P0014 on Citroen: How to Diagnose & Fix
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
1 Citroen model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $750-$2,500 repair
P0014 on Citroen by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The EP6 'Prince' 1.6 THP turbo petrol engine (co-developed with BMW) fitted to the C4 from 2008 suffers from timing chain stretch combined with a weak hydraulic tensioner — on pre-2016 engines the chain frequently shows stretch by 60,000-100,000 km. Once stretched, the tensioner can reach its travel limit; if oil pressure drops at idle the chain can jump teeth, throwing cam timing out and in severe cases causing valve-to-piston contact and major engine damage.
Common Symptoms
- Metallic 'diesel-like' rattle for a few seconds at cold start
- Engine management light with camshaft timing fault codes
- Rough idle
- Loss of power or hesitation
- Engine running noisier than usual at idle
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides with the latest updated parts at the first sign of cold-start rattle, then verify camshaft timing with a diagnostic tool. Keeping the oil level correct and shortening oil-change intervals significantly extends chain life.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- FAI TCK118NG EP6 timing-chain kit
replace a measured stretched chain or failed tensioner/guide set on the listed EP6 branch Fitment/availability: Citroen C4 1.6 EP6 petrol engine codes 5FD, 5FM, 5FN, 5FR, 5FT, 5FV, 5FX or 5GZ, retailer-listed 2008-2021; OE 0816.H9/V86183…
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Sources for this issue (5)
- Timing chain problems — C4-DS4 Owners forumforum
- All Real and Contrived Peugeot Citroen Engine Problems — eng-repair.com (EP6 chain stretch pre-2016)article
- THP timing chain question — Peugeot Forumsforum
- Citroën 1.6 THP EP6DT specs, problems, reliability — selectedworld.com (lists C4; chain stretch and tensioner wear)article
- Solving rattling noise problem on Peugeot/Citroen EP6 engine (tensioner replacement) — nomaallim.comarticle
P0014 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0014 mean on a Citroen?
P0014 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. On Citroen it is documented across 1 model: C4.
What are the most common causes of P0014?
The most common causes of P0014 are: Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid), Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator, Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve, Stretched timing chain or jumped timing, Camshaft position sensor fault giving incorrect reading. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0014 on a Citroen?
Published repair estimates on Citroen range from $750 to $2,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0014 on a different make?
View P0014 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.