Wiring to the Bank 2 camshaft profile actuator chafed, shorted to earth or damaged; Faulty actuator or solenoid with an internal short circuit; Corroded, loose or contaminated connector at the actuator or control unit; Oil leaking down the harness into the connector, causing a short or high resistance; Fault in the engine control unit output driver; Outdated or faulty control unit calibration, where the manufacturer has identified this as a known cause for the model.

P001E

A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit Low Bank 2.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0: AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
1E: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P001E means the engine control unit has detected a low voltage fault in the control circuit for the 'A' camshaft profile actuator on Bank 2. This actuator switches or adjusts the cam profile (valve lift or duration) on systems that have it. The control unit saw the circuit voltage lower than expected, typically pointing to a short to earth, a failed actuator coil or a driver fault. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1, so this applies only to V, flat or similar multi-bank engines.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Reduced power or flat response at higher revs
Rough idle or uneven running
Poor fuel economy
Engine may enter a limited performance mode
Noticeable change in engine note or missing the usual switch-over in valve lift

Possible causes

Wiring to the Bank 2 camshaft profile actuator chafed, shorted to earth or damagedlikely
Faulty actuator or solenoid with an internal short circuitlikely
Corroded, loose or contaminated connector at the actuator or control unitpossible
Oil leaking down the harness into the connector, causing a short or high resistancepossible
Fault in the engine control unit output driverrare
Outdated or faulty control unit calibration, where the manufacturer has identified this as a known cause for the modelrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and record the freeze frame data (engine temperature, load, rpm) to see when the fault set
Check for other related codes such as Bank 1 actuator, cam position or oil pressure faults, which may point to a shared cause
Inspect the Bank 2 actuator wiring and connector for chafing, melted insulation, oil contamination, corrosion and bent or pushed-back pins
Check engine oil level and condition, as profile switching systems depend on correct oil quality and level
Measure the actuator coil resistance and compare with the manufacturer's specification for that engine
Test the control wire for a short to earth with the connector unplugged and the control unit connector disconnected, following the wiring diagram
Check the supply voltage and the control signal at the actuator using the manufacturer's procedure, as the method varies by model and engine
Check for any applicable software updates or technical bulletins for the vehicle before considering the control unit faulty

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring and restore the circuit insulation
Replace the faulty Bank 2 camshaft profile actuator or solenoid
Clean, repair or replace the affected connector and terminals, and cure any oil leak that contaminated it
Correct the oil level and change oil and filter if it is degraded or incorrect
Update the control unit calibration only if the manufacturer lists it as a fix for this fault
Repair or replace the control unit if testing confirms a driver fault

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven short distances, but expect reduced performance and possibly a limited operating mode. Get it checked soon, as continued driving with a faulty valve control system may worsen running and could cause further problems.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.