What it means
A Camshaft Profile Actuator C Control Circuit Low (Bank 1): the control-circuit voltage is below the expected range. This relates to engine timing; a fault can cause rough running, a no-start, or timing errors.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The Bank 1 camshaft profile actuator A position C control circuit operates the mechanism that selects profile C. This code sets when the module sees circuit voltage below the expected range, which can happen if the control wire is shorted to ground or the connection is poor.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Short to ground
- Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Harness chafing through insulation
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Power loss especially in mid-rpm range
- Possible rough idle or stalling
- Increased fuel consumption
How to diagnose it
- Save freeze-frame data and check when the low circuit reading occurs relative to commands for Bank 1 actuator A position C.
- Inspect the position C connector and harness for chafed insulation, trapped wiring, corrosion, or a loose connection.
- Use the wiring diagram to check the control wire for a short to ground, isolating circuit sections as directed by the manufacturer's procedure.
- Measure the circuit at the solenoid connector and module side to locate where voltage drops below the manufacturer's specification.
- If the harness and connector are sound, test the position C solenoid and its driver circuit before considering module repair.
Common fixes
- Repair chafed wiring that is shorted to ground.
- Clean, secure, or replace corroded or damaged position C connector terminals.
- Repair a shorted section of the Bank 1 actuator control harness.
- Replace the position C solenoid or repair its driver only if testing confirms the component fault.
Can I keep driving?
If the engine runs steadily, drive gently and avoid demanding acceleration because Bank 1 may not switch to profile C. Stop if it stalls or becomes markedly rough.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.