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

P0014 on a Cadillac is "Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance – Bank 1": the engine control module (ECM) commanded the bank 1 exhaust cam to an angle and the cam did not follow closely enough. Generic code lists call it "timing over-advanced," but GM uses P0014 for an exhaust cam that is off in either direction — none of the GM OBD tables we checked lists P0015. The surprise on Cadillacs is how often GM's answer is not a phaser at all: a different-supplier service valve on "A"-stamped 3.6L engines, a screen cleaning on the 2.0T, a stop/start software fix on the 2018 XT5, and on the newest CT4 and CT5, an instruction to check the oil for metal.

What Does P0014 Mean on a Cadillac?

P0014 is a performance test, not an electrical one. The ECM sets a desired exhaust cam angle, pulses the exhaust oil-control solenoid, and reads the actual angle from the exhaust cam position sensor. When the difference stays too large for too long, P0014 sets.

GM's 2007 OBD table for the Northstar 4.6L LH2 gives the shape of it: the absolute desired-minus-actual error is compared against roughly 4 degrees at 104 °C oil temperature, varying with oil temperature and engine speed, and the code needs 100 failing samples out of 300. Because GM compares the absolute error, one code covers an exhaust cam that is late as well as one that is early.

GM also lists what has to be healthy first. The exhaust performance test does not run while the exhaust solenoid circuit code P0013, the exhaust cam sensor codes, crank sensor codes or cam-to-crank correlation codes are active. If any of those is stored, start there.

"Bank 1" is the bank containing cylinder 1. On four-cylinder Cadillacs it is the whole engine. On the 3.6L and 3.0L V6, GM's labor operations call bank 1 the right side viewed from the flywheel end: the passenger side on a longitudinal CTS, STS, ATS, CT6, CT5 or 2004–2009 SRX, and the rear bank toward the firewall on a transverse 2010–2016 SRX, XTS, XT5 or XT6.

Which Cadillacs Set P0014

Only engines with a phased exhaust camshaft:

• Northstar 4.6L LH2 with VVT — 2004-and-later XLR, 2005-and-later STS, 2004–2009 SRX V8. GM's tables from 2004 on list P0014.
• High Feature V6 — 3.6L LY7, LLT, LFX, LGX; 2.8L LP1, 2.8L turbo LAU; 3.0L LF1, LGW and LGY. CTS, STS, SRX, XTS, ATS, CT6, CT5, XT5, XT6. Bank 2 exhaust reports as P0024.
• Four-cylinders — 2.0T LTG and 2.5L LCV (ATS, CTS, CT6), 2.0T LSY (XT4, CT4, CT5, four-cylinder XT5/XT6), 2.7T L3B (CT4, CT4-V).

Cadillacs that cannot set it: the Escalade and CTS-V pushrod V8s, which have one camshaft and report its phaser as P0010/P0011; the non-VVT Northstar LD8/L37 in the DeVille, DTS and Seville; the 1997–2001 Catera; and the 2003–2004 CTS 3.2L.

GM's Cadillac P0014 Bulletins

2012–2015 SRX, CTS and ATS 3.6L: the "A" engine and the service valve

This is the most useful Cadillac P0014 document. PIP5096B (June 2014) was written specifically for P0014 and P0024 — exhaust cam performance, bank 1 or 2 — on the 2012–2014 SRX and other LFX/LFW models with no drivability concern. PIP5096C (September 2014) widened it to all four cam performance codes and to the 2012–2015 SRX and CTS and 2013–2015 ATS.

The instruction: before replacing any actuator, look at the engine EUN sticker, found 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, replace the oil control valve with a service valve. GM's reason: "The service OCV is from a different supplier and can make up the difference in the clearance that causes this concern." And, in capitals: "DO NOT JUST SWAP FROM ANOTHER LOCATION." Only if that fails does diagnosis continue.

2007–2010 CTS, STS and SRX V6: camshaft end play

08-06-01-011K covers the 2007–2010 CTS sedan, CTS Sport Wagon, SRX and STS with the LP1, LLT or LY7. For P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024 and several cam sensor codes, the technician measures camshaft end play on the suspect head. At 0.40 mm (0.016 in) or more, a gap check between the phaser and front cam cap decides between installing thrust washers and replacing the cylinder head.

2013–2014 ATS and 2014 CTS 2.0T/2.5L: the screens

PIP5162: if service information does not resolve P0011 or P0014 on the LTG or LCV, remove the solenoids and inspect the screens for debris, cleaning them with brake cleaner. If the code resets or the screens were clean, remove the actuator for that code, blow out the oil passages through the solenoid port, and install a new actuator.

2016–2018 ATS, CTS, CT6 and XT5: software

PIP5568E covers the 3.6L LGX and 3.0L LGW in the 2016–2018 ATS, CT6, CTS and XT5. All four cam performance codes — or pairs such as P0014 with P0024 — can set from a software anomaly after an auto stop/restart that leaves the ECM reporting actual cam position as zero. For history codes with no other concern, GM's instruction was to clear the codes. Service Update N192266190 then reprogrammed the ECM on certain 2018 XT5s for the same stop/start condition.

