P0014 Code on a Buick: Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance, Bank 1 (Buick Guide)

P0014 on a Buick is "Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance – Bank 1." Generic lists call it "timing over-advanced," but GM's own wording is broader: the exhaust cam did not reach the angle the engine computer commanded, in either direction. On Buicks, GM has documented at least four very different causes — a solenoid valve clearance issue on the 3.6L LaCrosse, camshaft end play on the early Enclave, a sticking valve bolt on the Encore GX, and an exhaust cam reluctor out of phase on the 1.4T Encore that can leave the engine cranking without starting. The right repair depends entirely on which Buick you have.

What Does P0014 Mean on a Buick?

The exhaust camshaft on a Buick overhead-cam engine has its own vane-type phaser (the exhaust camshaft position actuator) fed by its own oil-control solenoid. The engine control module (ECM) commands a desired exhaust cam angle and reads the actual angle from the exhaust camshaft position sensor.

GM's OBD tables for the 2011 2.4L in the LaCrosse and Regal describe the test: the ECM compares the absolute value of desired minus actual cam position against a calibrated limit while the engine is running, phasing is enabled and the desired position is steady. Enough failures in the sample and P0014 sets — a two-trip code in that table.

The same table lists what blocks the test. P0014 will not run while P0013 (the exhaust solenoid circuit), P0365/P0366 (exhaust cam sensor), P0335/P0336 (crank sensor) or P0016–P0019 (cam/crank correlation) are active. If any of those are stored as current codes, deal with them first.

On a four-cylinder Buick, bank 1 is the whole engine. On the 3.6L V6, bank 1 is the bank with cylinder 1, the right bank viewed from the flywheel end — on a transverse Enclave, LaCrosse or Regal, the rear bank toward the firewall. Bank 2 exhaust reports as P0024.

"Over-Advanced" vs GM's Wording

The SAE generic list splits the exhaust cam into P0014 ("over-advanced") and P0015 ("over-retarded"). GM's Buick bulletins and tables call P0014 "Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance" and use it for an exhaust cam error in either direction. P0015 does not appear in any of the GM OBD tables we checked for Buick engine groups from 2008 to 2024. That matters because "over-advanced" sends people looking for one specific failure — a phaser stuck in one position — when GM's documented Buick causes include software, valve clearance and a reluctor wheel out of phase.

Also note what P0014 is not: it is not a circuit code. If the solenoid's electrical circuit is at fault, GM sets P0013 instead.

Which Buicks Set P0014

P0014 appears in GM's tables for every overhead-cam Buick engine group we checked with exhaust phasing — 2.4L, 2.0T, 2.5L, 1.4T, 1.6T, 1.2T, 1.3T, 2.0L LSY and the 3.6L V6. GM bulletins name it for these Buicks:

• 2007–2010 Enclave, LaCrosse/Allure 3.6L — camshaft end play (08-06-01-011K).
• 2012–2015 LaCrosse 3.6L LFX — solenoid valve clearance, often with no drivability concern (PIP5096B/C).
• 2018 Enclave, 2017–2018 LaCrosse and 2018 Regal V6 — software after auto stop/restart (PIP5568E).
• 2016–2022 Encore 1.4T LE2 — exhaust camshaft reluctor out of phase (21-NA-268).
• 2020–2021 and 2025 Encore GX 1.3T — sticking solenoid valve bolt; debris in actuators (A202304840, PIP6082).
• 2010 LaCrosse 2.4L and 2013–2014 Regal, LaCrosse, Verano 2.0T/2.5L — start-up rattle and screen debris (PIP4716F, PIP5162).

