P003C
A Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Performance/Stuck Off Bank 1
The intake cam profile actuator (profile A, bank 1) does not engage when commanded — stays in low-lift profile. Often hydraulic pin sticking or low oil pressure.
- Check engine light: Yes
- Emissions related: Yes
- Repair difficulty: medium
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Power loss especially in mid-rpm range
- Possible rough idle or stalling
- Increased fuel consumption
Common causes
Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.
- Oil control valve stuckCommon
- Low oil pressurePossible
- Carbon or debris buildup preventing free movementLess likely
Parts involved
- Cam Profile Actuator
- Oil Control Valve
- Engine Oil
P003C is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.