CT4 and CT5 four-cylinders

PIP5855 covers the 2021–2022 CT4 and CT4-V 2.7L L3B with any combination of P0011, P0014, P0016 and P0017: check wiring and terminals, then replace the camshaft position actuator magnet for the code that set. PIP6047A covers the 2024–2025 CT4 and CT5 2.0L LSY: with P0014, P0011, P05CC or P05CE, inspect an oil sample for metal and, if found, measure crankshaft end play — out of specification means engine replacement.

The 2004 SRX

NHTSA's summary of GM bulletin 01518 describes a 2004 SRX that runs rough on light acceleration during the first two minutes of a key cycle and sets P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024 and P0300. We could not obtain the bulletin text itself, so treat that as a lead to raise with a dealer, not a diagnosis.

How the Exhaust Phaser Works on Cadillac Engines

On the High Feature V6 and the Northstar LH2, each head has an intake and an exhaust phaser driven by the timing chain, each with its own solenoid. The four-cylinders have one pair. Engine oil pressure and the solenoid's valve position decide how fast the phaser moves; a sticking valve, a blocked screen or thin, low oil all show up as an exhaust cam that lags its command.

That is why GM's 08-06-01-011K matters: it ties the cam performance codes to how far the camshaft can move fore and aft, and it lists cam sensor codes in the same breath — a mechanical cause can show up as either kind of code. And it is why PIP5096C talks about clearance — the problem on those LFX engines was the fit between the valve and its bore, which a service valve from a different supplier compensates for.

Exhaust cam codes also differ from timing-chain codes. A stretched chain shifts the cam relative to the crank and sets correlation codes such as P0017. P0014 is about whether the phaser reaches the angle the ECM asked for.

Symptoms of P0014

• Check engine light, often with no drivability change (the condition GM's PIP5096B was written for)
• Rough idle, hesitation or stumble — on 2016–2018 V6 models, typically right after an auto stop/restart
• Reduced power or, rarely, a stall
• P0024, P0011 or P0021 alongside
• On 2024–2025 CT4/CT5, possible P05CC or P05CE with it

Causes and How to Confirm Each

How Is P0014 Diagnosed?

1. Read all codes with a GM-capable tool. Clear any P0013, cam sensor or crank sensor fault first.
2. Check the oil — level, condition, correct grade.
3. Look for the pattern. One bank only suggests hardware there; all four cam codes in history on a 2016–2018 V6 suggests software.
4. Run a VIN check for updates such as N192266190.
5. On a 2012–2015 3.6L LFX, read the EUN sticker before touching an actuator.
6. Command the exhaust actuator and compare desired and actual angle.
7. Inspect the solenoid and screen.
8. Go mechanical last: end play, phaser condition, oil debris — per the bulletin for your engine.
9. Clear and road test, including stop/start events.

Parts and Cost

Order valves and actuators by VIN. Intake and exhaust parts differ, and the LFX service valve is a different-supplier part.

GM Documents Relevant to P0014 on a Cadillac

PIP documents are technician guidance, not warranty coverage. Have a dealer check your VIN for open campaigns and updates rather than relying on any article, including this one.

What Other P0014 Pages Get Wrong

• "Over-advanced" only. GM's Cadillac P0014 covers both directions. There is no P0015 in the GM tables we checked.
• Swapping solenoids bank to bank on an LFX. GM says not to; the fix is a different-supplier service valve.
• Listing the Escalade. Its pushrod V8 has no separate exhaust camshaft to phase.
• Calling it a timing chain code. Chain stretch sets correlation codes like P0017; P0014 is phaser performance.
• Replacing four actuators for four codes. On 2016–2018 LGX/LGW engines GM traced that pattern to software.

For GM's general write-up, see our P0014 GM diagnosis guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is P0014 serious on a Cadillac?

Often not urgent — GM wrote PIP5096B for Cadillacs with P0014 and no drivability concern. It can come with roughness or a stall, though, and on 2024–2025 CT4/CT5 GM links it to possible internal wear. Diagnose it rather than ignoring it.

What does the "A" on my SRX engine sticker mean?

On 2012–2015 3.6L LFX engines, GM's PIP5096C says an "A" before the engine sequence number means the oil control valve should be replaced with a service valve from a different supplier before any actuator is replaced.

Will an oil change fix P0014?

Sometimes. The phaser runs on engine oil, so low or degraded oil is a genuine cause. If the code returns, follow the bulletin for your engine.

Can an Escalade set P0014?

No. The Escalade's V8 has a single camshaft, and GM reports its phaser as P0010/P0011.

Why did P0014 and P0024 set together?

Both exhaust cams at once points at something shared — oil, software, or the same valve design — rather than two failed phasers. On 2016–2018 LGX/LGW engines, GM's PIP5568E names exactly that pairing.

Where is the bank 1 exhaust solenoid on an XT5?

On the transverse XT5 V6, bank 1 is the rear bank toward the firewall, viewed by GM from the flywheel end as the right side.

Is P0014 covered by warranty?

It depends on your vehicle's age, mileage and coverage. PIP documents are not coverage. A dealer VIN check will show any open update, such as N192266190 on a 2018 XT5.