Fix P052B: Mechanic’s solutions that WORKED

In simpler terms, the P052B: Cold Start Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1 code means that the timing for the valves to open and close in your engine is not happening as quickly as it should when you start your car. This issue can be caused by various factors, including problems with the engine’s timing components, oil issues, or sensor malfunctions. It’s important to address this to ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently.

P052B quick overview

Meaning	P052B: “Cold Start Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded.”
Is it serious?	Yes, it can be serious as it affects the engine’s timing and performance.
Possible causes	– Incorrectly aligned timing chain or belt – Faulty or dirty Variable Cam Timing (VCT) solenoids – Worn or faulty cam phasers – Inadequate or old engine oil – Faulty camshaft position sensors – Incorrect oil viscosity – Issues with engine mechanical integrity
How to diagnose?	Check Engine Oil: Verify the quality and level of engine oil. Inspect Timing Components: Examine the timing chain or belt for proper alignment. Evaluate VCT Solenoids: Test the operation and cleanliness of VCT solenoids. Assess Camshaft Sensors: Ensure camshaft position sensors are functioning properly. Inspect Cam Phasers: Check for wear or damage in cam phasers. Review Recent Repairs: If work was done recently, recheck assembly accuracy. Confirm Oil Viscosity: Make sure the engine oil matches the manufacturer’s recommendations. Reset Adaptations: After repair, perform necessary relearn procedures and reset engine adaptations.

How to fix P052B – learn from mechanics

I looked into P052B service cases at iatn.com website where in the private forums the mechanics seek advice from other mechanics. I looked up a bunch of cases to help you decide how to fix your issue and see what would a real mechanic do to solve it.

Case #1: BMW

Vehicle Information

• 2009 BMW 335i, 3.0L

Issue + Repair History

• Code P052B (2A7A) for VANOS (Variable Intake Timing) control fault, boost pressure deactivation, and misfire codes
• Initially brought in for oil leak repair; no driveability issues prior
• Post-repair, experienced rough idle and recurring codes
• Oil change and inspection of cam sensors conducted; no change in issue
• Suspected VANOS solenoid or debris in engine as potential causes

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• 3100: Boost pressure control deactivation
• P0300: Random multiple cylinder misfire

Community Suggestions

• Swap intake and exhaust solenoids to check if the issue follows
• Check oil pressure with a mechanical gauge
• Verify if VANOS connectors are correctly placed
• Smoke test the intake for unmetered air leaks
• Consider debris in the intake-VANOS solenoid and check related PIDs
• Use specified oil viscosity

Final Fix

• Found the intake VANOS solenoid at fault
• Swapping intake and exhaust solenoids caused the fault to move to the exhaust solenoid
• Attempted cleaning, but ultimately replaced the solenoid
• Fresh oil change with proper synthetic oil restored normal operation

Case #2: BMW

Vehicle Information

• 2013 BMW 135i, 3.0L

Issue + Repair History

• Car brought in for oil leak repairs
• Engine and transmission assembly removed and reinstalled after replacing several gaskets and seals
• After reinstallation, MIL activated with codes P052B and P054B
• Initially had a slight misfire which stopped later

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P054B: Camshaft over-retarded
• P052B: Camshaft over-retarded

Community Suggestions

• Check actual oil pressure
• Try cleaning VANOS solenoid valve
• If front crankshaft seal replaced, ensure cam and crank were locked in position
• Special tool required to block crankshaft before removing crank pulley
• Retime engine due to loosening of front crankshaft
• Reset adaptations after retiming

Final Fix

• Problem arose from removing front crank bolt without proper tool
• Ordered cam setting tool to retime engine
• Issue related to using incorrect tool for front crank seal removal

Case #3: Ford

Vehicle Information

• 2009 Ford Escape XLT, 2.5L

Issue + Repair History

• Code sets after about 10 minutes of running
• Timing chain checked and in time, oil pressure good
• VCT solenoid ohms at 7.14 ohms (within the acceptable range of 20 or less)

Computer Codes & Descriptions

• P052B: Cold start camshaft position timing over-retarded bank 1

Community Suggestions

• Check for a stretched timing chain and consider replacing it along with the phaser
• Look into weak solenoids and compare actual and commanded data
• Ensure correct oil viscosity and use of a dealer oil filter
• Check for sludge and possible clogging in screens
• Consider doing an oil change with the correct viscosity and quality
• Inspect cam phasers as they can be problematic
• Check for loose connections on camshaft position sensor and timing actuator
• Review relevant technical service bulletins (TSBs) for this engine model

Final Fix

• No final fix was reported as the request was automatically closed due to exceeding the time limit for open help requests.

Case #4: Volvo

Vehicle Information

• 2009 Volvo XC90 3.2, 3.2L

Issue + Repair History

• Vehicle exhibited lack of power and the check engine light was on
• Initial trouble codes: P0075, P0303, P0305, P0306, P0300, P052B, P0012
• VVT (Variable Valve Timing) found to be faulty with oil overdue by 7,000 miles
• Performed crankcase flush and replaced VVT
• Post-repair, still experienced lack of power and new code P001D

Computer Codes & Descriptions

• P001D: Camshaft Profile Control Circuit Open Bank 2
• Other codes related to intake valve control and misfires

Community Suggestions

• Consider the possibility of spun cam gears due to lack of maintenance
• Evaluate if the engine has run low on engine oil previously
• Check for the necessity of replacing the engine if issues persist

Final Fix

• Performed a crankcase system flush with new cam profile and VVT solenoids installed

Case #5: Ford

Vehicle Information

• 2008 Ford Taurus Limited, 3.5L

Issue + Repair History

• Vehicle runs well but has longer than normal crank when starting
• Replaced cam phasers, chains, guides, tensioners, camshaft position sensors, VCT solenoids
• Cleaned VCT housing filters, changed oil and filter with recommended semi-synthetic oil

Computer Codes & Descriptions

• P052B: Cold start camshaft position over-retarded bank 1
• P052D: Cold start camshaft position over-retarded bank 2
• P0016: Crank/cam correlation bank 1 sensor A
• P0018: Crank/cam correlation bank 2 sensor A

Community Suggestions

• Check if the timing chain is off by one tooth
• Consider problems in the cam advance/retard system
• Assess if the issue is due to the PCM perceiving incorrect engine timing

Final Fix

• The chain was off by one tooth due to the crankshaft gear index key being sheared off and spinning the gear by one tooth

Common Advice	Description of Diagnostic Step
Check Oil Quality and Level	Ensure the engine oil is not excessively old or low, as poor oil quality can affect camshaft and timing operation.
Inspect Timing Chain or Belt	Verify the timing chain or belt is properly aligned and has not skipped a tooth, which can cause timing issues.
Examine VCT Solenoids and System	Check Variable Cam Timing (VCT) solenoids for proper operation and cleanliness, including solenoid resistance.
Evaluate Camshaft Position Sensors	Ensure camshaft position sensors are functioning correctly and are not obstructed or damaged.
Assess Engine Mechanical Condition	Consider the overall mechanical condition of the engine, including potential wear on components like cam phasers.
Verify Correct Engine Assembly	If recent work has been done, recheck the assembly for accuracy, particularly in timing-related areas.
Use Correct Oil Viscosity	Confirm that the oil viscosity matches manufacturer recommendations, as incorrect viscosity can affect engine timing.
Reset Adaptations and Relearn Procedures	After repairs, reset any adaptations and perform necessary relearn procedures for the engine control module.