P054B

What it means

P054B means the engine control unit has found that the Bank 1 camshaft timing is over-retarded during a cold start, when the variable valve timing system is meant to be holding the cam at a specific position. The actual cam angle, worked out from the camshaft and crankshaft position sensor signals, is later than the commanded angle by more than the allowed amount. Which camshaft (intake or exhaust) and which strategy is used depends on the engine.

Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp on
• Rough or unstable idle straight after a cold start
• Hesitation or reduced power while the engine is cold
• Poor fuel economy
• Rattling or ticking noise from the top of the engine at start-up
• Hard starting or extended cranking

Possible causes

• Low, dirty or incorrect-grade engine oil, or a blocked oil passage or screen affecting oil pressure to the timing actuatorlikely
• Sticking or contaminated camshaft phaser control (oil control) solenoid or its screenlikely
• Worn or sticking camshaft phaser (actuator) that cannot reach or hold its positionpossible
• Wiring or connector fault in the solenoid circuit or camshaft position sensor circuitpossible
• Stretched timing chain or belt, worn tensioner or guides, or timing set out of correlationpossible
• Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or damaged reluctor wheel giving a false anglerare
• Outdated control unit software where the manufacturer has issued an update for this faultrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and freeze frame data, noting engine temperature, oil temperature and rpm when the code set, and check for other cam, crank or oil pressure codes.
2. Check the engine oil level, condition and grade against the manufacturer's specification, and look for sludge or recent oil change history.
3. Inspect the wiring and connectors at the Bank 1 phaser solenoid and the camshaft and crankshaft sensors for damage, oil contamination, chafing or corrosion.
4. Check the solenoid's resistance and supply and control signals against the manufacturer's data, and command it with a scan tool to see if cam angle responds.
5. View live data for commanded versus actual cam angle on a cold start and compare it with a warm engine to see where it deviates.
6. Remove and inspect the solenoid and its filter screen for debris and check that it moves freely.
7. Verify oil pressure with a mechanical gauge if the oil supply to the phaser is suspect.
8. Check timing chain stretch or cam-to-crank correlation using live data or by inspecting the timing set, following the procedure for that engine.

How to fix

• Correct the oil level and change the oil and filter to the specified grade if it is dirty, degraded or wrong.
• Clean or replace the camshaft phaser solenoid and its screen if it is sticking or blocked.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors or terminals in the solenoid or sensor circuits.
• Replace the camshaft phaser if it is worn or fails to hold position.
• Replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides, and set the timing correctly, if stretch or wear is confirmed.
• Replace a faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or update the control unit software only if an applicable manufacturer update exists.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P054AGenericCold Start B Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
• P054CGenericCold Start B Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2