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P0015: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

Severity: Medium Arrange diagnosis promptly and avoid heavy loads. Stop the engine for timing-chain rattle, an oil-pressure warning, severe roughness, or a flashing check engine light; towing is safer than risking a timing failure.

What does P0015 mean?

The computer requested a camshaft position but cam B on bank 1 remained too far retarded. This is an actual timing/performance problem, unlike an actuator circuit code. The phaser depends on the correct engine oil, working oil-control hardware, and properly set mechanical timing.

Generic OBD-II definition: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). Confirm applicability in your vehicle service information.

Common causes

  • Low, contaminated, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil
  • Sticking VVT oil-control valve or cam phaser
  • Incorrect belt/chain timing or worn timing components

Symptoms

  • Uneven idle
  • Poor acceleration
  • Check engine light and reduced fuel economy

Diagnostic focus

For an exhaust cam that stays too far retarded, compare commanded and actual angle. Check oil delivery and a sticking control valve before assuming the timing belt or chain has jumped.

Can I keep driving with P0015?

Severity: Medium Arrange diagnosis promptly and avoid heavy loads. Stop the engine for timing-chain rattle, an oil-pressure warning, severe roughness, or a flashing check engine light; towing is safer than risking a timing failure.

If the check engine light is flashing or the car runs badly, stop driving and have it checked.

Typical fixes

  • Verify oil level and the required viscosity
  • Check commanded versus actual cam angle with a capable scan tool
  • Test the oil-control valve and check mechanical timing if the mismatch remains

Related codes

P0011
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)P0012
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)P0014
"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)P0020
"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)P0021
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)P0022
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

Sources & review

Definitions and diagnostic background checked 2026-11-06. Generic guidance, not a substitute for the service procedure for your exact year, engine, and transmission.