P0015 — Exhaust camshaft position timing (overcurrent) (bank 1)

Causes

• Faulty exhaust camshaft timing solenoid (VVT/oil control valve) — coil shorted or internally damaged
• Short to ground in the solenoid power/ground wiring or connector
• Poor or corroded connector or terminal at solenoid or PCM
• Oil contamination/clogged oil control valve or passages causing actuator binding
• Low oil level or very degraded oil (affects VVT operation)
• Mechanical failure in cam phaser (seized/locked)

Symptoms

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) / Check Engine Light illuminated
• Reduced engine performance, hesitation or rough idle
• Poor fuel economy
• Possible limp mode or reduced power driveability protection
• Unusual engine noise from timing components (rare)

What to check

• Read and record freeze-frame and all stored/cascade codes with a capable scan tool
• Check battery/charging system voltage; low voltage can affect tests
• Visually inspect harness and connector at the exhaust cam timing solenoid (Bank 1) for damage, corrosion, bent pins or oil contamination
• Check engine oil level and condition; change if contaminated or out of spec
• Backprobe solenoid connector while commanding the solenoid with a scanner and observe voltage/duty
• Measure coil resistance of the VVT solenoid (compare to manufacturer spec)

Signal parameters

• Command signal: PCM uses a PWM switched ground or switched +12V to control VVT solenoid — observe commanded duty cycle on scan tool
• Requested state vs actual: check requested duty (%) while commanding and PCM reported actual position feedback if available
• Typical checks: coil resistance and current draw should match manufacturer specification — increased current indicates short/low resistance; open/high resistance indicates open coil (refer to Land Rover service data)
• Supply voltage at connector should be battery voltage (~12 V) when not switched; switching ground/pwm should be present while commanded

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