Powertrain, generic · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

P054C Cold Start B Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

Camshaft B is the exhaust camshaft. During catalyst heating after a cold start some engines set it to a specific position; CARB requires such commanded elements to be monitored with their own codes, separate from the normal cam codes. Ford watches the deviation with an averaged variance index for each direction; GM (Saab 9-4X V6) uses only the retard codes, above 6° for 1 s or 4 s cumulative, type B. The commonest cause is oil pressure building too slowly when cold. P054C means bank 2 of a V engine was too far advanced. Together with P054A it points to a common cause such as oil pressure or software (Mercedes M276, Audi 3.2).

Likely causes

Oil pressure building too slowly when cold (oil level, viscosity, pick-up, pump)
Exhaust oil control valve bank 2 sticking or screens clogged
Module software (threshold too tight)
Cam phaser bank 2 defective, locking pin
Timing chain stretched or misassembled

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on, usually without noticeable symptom
  • Brief rattle on cold start
  • Rough idle while warming up

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–1,000
Time0.5–7 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

exhaust camshaft phaservct oil control valveengine oilengine control module

Related codes

P054DP054AP0024P052CP0023P0390

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, newtonnet.co.uk.