P000D: The 'B' camshaft on bank 2 is slow to reach the timing position the engine computer commands

'B' camshaft position slow response, bank 2 (VVT)

Severity: Inspect soon

Cam timing that lags the computer is often tied to oil supply, which can harm the engine if ignored. Owner reports pair it with rough running and lost power, so have it diagnosed soon rather than waiting.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Stop if the check engine light starts flashing, which means a misfire hot enough to damage the catalytic converter.
Stop: Stop if the oil pressure warning light comes on, the engine stalls, or new knocking or ticking noises start. Cam timing parts depend on oil pressure, and running without it can wreck the engine.

Source: how we rate severity

P000D in short

P000D means the 'B' camshaft on bank 2 did not reach the position the engine computer asked for fast enough. Low or poor oil, a sticking cam timing solenoid or actuator, and timing chain wear are the usual suspects, and on some engines a software update applies. Check the oil first and get it diagnosed soon.

Variable valve timing lets the computer shift a camshaft earlier or later while the engine runs. It does this with an oil control valve that sends oil pressure to an actuator, called a phaser, between the camshaft and its sprocket. The computer compares the cam position it commanded with what the cam position sensor reports. If the cam takes too long to get there, it stores a slow-response code.

In P000D the cam in question is the 'B' camshaft on bank 2, the side of the engine that does not hold cylinder 1. Chrysler's own bulletin describes it as bank 2 camshaft 2 position slow response. Which physical cam 'B' is, intake or exhaust, depends on the engine and different references disagree, so use your engine's service information to find it.

Because the phaser works on oil pressure, low, old or restricted oil is the usual first suspect, and owners of Subaru and Chrysler vehicles in complaints describe checking or changing the oil after the code. A sticking solenoid, worn phaser, stretched timing chain or sensor fault can also slow the cam, and some engines have a software fix.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low, old or restricted engine oil supply
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
PartsAvatar lists insufficient oil supply, low level, a weak oil pump and clogged passages first. A Subaru owner (complaint 11470699) reports repeated P000D codes that seemed to stop after an on-schedule oil change, and a Chrysler Pacifica owner (11455842) checked and changed the oil after the code. These are owner reports, not diagnoses.
What would change this
Low oil, an overdue change, the wrong grade or sludge raises it. Fresh correct oil at the right level lowers it.
Cause 2: Sticking or clogged cam timing solenoid, or a worn actuator (phaser)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
PartsAvatar lists a failed VVT actuator and tells the technician to test the oil control solenoid. Subaru's bulletin 02-132-12R covers diagnosis and repair of its AVCS cam timing codes including P000D on 2011-2015 models; only the title was read.
What would change this
A cam angle that lags the command with good oil, or a solenoid screen with debris, raises it. A free-moving, clean solenoid lowers it.
How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid
Cause 3: Oil galley bolts left out after cylinder head work
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Volkswagen's tech tip for the 3.6L Routan lists P000D among codes after a cylinder head replacement and says to verify the oil galley bolts were transferred. Summary only, and specific to that engine.
What would change this
Recent head work on a Routan or related 3.6L engine raises it. No recent head work rules it out.
Cause 4: Engine computer software
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Chrysler's 3.6L bulletin 18-085-16 reprograms the computer and lists P000A to P000D, for the 2015 model year only. Summary only; not verified as current.
What would change this
A 2015 3.6L Chrysler or Dodge minivan with the code and good oil raises it. Other vehicles are unaffected by this bulletin.
How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)
Cause 5: Stretched timing chain, misaligned tone wheel, or cam position sensor fault
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
PartsAvatar lists the timing chain, tone wheel and cam sensor as possibilities; none of the bulletins or complaints read points to them first.
What would change this
Cam and crank signals that disagree, a rattle at start-up, or erratic cam sensor data raises it. Normal signal correlation lowers it.
How to test the camshaft position sensor

