P003E

What it means

P003E means the engine control unit has found that the camshaft profile actuator A on bank 2 is not doing what it was commanded to do, and appears to be stuck in the off (default) position. The control unit compared the commanded cam profile or lift state with the feedback from the cam position sensors and other signals, and saw that the change did not happen. How the system works and which engines use it depends on the model, so check the manufacturer's data.

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Reduced power or flat spot at higher revs
• Rough idle or uneven running
• Poorer fuel economy
• Car may enter a limited performance mode
• Unusual valve train noise on some engines

Possible causes

• Low, dirty or incorrect-grade engine oil affecting actuator operationlikely
• Faulty actuator or control solenoid on bank 2 (stuck, sticking or failed electrically)likely
• Wiring or connector fault on the bank 2 actuator circuit (chafing, corrosion, high resistance)possible
• Blocked oil passage or screen restricting oil feed to the actuatorpossible
• Low oil pressure from a worn oil pump or worn engine bearingspossible
• Mechanical fault in the cam profile switching or valve lift mechanism, or a timing faultrare
• Outdated or faulty control unit calibration where the manufacturer has identified onerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine speed, load, temperature and oil temperature when the fault set.
2. Check for related codes such as cam position, timing correlation or oil pressure faults, and deal with those first.
3. Check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil matches the grade and specification for the engine.
4. Inspect the bank 2 actuator or solenoid wiring and connectors for damage, oil contamination, corrosion and poor pin tension.
5. Using live data, compare commanded and actual cam profile or position status on bank 2 while the engine is running through its range.
6. Test the actuator or solenoid electrically (resistance, supply and control signal) against the manufacturer's specification, and check its operation if the model allows an active test.
7. Remove the solenoid and check for sticking, debris and a blocked screen or oil feed passage.
8. Check oil pressure with a mechanical gauge if the oil feed looks sound and the fault persists, and check for any manufacturer bulletins for the engine.

How to fix

• Correct the oil level, and change the oil and filter with the correct specification if it is old, dirty or the wrong grade.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors on the bank 2 actuator circuit.
• Replace the faulty actuator or control solenoid, and clean or replace any blocked screen.
• Clear or repair restricted oil passages to the actuator.
• Repair the cause of low oil pressure, such as a worn oil pump, once confirmed by measurement.
• Repair the mechanical cam profile mechanism or timing fault if found, or apply a control unit calibration update only where the manufacturer lists it as a fix.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P003DGenericA Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Stuck On Bank 1
• P003FGenericA Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Stuck On Bank 2