a problem with the exhaust camshaft and/or your engine's timing. Ignoring such problematic issues will cause your vehicle to perform poorly, decrease fuel economy, and can even end up damaging the valves.

So if the P0014 diagnostic trouble code is showing up and/or you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately. It is crucial that you get your Chevy Malibu inspected and get to the bottom of the main cause behind the problem. Prolonging to have the P0014 diagnosed and fixed will only cause further damage to your Chevy Malibu and you may end up paying more repair costs.