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: With the engine off, cold and the car level, check the oil level and condition, and note when it was last changed and which grade is in it.
Low risk
- IfThe oil is low, very dirty, overdue or the wrong grade
  It meansCorrect the oil first, then clear the code and see whether it returns.
  Points to: Low, old or restricted engine oil supply
- IfOil level, condition and grade are right
  It meansLook at the cam timing data next.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: With a scan tool, read all stored cam timing codes and compare the commanded and actual cam angle on bank 2.
Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool with live data
- IfSeveral cam timing codes are stored together, such as P000A to P000C or P0024
  It meansLook at oil supply and the shared oil path before replacing parts.
  Go to step 3
- IfOnly P000D is stored and the actual angle lags the command
  It meansThe bank 2 solenoid or actuator is suspect.
  Go to step 3
- IfCam and crank signals disagree or are erratic
  It meansTest the cam sensor and check the timing chain.
  Points to: Stretched timing chain, misaligned tone wheel, or cam position sensor fault
- IfEverything tracks, and the vehicle is a 2015 Chrysler or Dodge 3.6L minivan
  It meansAsk a dealer whether the software bulletin applies.
  Points to: Engine computer software
Step 3: Have the bank 2 cam timing solenoid and its screen removed and inspected for debris, and the oil feed checked. On a vehicle that had recent cylinder head work, confirm the oil galley bolts are in place.
Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, basic hand tools
Warning:The solenoid sits on the engine and the oil system is involved. Let a shop do it unless you are experienced.
- IfThe solenoid or screen is clogged or sticks
  It meansClean or replace it, change the oil, then retest.
  Points to: Sticking or clogged cam timing solenoid, or a worn actuator (phaser)
- IfRecent head work and missing galley bolts
  It meansRestore the oil passage as the bulletin describes.
  Points to: Oil galley bolts left out after cylinder head work
- IfThe solenoid is clean and free
  It meansThe phaser or timing chain may be worn, so a shop should check further.
  Points to: Stretched timing chain, misaligned tone wheel, or cam position sensor fault

Symptoms

Check engine light
Rough idle, hesitation or lack of power, as owners report on 2017 Pacifica
Engine noise or roughness Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Stability or cruise control warnings alongside the code, as a Subaru owner reports

How to fix

Step 1: Check the engine oil level and last service date with the engine off and the car level, and top up or change it with the grade your owner's manual specifies.
Warning:Do not run the engine if the oil level is very low or the oil pressure light is on.

Parts and cost context

Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid:Replace the cam timing solenoid only after oil and cam angle checks point to it; a clogged screen or low oil sets the same code. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Subaru

2011–2015 · Forester
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru's AVCS bulletin names P000D with the other cam timing codes. Complaints on Subaru models often describe oil checks after the code. Summary only.
2012–2015 · Impreza
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru's AVCS bulletin names P000D with the other cam timing codes; a 2013 Impreza owner reports P000D with traction and ABS lights. Summary only.
2013 · XV CrossTrek
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru's AVCS bulletin names P000D; one owner reports repeated P000D codes with cruise and stability control disabled that seemed to stop after an oil change.
2013 · BRZ
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru's AVCS bulletin lists P000D for the 2013 BRZ. Summary only.
2013 · Legacy
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru's AVCS bulletin lists P000D for the 2013 Legacy. Summary only.
2013 · Outback
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru's AVCS bulletin lists P000D for the 2013 Outback. Summary only.

02-132-12RStatus unverified
Diagnosis and repair for AVCS-related DTCs P000A, P000B, P000C, P000D, P0011, P0014, P0021 and P0024
2011–2015brz, forester, impreza, legacy, outback, xv-crosstrek · NHTSA 10084253
Diagnosis and repair procedure for cam timing codes. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is. Forester is listed for 2011-2015, Impreza 2012-2015, and BRZ, Legacy, Outback and XV Crosstrek for 2013.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chrysler

2015–2016 · Town and Country
Supported by vehicle data
Chrysler's 3.6L software bulletin lists P000D, for 2015 only. Summary only.
2017 · Pacifica
Possible — needs testing
Owners report P000D (bank 2 camshaft slow response) on the 2017 Pacifica with rough shifting, lack of power and, in one case, a later oil cooler adapter leak. Complaint reports only; no bulletin was found in the extract.

