P005AB Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Performance/Stuck Off Bank 1
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- The camshaft profile actuator A switches the exhaust camshaft (camshaft B) on bank 1 between fixed cam profiles, usually a low-lift base profile and a high-lift profile. In most designs the unactuated state ("off") is the base profile; which profile counts as "on" is defined by the manufacturer. The control module does not need a position sensor to check the switchover: it detects the actual profile indirectly, for example from oil pressure in the switching gallery, intake pressure per cylinder or crankshaft speed fluctuations. This code is set when the switchover is commanded but the camshaft stays on the base profile, or switches too slowly or incompletely. The engine then lacks power at higher engine speed.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Lack of power at higher engine speed
- Reduced power mode on some vehicles
- Likely causes
- LikelyOil level too low, wrong viscosity or sludged oil, so switching pressure is missing
- LikelyProfile switching solenoid sticking or its screen clogged
- PossibleOil supply to the switching elements leaking or restricted, e.g. worn seals
- PossibleLocking pin in tappet or rocker arm, or sliding cam piece, sticking
- RareConsequence of a circuit fault of the same actuator
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €80 – €3,500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.