P003F: A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Stuck On Bank 2

The camshaft profile actuator A switches the intake camshaft (camshaft A) on bank 2 between fixed cam profiles, usually a low-lift base profile and a high-lift profile. In most designs the unactuated state ("off") is the base profile; which profile counts as "on" is defined by the manufacturer. The control module does not need a position sensor to check the switchover: it detects the actual profile indirectly, for example from oil pressure in the switching gallery, intake pressure per cylinder or crankshaft speed fluctuations. This code is set when the base profile is commanded but the camshaft stays on the switched profile. Large lift and long opening at low engine speed cause rough idle and poor low-speed running. Bank 2 exists only on V and boxer engines.

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 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so it only exists on V or boxer engines.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Rough idle and jerking at low engine speed
Poor running when cold
Misfire codes possible

Most likely causes

Profile switching solenoid stuck open, oil pressure is not released
Locking pin does not return (weak spring, burr or dirt)
Oil pressure too high or drain from the switching gallery blocked
Sliding cam piece stuck in the high-lift position

What to check, in order

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

Check the oil level and condition before anything else
Use the scanner to command the movement and compare the actual position with the requested one.
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 affects emissions.

What each character of P003F means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
0: Subsystem depends on the code range
3F: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P003F?

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

What causes code P003F?

The most common causes are: profile switching solenoid stuck open, oil pressure is not released; locking pin does not return (weak spring, burr or dirt); oil pressure too high or drain from the switching gallery blocked.

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.