P05CE

What it means

P05CE is the generic code for a cold start camshaft position timing performance fault on Bank 1, relating to the 'B' camshaft (commonly the exhaust cam, though this depends on the engine). During the cold start strategy the control unit compared the actual camshaft position, from the cam and crank sensor signals, with the commanded position and found it outside the allowed tolerance. The exact test conditions and which cam is 'B' vary by engine and manufacturer.

Symptoms

• Engine management light on
• Rough or unstable idle after a cold start
• Hesitation or reduced power when cold
• Rattling or ticking noise from the top of the engine at start-up
• Increased fuel consumption
• Hard starting or extended cranking

Possible causes

• Low, dirty or incorrect grade engine oil, or the wrong oil level, affecting the variable cam timing actuatorlikely
• Faulty or sticking camshaft phaser or timing oil control solenoidlikely
• Blocked oil control valve screen or restricted oil passages to the phaserpossible
• Wiring or connector fault in the solenoid or camshaft position sensor circuitpossible
• Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor giving a poor signalpossible
• Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner or guides, or a belt that has jumped a toothpossible
• Outdated control unit software where the manufacturer has a known issue for the enginerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, especially engine temperature and oil temperature at the time of the fault
2. Check the engine oil level, condition and that the grade matches the manufacturer's specification
3. Inspect the wiring and connectors to the cam timing solenoid and cam and crank sensors for damage, oil contamination or corrosion
4. Look at live data for commanded versus actual cam position on Bank 1 during a cold start and note any lag or error
5. Check for other related codes, such as cam correlation or solenoid circuit faults, and diagnose those first
6. Test the solenoid resistance and operation against the manufacturer's specifications, and inspect its screen for debris
7. Listen for chain rattle on cold start and check timing correlation, following the model-specific procedure
8. Check for any applicable software updates or service bulletins for the engine

How to fix

• Correct the oil level and change the oil and filter to the specified grade if it is dirty or incorrect
• Replace a faulty timing solenoid or clean or replace its blocked screen as the design allows
• Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors in the affected circuit
• Replace a faulty cam or crank position sensor
• Replace the timing chain, tensioner, guides and phaser as needed if wear or incorrect timing is confirmed
• Update the control unit calibration only if the manufacturer lists an outdated calibration as a known cause for this engine

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P05CDGenericCold Start A Camshaft Position Timing Performance Bank 2
• P05CFGenericCold Start B Camshaft Position Timing Performance Bank 2