The 3.6L V6 Story

2012–2015 LaCrosse LFX (PIP5096B and PIP5096C). GM's first version of this PI was about P0014 or P0024 alone: check engine light, no drivability concern. Before replacing any actuator, the technician checks the engine's EUN sticker (on the left side below the left head, or on the back of the right head). If there is an "A" before the sequence number, the oil-control valve is replaced with a service valve from a different supplier, which makes up the clearance difference that causes the code. GM adds, in capitals: "DO NOT JUST SWAP FROM ANOTHER LOCATION." The labor operation for bank 1 exhaust is named "Bank 1 (Right Side) Exhaust" — the rear head.

2007–2010 Enclave and LaCrosse/Allure (08-06-01-011K). For P0014 along with P0011, P0021, P0024 or cam sensor codes, an Enclave first gets an ECM reprogram. If the codes persist, cam end play is measured on the suspect head. At or above 0.40 mm (0.016 in), a hex-key gauge (2.0 mm for the four-screw Delphi actuator, 2.5 mm for the five-screw Aisin) between the actuator and the front cam cap decides: if the key does not fit, thrust washers are installed; if it fits, the cylinder head is replaced.

2017–2018 LaCrosse, 2018 Regal V6, 2018 Enclave (PIP5568E). Pairs of cam performance codes, or all four (P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024), set as history codes, sometimes with a stall, lurch or hesitation after an auto stop/restart. GM traced it to software that reports actual cam positions as zero while still commanding the actuators. The PI's instruction was to check for other concerns and, if none, clear the codes and return the vehicle.

The Encore and Encore GX Story

2016–2022 Encore 1.4T LE2 (21-NA-268). This is the Buick P0014 case that surprises people. Symptoms are a crank-no-start or extended crank, the check engine light, and in the 2024 revision possible increased brake pedal effort, with P0014, P0017, P0365 and/or P0366. The cause is an exhaust camshaft reluctor that is out of phase. With the 2D matrix mark on the camshaft hex at 12 o'clock, the small tang on the reluctor ring should line up with it. GM also has technicians inspect the vacuum pump drive lugs during the same check. If the lugs are broken or the reluctor is out of position, the repair is an exhaust camshaft and vacuum pump — and any broken lug pieces and other metal debris have to be found and removed.

2020–2021 Encore GX 1.3T (A202304840). GM found the camshaft actuator oil control valve center bolt could stick or bind, setting P0011 or P0014 with rough running and reduced power. That service update covered dealer inventory only and expired June 30, 2021. GM TechLink describes the customer-vehicle repair — replacing both solenoid valve bolts under bulletin 20-NA-151 — and warns that the intake actuator magnet must be removed before the cam cover.

2025 Encore GX 1.3T (PIP6082). Low-mileage surge or misfire with P0014, P0011, P0016, P0017 or P0300 can come from debris in the cam actuators. Cam variance should normally be under 3 degrees; if it is high or erratic, inspect the oil and filter for metal. With metal present, both actuators and both solenoid valve bolts are replaced and the oil changed. GM warns not to use power tools on the bolts.

The 2.4L and 2.0T Story

PIP5162 covers the 2013–2014 Regal, LaCrosse and Verano with the 2.0 LTG, 2.5 LCV or 2.5 LKW. If service information does not resolve P0014, pull the solenoids and inspect the screens for debris; clean and re-test; if it returns, blow out the oil passages and replace the actuator for that code.

PIP4716F covers the 2010 LaCrosse 2.4L (with other GM 2.0/2.2/2.4L cars): a short, sharp rattle at start-up that may set P0014 among other cam codes. Check the drive belt first, then the actuators, and inspect the solenoid screens for debris — with repeated oil changes if debris is found.

The 2.4L in the 2010–2013 LaCrosse, 2011–2013 Regal and 2012–2013 Verano is also covered by oil consumption bulletin 13-06-01-003H, which warns that the dipstick shows no oil until about 1.25 quarts low and that low oil alone can make actuator noise.

