Faulty camshaft position sensor; Damaged wiring, poor connector contact or corroded terminals in the sensor circuit; Stretched timing chain or belt, or incorrect cam timing, so cam and crank signals do not correlate; Faulty variable valve timing actuator or solenoid, or oil supply problems affecting it (depends on engine); Damaged or loose reluctor or trigger wheel, or metallic debris on the sensor tip; Weak battery or poor earth causing unstable sensor supply voltage; Faulty engine control unit.

P1174

Cam Sensor Fault.

Other
Powertrain
Manufacturer code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
1: Defined byThe manufacturer
1: AreaFuel and air metering
74: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P1174 is a manufacturer-specific code, so its meaning depends on the make, which was not specified here. This guide uses the 'Cam Sensor Fault' definition, where the engine control unit judged the camshaft position signal missing, erratic or out of step with the crankshaft signal. Confirm the definition for the actual vehicle before diagnosing, because some makes use this code for fuel trim or mixture faults instead.

Symptoms

Engine warning light on
Long cranking or hard starting
Rough running or misfire
Hesitation and loss of power, possibly limp mode
Intermittent stalling
Poor fuel economy

Possible causes

Faulty camshaft position sensorlikely
Damaged wiring, poor connector contact or corroded terminals in the sensor circuitlikely
Stretched timing chain or belt, or incorrect cam timing, so cam and crank signals do not correlatepossible
Faulty variable valve timing actuator or solenoid, or oil supply problems affecting it (depends on engine)possible
Damaged or loose reluctor or trigger wheel, or metallic debris on the sensor tippossible
Weak battery or poor earth causing unstable sensor supply voltagerare
Faulty engine control unitrare

How to diagnose

Confirm the code's meaning for the specific make and model, and read all stored codes, noting any crank sensor or timing related ones.
Review freeze frame data to see engine speed, load and temperature when the fault set, then clear the code and see if it returns.
Inspect the sensor, its wiring and connector for chafing, oil contamination, corrosion, bent pins and a secure fit.
Check battery condition, charging voltage and main earth connections.
Check sensor supply, signal and earth at the connector against the manufacturer's specification.
View live cam and crank signals on a scope or live data and check they correlate.
Remove the sensor and inspect the tip and reluctor for damage or debris.
Check cam timing and chain or belt condition, and VVT operation and oil level and condition, following model-specific procedures.

How to fix

Replace the camshaft position sensor if it fails testing or is damaged.
Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or renew faulty connectors.
Correct cam timing, or replace the chain, belt, tensioners and guides if worn or jumped.
Replace faulty VVT actuators or solenoids and put right oil level or condition problems.
Replace a damaged reluctor wheel or clean debris from the sensor area.
Rectify battery or earth faults found during testing.

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

Short journeys may be possible, but stalling, poor running or limp mode can occur without warning, so get it checked soon. If timing is suspected to be out or the engine runs very badly, stop driving, as valve or piston damage is possible.

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