18-085-16Status unverified
Flash: 3.6L diagnostic and system improvements
2015–2016town-and-country · NHTSA 10121690
Reprograms the powertrain control module. P000D, described as bank 2 camshaft 2 position slow response, is listed for model year 2015 only.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Dodge

2015 · Grand Caravan
Supported by vehicle data
Chrysler's 3.6L software bulletin 18-001-15 lists P000D on the 2015 Grand Caravan. Summary only.

18-001-15Status unverified
Flash: 3.6L diagnostic and system improvements
2015grand-caravan · NHTSA 10148572
Same PCM reprogramming for the 2015 Grand Caravan, with P000D listed as bank 2 camshaft 2 position slow response.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Volkswagen

2011–2012 · Routan
Supported by vehicle data
Volkswagen's tech tip for the 3.6L says P000D can appear after cylinder head replacement if the oil galley bolts were not transferred. Summary only.

TT 15-12-01Status unverified
3.6L Routan: P06DD, P000D or P0390 after cylinder head replacement
2011–2012routan · NHTSA 10156092
Verify the oil galley bolts were transferred when the cylinder head was replaced.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

P000D questions

Can I drive with P000D?

Briefly, to get it checked. The car may run normally, but cam timing depends on oil pressure and owners report rough running and lost power. Check the oil level first, and stop if the oil pressure light comes on or the engine knocks.

What is the difference between P000D and P000B?

Both are 'B' camshaft slow-response codes. P000B is bank 1; P000D is bank 2, the side of the engine without cylinder 1. When both are stored the shared oil supply is the first thing to check.

Will changing the oil fix P000D?

Sometimes. Owners of a 2013 Subaru and a 2017 Chrysler describe checking or changing the oil after the code, and low or old oil is the first cause listed by references. If the code returns, the solenoid, actuator or timing chain needs testing.

Sources and review

P000D OBD-II trouble code: B camshaft position slow response, bank 2 — PartsAvatar
NHTSA complaint 11455842: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, P000D — NHTSA
P000B code: exhaust camshaft position slow response, bank 1 — Kelley Blue Book
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
NHTSA complaint 11470699: 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, P000D — NHTSA
Subaru 02-132-12R: diagnosis and repair for AVCS-related DTCs P000A, P000B, P000C, P000D, P0011, P0014, P0021 and P0024 — Subaru of America (filed with NHTSA)
Volkswagen Tech Tip 15-12-01: 3.6L Routan with P06DD, P000D or P0390 after cylinder head replacement — Volkswagen (filed with NHTSA)
FCA 18-085-16: 3.6L diagnostic and system improvements (PCM flash) — FCA US (filed with NHTSA)

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low, old or restricted engine oil supply

Cause 2: Sticking or clogged cam timing solenoid, or a worn actuator (phaser)

Cause 3: Oil galley bolts left out after cylinder head work

Cause 4: Engine computer software

Cause 5: Stretched timing chain, misaligned tone wheel, or cam position sensor fault

What to test first

Step 1: With the engine off, cold and the car level, check the oil level and condition, and note when it was last changed and which grade is in it.

Step 2: With a scan tool, read all stored cam timing codes and compare the commanded and actual cam angle on bank 2.

Step 3: Have the bank 2 cam timing solenoid and its screen removed and inspected for debris, and the oil feed checked. On a vehicle that had recent cylinder head work, confirm the oil galley bolts are in place.

Symptoms

How to fix

Parts and cost context

On your vehicle

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