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P2614 – Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit/Open (OBD2)

P2614 means "Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit/Open". The control unit sees an open circuit: the electrical connection to the camshaft position sensor is interrupted, so no current can flow when the component is commanded or read.

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P2614 quick summary

Fault codeP2614
MeaningCamshaft Position Signal Output Circuit/Open
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Usually yes, but expect longer cranking, less power and possibly limp mode. If the code appears together with timing correlation codes or a rattling chain, stop driving until the timing has been checked.
Repair cost€25 – €300

How the camshaft position sensor works

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine control unit which cylinder is on its compression stroke and, on engines with variable valve timing, the actual camshaft position.

The crankshaft turns twice for every turn of the camshaft, so the crankshaft signal alone cannot tell whether a piston at top dead centre is on its compression or exhaust stroke. The camshaft sensor solves this by reading a trigger wheel or special lobes on the camshaft. Most modern camshaft sensors are Hall sensors with a 5 V or 12 V supply.

Engines with variable valve timing often have one sensor per camshaft – intake (A) and exhaust (B), on V engines per bank. The control unit compares camshaft and crankshaft signals to measure the actual camshaft adjustment.

If the camshaft signal is lost, many engines still start, but it takes longer because the control unit has to guess the firing order. Power may be reduced and variable valve timing is switched off. Causes include a failed sensor, wiring problems, oil in the connector, and – importantly – a stretched or jumped timing chain or belt.

Symptoms of P2614

  • Long cranking before the engine starts
  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power, limp mode
  • Rough idle or occasional stalling
  • Higher fuel consumption

Most common causes of P2614 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

Swap the intake and exhaust camshaft sensors (if they are identical) and clear the codes. If the code moves from sensor A to sensor B, the sensor is faulty; if it stays, look at wiring or timing.

  1. 1.Unplugged, loose or corroded connector

    Most likely

    Often after previous repair work in the area.

  2. 2.Broken wire in the harness

    Typical at bends, near the engine mounts and where the harness rubs on brackets.

  3. 3.Burnt-out winding or internal break in the camshaft position sensor

  4. 4.Failed camshaft position sensor

    Hall sensors fail internally, often from heat.

  5. 5.Stretched or jumped timing chain/belt

    Changes the relationship between camshaft and crankshaft signals.

  6. 6.Damaged trigger wheel

    A loose, bent or wrongly fitted trigger wheel on the camshaft.

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes

    Read all codes. Correlation codes such as P0016–P0019 alongside the sensor code point to timing chain or belt problems rather than the sensor.

  2. 2

    Measure resistance and continuity

    Unplug the camshaft position sensor and measure its resistance across the terminals. An infinite (OL) reading confirms an internal break. If the component is fine, check each wire back to the control unit for continuity.

    Multimeter: Solenoids and heaters typically read a few ohms to a few dozen ohms; "OL" means open. Wire continuity: below about 1 Ω.

  3. 3

    Inspect connector and O-ring

    Check the connector for oil and corrosion and the sensor O-ring for leaks.

  4. 4

    Check supply, ground and signal

    With the ignition on, check the supply and ground; while cranking, check that the signal switches.

    Multimeter: Supply typically 5 V or 12 V; signal switching between about 0 V and the supply voltage.

  5. 5

    Compare with the crankshaft signal

    On an oscilloscope, display camshaft and crankshaft signals together and compare the pattern with a known-good reference to rule out timing problems.

  6. 6

    Replace and verify

    Replace the sensor or fix the wiring, clear codes and confirm that the engine starts quickly and the code does not return.

How do I read fault codes? →Where the OBD2 port is, which scanner to use and how to read and clear codes step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P2614?

Usually yes, but expect longer cranking, less power and possibly limp mode. If the code appears together with timing correlation codes or a rattling chain, stop driving until the timing has been checked.

How much does it cost to fix P2614?

Typical repair costs are 25 € – 300 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: unplugged, loose or corroded connector; broken wire in the harness; burnt-out winding or internal break in the camshaft position sensor. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Will a bad camshaft sensor stop the engine?

Usually not while running, but it can cause longer cranking, rough running and limp mode. Some engines will not start at all without the camshaft signal.

Can a timing chain cause camshaft sensor codes?

Yes. A stretched chain or jumped belt changes the camshaft position, which can set sensor range/performance or correlation codes even with a healthy sensor.

What is the difference between P2614 and similar codes?

P2614 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0391 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2); P0392 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Input (Bank 2); P0393 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit High Input (Bank 2); P0394 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2); P2615 – Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low; P2616 – Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit High. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.