Faulty bank 2 camshaft profile actuator solenoid or mechanical actuator assembly; Sticking or contaminated oil control valve (OCV) supplying the actuator; Low engine oil level or degraded oil viscosity preventing proper actuator response; Wiring damage or poor electrical connection at the actuator solenoid connector; Restricted oil passage or sludge buildup in the actuator oil galleries; Failed camshaft position sensor or crank sensor providing inaccurate feedback; PCM software calibration issue or internal driver fault (less common)

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P005C

P005CB Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Performance/Stuck Off Bank 2

P005C indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a performance problem with the bank 2 'B' camshaft profile actuator, specifically that the actuator is stuck in the off or retarded position. The PCM commands a change in valve lift or timing via the actuator and monitors the actual camshaft position response; when the response does not match the commanded state within a calibrated time, this code is stored.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced engine power or a limp-home mode, especially under heavy load
Rough idle or misfire-like shuddering at low engine speeds
Poor fuel economy and increased emissions
Sluggish acceleration or hesitation during passing maneuvers
Unusual engine noise such as ticking or rattling from the affected cylinder bank

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty bank 2 camshaft profile actuator solenoid or mechanical actuator assembly
Sticking or contaminated oil control valve (OCV) supplying the actuator
Low engine oil level or degraded oil viscosity preventing proper actuator response
Wiring damage or poor electrical connection at the actuator solenoid connector
Restricted oil passage or sludge buildup in the actuator oil galleries
Failed camshaft position sensor or crank sensor providing inaccurate feedback
PCM software calibration issue or internal driver fault (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify engine oil level and condition; change oil and filter if overdue or contaminated
Perform a visual inspection of the bank 2 actuator solenoid connector and wiring for damage or corrosion
Use a scan tool to command the actuator on and off while monitoring camshaft position feedback to confirm the fault
Measure resistance of the actuator solenoid and compare to manufacturer specification
Remove and inspect the oil control valve and actuator for sludge, scoring, or mechanical binding; clean or replace as needed
Check oil pressure at the actuator feed port to rule out low pressure or restricted passages
If all mechanical and electrical checks pass, reprogram the PCM with the latest calibration or replace the PCM as a last resort

Oil quality and actuator response

A stuck-off profile actuator often results from neglected oil changes, as sludge and varnish prevent the solenoid from moving freely.
The code can set intermittently due to cold oil or low oil pressure at startup, even when the actuator itself is healthy.
Technicians sometimes replace the actuator only to find the oil control valve or oil galleries are the real restriction.
A failing camshaft position sensor can mimic an actuator fault by reporting incorrect position feedback to the PCM.
After repairs, a relearn or adaptation reset may be required for the PCM to accept the new actuator response.

Can I keep driving with P005C?

The vehicle can usually be driven short distances at moderate speeds, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing until the fault is repaired. Prolonged driving with a stuck actuator may cause increased emissions, poor fuel economy, and potential damage to the valvetrain.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.