Open or damaged wire in the sensor signal circuit; Short to voltage on the sensor signal circuit; Faulty rocker arm actuator position sensor; Poor electrical connection at the sensor or PCM connector; Failed rocker arm actuator assembly (mechanical binding or internal fault); PCM internal fault (rare)

DTC codes / P26xx · Computer and output circuits / P264D

P264DA Rocker Arm Actuator Position Sensor Circuit High Bank 1

Q: What does code P264D mean?

A Rocker Arm Actuator Position Sensor Circuit High Bank 1. P264D indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormally high voltage signal from the rocker arm actuator position sensor on bank 1. This sensor reports the position of the variable valve timing (VVT) rocker arm actuator, and a high signal typically means the circuit is open, shorted to voltage, or the sensor's ground reference is lost.

P264D indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormally high voltage signal from the rocker arm actuator position sensor on bank 1. This sensor reports the position of the variable valve timing (VVT) rocker arm actuator, and a high signal typically means the circuit is open, shorted to voltage, or the sensor's ground reference is lost.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaComputer and output circuits

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or misfire, especially when the engine is cold
Reduced engine performance and poor fuel economy due to incorrect valve timing
Engine may enter limp mode, limiting RPM and power
In some cases, a rattling or ticking noise from the valvetrain if the actuator is stuck

Common causes, most likely first

Open or damaged wire in the sensor signal circuit
Short to voltage on the sensor signal circuit
Faulty rocker arm actuator position sensor
Poor electrical connection at the sensor or PCM connector
Failed rocker arm actuator assembly (mechanical binding or internal fault)
PCM internal fault (rare)

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules for stored codes and freeze-frame data to confirm P264D is the primary fault
Visually inspect the sensor wiring and connector for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins
Measure reference voltage and ground at the sensor connector with the key on, engine off
Back-probe the signal wire and compare voltage to the manufacturer's specification while moving the harness
Check the rocker arm actuator for mechanical binding or excessive play that could damage the sensor
Replace the rocker arm actuator position sensor if voltage readings are out of range and wiring is good
Clear codes and perform a road test to verify the repair, monitoring live data for the sensor signal

High Voltage Does Not Always Mean Bad Sensor

A high signal voltage often results from a lost ground circuit rather than a failed sensor, so always verify the sensor's ground reference before condemning the part.
Harness chafing near the valve cover or intake manifold is a common cause of an open signal circuit that only appears when the engine shifts under load.
The rocker arm actuator position sensor may share a reference voltage or ground with other sensors, so a fault in a related circuit can set P264D along with other codes.
After replacing the sensor, the PCM may require a relearn procedure for the variable valve timing system to prevent the code from returning.
Mechanical wear in the rocker arm actuator can cause the sensor to read out of range even when the electrical circuit is intact, so inspect the actuator for binding.

Can I keep driving with P264D?

You can usually drive the vehicle with P264D, but avoid aggressive acceleration and high RPM until the fault is repaired, as incorrect valve timing can lead to poor performance and potential engine damage over time.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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