Fix P054B: Mechanic’s solutions that WORKED

The P054B: “Cold Start B Camshaft Position Timing Over Retarded (Bank 1)” code indicates that the camshaft position timing for Bank 1 is over-retarded during a cold start. This code typically arises from issues within the engine’s timing system or its electronic controls. It may be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from mechanical wear in the timing components to electrical faults in the sensor system.

P054B quick overview

Meaning	P054B: “Cold Start B Camshaft Position Timing Over Retarded (Bank 1)”
Is it serious?	Yes, it is a serious issue that can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Possible causes	– Faulty or worn timing chains, tensioners, or guides – Damaged or malfunctioning camshaft position sensor – Issues with the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system – Sludge buildup affecting the VVT system – Electrical problems, including faulty wiring or poor connections – Engine mechanical problems, such as bent valves or damaged valve seats
How to diagnose?	Inspect Mechanical Components: Check timing chains, tensioners, and guides for wear or damage. Perform Leak Down Test: Conduct a leak down test to assess valve condition. Check Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensors: Use a scope to check if the camshaft and crankshaft timing is correct. Inspect Electrical Connections: Look for any damaged wiring or loose connections, especially around sensors. Reset Adaptations: Perform a system reset, especially if major components have been replaced or worked on. Check Engine Oil and Maintenance History: Ensure that regular maintenance has been performed and that the engine oil is clean and at the correct level.

How to fix P054B – learn from mechanics

I looked into P054B 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

• Make: BMW
• Model: 135i
• Year: 2013
• Engine: 3.0L

Issue + Repair History

• MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) on for secondary air pump
• Replaced oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gaskets, intake gaskets, front crank seal, and rear main engine seal
• After repairs, encountered P052b and P054b codes; car starts but runs badly

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P054b: Camshaft over retarded
• P052b: Camshaft over retarded

Suggestions for Fixing Issue

• Check if crank bolt was removed during repairs, which could affect engine timing
• Use cam setting tool for accurate engine timing
• Check for quality of seals and possible leaks causing the issue

Final Fix

• Required the use of cam setting tool to correct engine timing after crank bolt removal
• The problem was associated with engine timing due to crank bolt removal during previous repairs

Case #2: BMW

Vehicle Information

• Make: BMW
• Model: 135i
• Year: 2008
• Engine: 3.0L

Issue + Repair History

• Vehicle brought in for front brake job
• Valve cover gasket oil leak noticed and replaced
• Spark plugs replaced
• After repairs, P054B code present and car enters limp mode
• Code not present before the work
• Additional codes: P13B4 (crankshaft/inlet camshaft position sensor) and P0016 (cam/crank correlation problem)

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P054b: Cold start B camshaft position timing over retarded bank 1
• P13B4: Crankshaft/inlet camshaft position sensor
• P0016: Cam/crank correlation problem

Suggestions for Fixing Issue

• Check if VANOS solenoid connectors were swapped or if dirt got into the VANOS system
• Ensure that camshaft position sensor is properly installed and functioning
• Verify that cam timing and VANOS units are set correctly
• Check for oil in the eccentric shaft sensor

Final Fix

• Cleaning of sticky VANOS solenoids and replacement of their seals
• Oil change performed
• Resolved the issue and cleared fault codes

Case #3: Land Rover

Vehicle Information

• Make: Land Rover
• Model: Range Rover Sport Supercharged
• Year: 2010
• Engine: 5.0L

Issue + Repair History

• Engine enters limp mode with misfires on cylinders 2, 4, 6, and 8
• Variable valve timing faults, rattle noise from left bank
• Monitored VVT with Autologic showing changes in VVT position for bank 2 exhaust but no adaption change in camshaft
• Suspected internal mechanical issue

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P0019: Crank position, cam position sensor, exhaust, bank 2
• P054b: Cam position, sensor 2, exhaust, over-retarded bank 1
• P054d: Cam position sensor, bank 2, exhaust, over-retarded, bank 2

Suggestions for Fixing Issue

• Potential timing chain or tensioner problem on the left bank
• Wear on timing guides and chains, possibly off a tooth
• Check for fueling issues or low fuel pressure
• Consider replacing guides, tensioners, chains, and possibly VCTs if they are sticking

Final Fix

• Owner declined repairs and opted to trade in the vehicle

Case #4: Land Rover

Vehicle Information

• Make: Land Rover
• Model: Range Rover Sport Supercharged
• Year: 2011
• Engine: 5.0L

Issue + Repair History

• Rough idle, engine noise, supercharger coupler noise
• Timing chain noises even with belt off
• Bank 1 intake cam out of time, about 4 or 5 teeth
• Leak-down test: 90% leak by the exhaust valves on cylinder #1, 100% on cylinder #2
• No marks on pistons to indicate valve-piston contact

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P0302–P0308: Misfire cylinder 2 through 8
• P0300: Multiple cylinder misfire
• P0316: Misfire detected on startup
• P0019: Crankshaft position – Camshaft position correlation – Bank 2, Sensor 2
• P054B: Cold start exhaust B – Camshaft position timing – Over-retarded Bank 1
• Scope: Bank 1 intake cam out of time

Suggestions for Fixing Issue

• Check camshaft lobes for wear due to poor quality oil
• Remove cams and perform leak-down test to check for damaged seats, bent valves
• Known issues with timing chains on this model
• Check for excessive wear in camshaft journals or broken valve springs

Final Fix

• Replaced timing chains, guides, and tensioners (failed tensioners)
• Cranking compression test showed variation in cylinder pressures
• Vehicle reassembled, ran perfectly with no noise or codes after repair
• Possible exhaust valve seat problem suspected but not confirmed

Case #5: Ford

Vehicle Information

• Make: Ford
• Model: F150
• Year: 2015
• Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost

Issue + Repair History

• Intermittent stalling and rough idle
• Diagnostic trouble codes: P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected) and P0316 (Misfire Detected On Startup)
• Previous repairs: Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced six months ago

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P0171: System too lean (Bank 1)
• Live data showed erratic fuel trim readings on Bank 1
• Fuel pressure test indicated slightly below specification pressure

Suggestions for Fixing Issue

• Check for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold and associated hoses
• Inspect fuel injectors for proper operation, especially on Cylinder 3
• Test the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for accurate readings
• Consider possible issues with the fuel pump or fuel filter

Final Fix

• Discovered a small vacuum leak at the intake manifold gasket
• Replaced the intake manifold gasket
• Cleaned the MAF sensor
• Fuel trim readings returned to normal, and the vehicle no longer stalled or idled roughly
• Customer reported smooth operation after repair and no recurrence of the issue

Advice	Diagnostic Step
Check for mechanical issues	Inspect timing chains, tensioners, and guides for wear or damage.
Perform a leak down test	Conduct a leak down test to check for valve seat damage or bent valves.
Inspect the camshaft and crankshaft sensors	Scope camshaft to crankshaft to check if the timing is off.
Check wiring and connectors	Inspect the wiring and connectors for damage or loose connections, especially around sensors.
Reset adaptations and recalibrate systems	Perform adaptations reset, especially if major components like timing chains or valve covers were replaced.