P0014 Toyota Grand Highlander Code: Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1

OBD-II code P0014 in Toyota Grand Highlander means Camshaft Position “B” – Timing Out of Balance or System Performance (Bank 1). This indicates that the exhaust camshaft is not working properly and is ahead of time.

In this article, I will be talking about the P0014 trouble code in Toyota Grand Highlanders, its symptoms, causes, and how to fix it.

P0014 Toyota Grand Highlander Trouble Code Definition

P0014 trouble code in Toyota Grand Highlander is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor B Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1).

What Does The P0014 Code Mean In Toyota Grand Highlander?

The P0014 trouble code is a generic code in Grand Highlander that suggest the camshaft position to be over-advanced or ahead of time.

It could be seen with other related codes such as P0011, P0012, and/or P0013.

The trouble code P0014

Bank 1 refers t the area of an engine that contains the first piston. Position “B”, a position for the exhaust camshaft, is based on the vehicle’s make/model and may be at the right or rear depending on a driver’s view.

The P0014 trouble code

Toyota Grand Highlander P0014 Code Possible Causes

• Improper Camshaft Timing
• Defective Camshaft Timing Control Solenoid
• Failed variable camshaft tuning, (VVT), and variable valve timings (VCT).
• The oil lines of the variable valve timing (VVT), solenoid, or variable camshaft tuning(VCT), can get clogged up with debris.
• Low Oil Levels
• Oil Pressure at a Low Level
• Defective Camshaft Position Sensor
• A neglected crankshaft position sensor
• Infected wiring
• Defective timing chain/timing belt
• Defective Timing Tensioner

Toyota Grand Highlander P0014 Code Common Symptoms

• The Check Engine Light blinks, signaling an engine problem.
• Starter Issue: This could be caused by camshaft problems. Turn the key and listen for clicking sounds. The car will eventually stop.
• Stalling: A similar problem to starting is that your vehicle might have trouble idling or may stall at lower speeds.
• P0014 Code Leads to Significantly Lower Fuel Economy: It may be difficult to detect because the code P0014 can cause sudden drops in fuel economy.
• Engine Vibrations and Noise: A problem with your fuel-air mixture could cause rough riding. The vehicle could shake or emit more exhaust fumes than normal.
• Because of engine emissions, vehicles can fail emission tests.

Is It Safe To Drive a Toyota Grand Highlander With a P0014 Code?

No. You should not drive a Toyota Grand Highlander that has the P0014 trouble code without first diagnosing it. It is possible to cause engine failure by ignoring a timing issue in the camshaft. If this happens, it could be costly and time-consuming for Toyota to replace the engine.

People are often concerned when their vehicle stops responding or won’t get started. The root cause of the problem can determine how severe the problem is.

Broken timing chains can cause serious engine damage. Neglecting repairs to your car could lead to further damage and an expensive repair bill. Therefore, it is best that you get to a mechanic quickly to have the issue addressed.

How To Diagnose The P0014 Code In a Toyota Grand Highlander

1. Connect an OBD2 scanner, and look for trouble codes. It’s time for you to diagnose any problems related to either the crankshaft positioning sensor or the camshaft location sensor to determine if they can solve your P0014 problem.
2. Make sure your engine oil is at the right level. Low oil levels can be corrected by adding oil or replacing both the oil filter and oil. Clear away any P0014 error codes.
3. Check your oil filler cap and service manual for any signs of engine sludge. There may be an accumulation of engine oil in the engine’s oil lines, which could lead to a blocked valve for variable camshaft timing (VVT) and engine control valves (VCT). This could mean that both oil types need to be changed and both components cleaned.
4. Use your diagnostic scanner to test the variable timing (VVT), and variable camshaft tuning(VCT) valve solenoid. You can perform an output test to verify that the VCT valve solenoid works. Try experimenting with 12v+ voltage and ground, if you have car electrical knowledge.
5. As soon as possible, take out the variable camshaft tune (VCT), and control valve solenoid. Clean its oil passages with a compressed or suitable cleaning solution.
6. Verify that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are working correctly to ensure they are.
7. Check the timing of the engine camshaft by manually checking it. For instructions on how to do this, consult your owner’s manual. If the timing belt/chain is not working properly, remove it from the engine and inspect for any damage.

Toyota Grand Highlander P0014 Code: Common Diagnosing Mistakes

The common mistake in diagnosing the Toyota Grand Highlander’s P0014 code as a misdiagnosis is thinking that the timing chain or belt is defective.

Repairs can be costly and the P0014 error code may be caused by other problems. Therefore, it is crucial to perform a complete diagnosis before starting repairs.

Toyota P0114 is a sign of a malfunctioning VVT/VCT system. This regulates camshaft timing. Low oil levels or errant camshaft position sensors could also be possible causes.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair P0014 Code In Toyota Grand Highlander

It costs $190 to fix the P0014 code in Toyota Grand Highlander. The part costs $90 while labor costs $100.

What Repairs Can Fix The P0014 Code in Toyota Grand Highlander?

• Remove excess oil from the engine, and change your oil filter.
• Cleaning oil lines in variable camshaft tune (VCT), and variable valve timing system (VVT).
• Clean or replace the variable camshaft tune (VCT), variable valve timing, (VVT), and solenoid.
• The timing belt or chain can be replaced
• Replace the solenoid in the camshaft control valve.
• Adjust the Camshaft Position Sensor
• Replace the sensor for the crankshaft position
• Repair any defective wiring

How To Fix The P0014 Code In Toyota Grand Highlander

• Clearing error codes and performing road tests
• It is possible to improve engine performance and prolong engine life by replacing the oil and filter with engine-specific viscosity oil.
• Repair or replace the wiring of the bank 1 exhaust camshaft oil control valve.
• Bank 1 must replace its exhaust camshaft oil valve.
• For repairs or replacements of the timing chains and camshaft phasers, refer to the manual.

In Conclusion

Toyota Grand Highlander’s P0014 codes indicate a timing problem with your camshaft. This could be caused due to incorrect timing of the camshaft. It is important that you address this issue before you get a big repair bill.

But it can also happen due to insufficient engine oils or a malfunctioning position sensor on the camshaft. You can fix both of these problems for under $300.

If you are not sure that you can fix the problem, take your car to a mechanic shop.