Does P0014 mean my timing chain is bad?

Almost never on a Honda K24. Hondas use a chain that lasts the life of the engine. Solenoid first, phaser second.

Why does it set right after an oil change?

Wrong viscosity oil. The K24 needs 0W-20. 5W-30 won't flow through the OCV fast enough when cold and trips P0014/P0011.

Will resetting the code make it stay off?

Only if the cause is fixed. P0014 is a persistent monitor — it'll re-set within a few drive cycles if the issue remains.

What's the difference between P0011 and P0014?

P0011 = intake cam over-advanced. P0014 = exhaust cam over-advanced. Same diagnostic path, different solenoid.

P0014

Camshaft Position B — Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1 Exhaust)

MODERATE

SystemVVT / Timing

Difficulty

Cost$40–$900

Read9 min

What It Means Symptoms Common Causes Diagnosis Steps How to Fix It Emissions Test?Repair Cost FAQs

By Mike Reeves

ASE Master Technician (L1 Advanced Engine Performance) · 18 yrs

Technically reviewed by Sara Lopez

Last updated June 11, 2026

What Does P0014 Mean?

P0014 means the bank 1 exhaust camshaft is more advanced (rotated further) than the ECM commanded. Modern variable valve timing (VVT) systems use oil pressure routed through an oil control valve (OCV) to push a cam phaser; if the phaser is stuck advanced or the OCV is stuck open, P0014 sets.

On the 2007–2014 Honda CR-V (R20A engine) and 2008+ 2.4L K24Z, P0014 is most often a clogged VVT solenoid screen from overdue oil changes. The fix is usually a $35 solenoid and a 30-minute job.

Symptoms

Check engine light

Often the only symptom on Hondas — the engine still drives normally.

Rough idle when warm

Phaser stuck advanced changes valve overlap at idle.

Reduced fuel economy

Cam timing off-target hurts combustion efficiency.

Hard cold start

Phaser fails to return to park position when oil is cold.

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Common Causes

1.Clogged VVT oil control valve (OCV)
55%
Sludge from overdue oil blocks the screen. Most common Honda cause.
2.Failed OCV solenoid (electrical)
20%
Coil opens, solenoid no longer moves the spool valve.
3.Low oil pressure / low oil level
15%
Phaser starves and stays in advanced position.
4.Stuck cam phaser (mechanical)
8%
Internal lock pin failed; replacement requires timing service.
5.Wiring or ECM driver fault
2%
Rare. Check connector before deeper diagnosis.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

Check oil level and condition FIRST

Pull the dipstick. Low or dirty oil is the #1 trigger. If oil is black, change it before anything else — fresh oil alone clears P0014 on many CR-Vs.

WarningNever proceed with VVT diagnosis on dark, overdue oil. You'll chase ghosts and the new parts will clog again.

Scan live data for VVT solenoid duty cycle

With engine warm at idle, watch 'VVT B1 duty %'. It should be 0% at idle and ramp up under load. A stuck value (e.g. constant 50%) means solenoid or driver fault.

LIVE DATA (warm idle):
  Engine RPM        : 720
  VVT B1 actual     : 12.5° advance
  VVT B1 commanded  :  0.0° advance
  Duty cycle        : 0%
  → Phaser stuck advanced — solenoid or screen

Remove and inspect the VVT solenoid

On the K24, the OCV is on the front of the cylinder head. One 10mm bolt. Pull it out — the screen on the back side is usually packed with sludge.

Pro TipClean the screen with brake cleaner and a soft brush. If it tears or won't come clean, replace the whole solenoid.

Bench-test the solenoid

Apply 12V from a battery directly to the solenoid terminals. You should hear a sharp click and see the plunger move. No click = bad solenoid.

Verify oil pressure if solenoid is good

Install a mechanical oil pressure gauge at the sender port. At hot idle the K24 should show 14+ PSI; under load 50+ PSI. Low pressure points at oil pump or worn bearings.

How to Fix It

DifficultyTime 2–3 hrs

Parts needed:

Honda OEM VVT Solenoid (15810-R44-A01) — approx $95
Beck/Arnley VVT Solenoid (aftermarket) — approx $48
Honda OEM solenoid gasket — approx $5
5 qts Honda 0W-20 full synthetic — approx $32

Procedure:

Warm engine 5 min, then shut off (oil drains back).
Locate VVT solenoid on front of cylinder head.
Unclip electrical connector.
Remove single 10mm bolt holding solenoid bracket.
Pull solenoid out (slight oil drip — have a rag ready).
Inspect screen on back of solenoid for sludge.
Clean screen or replace solenoid; install new gasket.
Torque mounting bolt to 86 in-lb (9.8 Nm).
Reconnect connector; start engine; verify no leaks.
Clear code; drive 10 miles; re-scan to confirm clear.

Will It Pass Emissions?

// DECISION TREE

STARTCheck engine light on?

YES →FAIL

NO →Readiness monitors set?

YES →PASS

NO →RETESTdrive 50–100 miles to set monitors

Repair Cost Breakdown

Part / Region	DIY Cost	Shop Labor	Total Range
Most regions (DIY)	$95	—	$95–$120
Most regions (shop)	—	$220	$180–$280
High-cost metros (shop)	—	$300	$240–$340

Estimates based on aggregated independent shop quotes; dealer labor adds 30–50%. Excludes diagnostic fee ($80–$150).

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FAQs

Short-term yes (a few days). Long-term, mis-timed cams reduce efficiency and may cause carbon buildup. Repair within a week.

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Sources & References

§SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Standardized OBD-II code definitions used by all manufacturers.
§EPA OBD Regulations (40 CFR §86.1806-05) — Federal on-board diagnostic requirements for light-duty vehicles.

Cost figures are aggregated from real customer invoices at our shop plus quotes from RepairPal and Mitchell1 labor guides. Diagnostic procedures verified against factory service information (ALLDATA / Mitchell1).

// About the author

Mike Reeves — Independent shop owner in Phoenix, AZ. Specializes in driveability diagnostics on domestic and Asian gas engines. Writes our powertrain coverage. More about our team →

Related Codes

P0420MODERATE