P05CE on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cold Start 'B' Camshaft Position Timing Performance (Bank 1)
1 Toyota model · 1 documented issue
P05CE on Toyota by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Some 2024 Grand Highlander vehicles equipped with the 2.4L turbocharged T24A-FTS engine can illuminate the Check Engine Light (MIL ON) with DTC P05CE00 - Cold Start 'B' Camshaft Position Timing Performance, Bank 1. The condition is set during cold-start cam phasing and is addressed by Toyota at the dealer level. The same turbo-four family is shared with the Tacoma and other Toyota models reporting the code.
Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light / MIL on after cold start
- Stored DTC P05CE00 (cold start cam timing performance, Bank 1)
- Possible rough/uneven idle on cold start
How to Fix
Addressed via Toyota TSB T-SB-0103-23 for the T24A-FTS MIL-ON / P05CE00 condition; dealers diagnose and apply the bulletin remedy (calibration/cam-timing related). Owners seeing the CEL should have the code read and reference the applicable TSB rather than just clearing it, since it can recur on cold starts until the bulletin remedy is applied.
Sources for this issue (2)
P05CE 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 P05CE mean on a Toyota?
P05CE stands for "Cold Start 'B' Camshaft Position Timing Performance (Bank 1)." A generic OBD-II powertrain code. During the cold-start warm-up phase, the engine control module commands the 'B' camshaft (the second cam on bank 1, typically the exhaust cam on a dual-cam engine) to a specific position to speed catalyst light-off and cut emissions. P05CE sets when the actual measured cam position does not reach or follow the commanded position within the allowed window during that cold-start period. The car often drives normally once warm, so this frequently appears as a check engine light with a rough or slightly rattly cold start and a possible emissions test failure. On Toyota it is documented across 1 model: Grand Highlander.
What are the most common causes of P05CE?
The most common causes of P05CE are: Low, degraded, or wrong-viscosity engine oil restricting flow to the cam phaser, Clogged oil control valve (camshaft position actuator solenoid) screen, or a failed solenoid, Stretched timing chain or worn guides/tensioner altering cam timing, Failed 'B' camshaft phaser/actuator on bank 1 stuck or slow to move, Wiring or connector fault on the oil control valve circuit, Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor reporting inaccurate timing data, Outdated ECM calibration — some manufacturers address this code with a software update. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P05CE on a Toyota?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Toyota model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P05CE on a different make?
View P05CE 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.