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P0015 Exhaust camshaft timing over-retarded, bank 1

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Exhaust camshaft timing over-retarded, bank 1, readable through chat.

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System
Valvetrain
Component
Variable valve timing actuator

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough or uneven idle
  • Hesitation or weaker acceleration
  • Lower fuel economy
  • Harder starting

Common causes

  • Debris lowering oil pressure
  • Oil control valve stuck
  • Wrong or low engine oil
  • Clogged or leaking oil passages
  • Hydraulic actuator fault
  • Timing chain problem
  • Exhaust camshaft sensor misreading or metal dust on it
  • Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve or PCM
  • Faulty PCM

Guides for this code

Pencil sketch of a Mazda3 in a garage
Diagnostics & Repair

P0015 on a 2014-2016 Mazda3: Exhaust Cam Timing, Causes, Fix

JC Landry · Oct 30, 2026

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