P052ACold Start A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- Some engines shift the intake (A) camshaft right after a cold start so that more exhaust heat reaches the catalyst; CARB requires each commanded element of this cold-start strategy to be monitored under its own codes. Documented only by Ford (from 2008): during the first 60 s it checks the cam position for 5 s and sets a code above 11° deviation, plus a stuck-pin test (10° commanded, under 2° movement) and an averaged deviation index. Warning lamp after two trips; afterwards the normal cam codes take over. P052A means bank 1 was too far advanced. Outside cold start, P0011 applies.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Usually no noticeable driving symptoms
- Possibly rattle or rough idle on cold start
- Higher cold-start emissions
- Likely causes
- LikelyCam phaser sticking or lock pin not releasing
- LikelyLow oil level, wrong viscosity or sludged oil
- PossibleOil control valve sticking or screen clogged
- RareStretched timing chain
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €80 – €1,200
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.