P001A: A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

A camshaft profile actuator switches the intake camshaft (camshaft A) on bank 1 between two or more fixed cam profiles with different valve lift and duration, for example by shifting a cam piece axially or by locking rocker arms or tappets with oil pressure. Unlike a camshaft phaser it does not shift the timing continuously. The second letter "A" in the title numbers the actuator on this camshaft. This code is set when the control circuit of the actuator is open: no current flows when it is driven, because of a broken wire, an unplugged connector or an open coil. The engine usually stays on one profile, typically the base profile with low lift. Some manufacturers report these faults with their own codes instead.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.

Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Inline engines only have this bank.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Less power at high engine speed because the profile does not switch
Higher consumption or uneven part-load running, depending on the profile
Engine speed may be limited

Most likely causes

Connector at the actuator corroded, oil-soaked or loose
Wire broken, e.g. at the valve cover
Actuator coil open
Output driver in the engine control module faulty

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check the oil level and condition before anything else
Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
Check the solenoid valve's connector
Compare commanded and actual angles in live data
Test the solenoid valve and its filter, if it has one
Check the engine timing if there is chain noise

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P001A means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
0: Subsystem depends on the code range
1A: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P001A?

Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.

What causes code P001A?

The most common causes are: connector at the actuator corroded, oil-soaked or loose; wire broken, e.g. at the valve cover; actuator coil open.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.