P005C
B Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Performance/Stuck Off 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
- 5C
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P005C means the engine control unit has found that the bank 2 'B' camshaft profile actuator (A) is not performing as commanded and appears stuck in its off, or default, position. The 'B' camshaft is usually the exhaust camshaft, but this depends on the engine. The control unit compares the commanded cam profile or lift state with feedback from the camshaft position sensor, and sets the code when the two do not agree.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Reduced power or flat spot, especially at higher revs
- Rough idle or uneven running
- Poor fuel economy
- Possible limp mode or reduced rev limit on some models
- Noisy or ticking valvetrain on some engines
Possible causes
- Low, dirty or incorrect engine oil, or the wrong oil grade, starving the actuator of hydraulic pressurelikely
- Faulty or sticking camshaft profile actuator or control solenoid on bank 2likely
- Blocked oil passage or clogged oil screen feeding the actuatorpossible
- Damaged wiring, poor connector contact or corrosion in the actuator or position sensor circuitpossible
- Faulty camshaft position sensor on bank 2 giving incorrect feedbackpossible
- Mechanical wear or damage in the cam profile switching mechanism, or a timing faultrare
- Outdated control unit software where the manufacturer has issued a fix for this faultrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine temperature, load and rpm when the fault set.
- Check engine oil level, condition and grade against the manufacturer's specification, and the service history.
- Inspect the bank 2 actuator, solenoid and camshaft sensor wiring and connectors for chafing, oil contamination, corrosion and loose pins.
- Look for other related codes, such as camshaft timing or oil pressure faults, as they can point to the root cause.
- Use a scan tool's live data to compare commanded and actual cam profile or position on bank 2 and check it against bank 1.
- Test the actuator or solenoid circuit for power, ground and resistance against the manufacturer's figures.
- Check oil pressure with a mechanical gauge if the oil level and condition are fine and the actuator seems to be working.
- Remove and inspect the actuator and its oil feed for sludge, debris or sticking, following the procedure for that engine.
How to fix
- Correct the oil level and change the oil and filter using the specified grade if it is low, degraded or wrong.
- Replace the faulty bank 2 camshaft profile actuator or control solenoid.
- Clean or clear blocked oil passages and screens, and repair any underlying cause of sludge.
- Repair damaged wiring or connectors, or replace the camshaft position sensor if it is faulty.
- Repair any mechanical fault in the cam profile mechanism or timing, as diagnosed for that engine.
- Update the control unit software only if the manufacturer lists it as a fix for this fault.
Can I keep driving?
The car can usually be driven gently for a short time, but get it checked soon because performance and economy will suffer. If the oil level is low, or you hear ticking or loss of oil pressure, stop driving to avoid engine damage.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.