Symptoms of P0014

• Check engine light on — sometimes the only symptom (3.6L LFX)
• Rough idle, hesitation or reduced power
• Crank-no-start or long cranking (1.4T Encore reluctor case)
• Possible increased brake pedal effort (1.4T Encore, named in the 2024 revision of 21-NA-268)
• Stall or lurch after auto stop/restart (2017–2018 V6)
• Rattle at cold start (2.4L)
• P0011, P0017, P0365, P0366 or, on the V6, P0024 alongside

Causes and How to Confirm Each

How Is P0014 Diagnosed?

1. Read codes with GM descriptors and note current vs history. History-only V6 codes in groups point toward PIP5568E.
2. Fix blocking codes first — P0013, P0365/P0366, P0335/P0336, P0016–P0019 — because GM's tables suspend P0014 while they are active.
3. Check the oil.
4. Run a VIN check for campaigns and updates.
5. Match your Buick to its bulletin: LFX sticker check, 1.4T reluctor check, 1.3T valve bolts, early 3.6L end play.
6. Command the exhaust cam with a bidirectional scan tool and compare desired vs actual.
7. Inspect the solenoid screen.
8. Replace the phaser only after everything above checks out.
9. Clear and verify with a road test, including a cold start.

Parts and Cost

GM Documents That Name P0014 on a Buick

Have a dealer check your VIN against current bulletins and campaigns rather than relying on any article, including this one.

What Other P0014 Pages Get Wrong

• "Over-advanced means a stuck phaser." GM's Buick code is a two-way performance test, and its documented Buick causes include software, valve clearance and a reluctor out of phase.
• Replacing the exhaust phaser on a 1.4T Encore that won't start. GM's 21-NA-268 points at the exhaust cam reluctor and vacuum pump drive.
• Swapping solenoids between banks on a LaCrosse V6. GM's PI says not to.
• Replacing parts for history-only V6 codes after auto stop. PIP5568E describes software.
• Using power tools on 1.3T valve bolts. GM shows the actuator bore damage that results.
• Getting bank 1 wrong. On a transverse Buick 3.6L it is the rear head.

GM's general P0014 guide is P0014: exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced, and the Chevrolet version is P0014 on the Chevy Equinox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is P0014 serious on a Buick?

It ranges from a light with no symptoms (the 3.6L LFX clearance case) to a no-start (the 1.4T Encore reluctor case). Any P0014 with hard starting, a change in brake pedal feel or stalling should be diagnosed before more driving.

Why won't my Buick Encore start with P0014?

GM's 21-NA-268 covers 2016–2022 Encore 1.4T LE2 models with crank-no-start or extended crank and P0014, P0017, P0365 or P0366. The exhaust cam reluctor can be out of phase, and the vacuum pump drive lugs may be damaged. The repair is an exhaust camshaft and vacuum pump.

My LaCrosse V6 has P0014 but drives fine. What does GM say?

On 2012–2015 LaCrosse LFX engines, GM's PIP5096B/C says to check the EUN sticker for an "A" before the sequence number. If it is there, the oil-control valve is replaced with a service valve that makes up a clearance difference.

Can low oil cause P0014?

Yes. The phaser is a hydraulic device, and low or dirty oil slows it. On the Buick 2.4L, GM warns the dipstick shows nothing until about 1.25 quarts low. Check the oil before anything else.

What is the difference between P0014 and P0013?

P0013 is the exhaust solenoid's electrical circuit. P0014 is exhaust cam performance — the cam did not reach its target. GM's tables suspend P0014 while P0013 is active, so fix the circuit first.

Is P0014 covered on my Encore GX?

Service update A202304840 for the 2020–2021 1.3T covered unsold dealer inventory only and expired June 30, 2021. Customer vehicles are handled under normal warranty where it still applies. A dealer VIN check will show any open campaign.

Can I clear P0014 and keep driving?

On the 2017–2018 V6 software case, clearing is GM's own instruction. Otherwise the code returns once the test re-runs, and on a 1.4T Encore with starting trouble, continuing to drive risks being stranded.