P0015 fault code: 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded

P0015 means “'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded” — a fuel and air metering fault in the powertrain.

Can I DIY?

Professional-only boundary. Do not treat P0015 as P0013; timing angle work is professional only.

Do not DIYReviewed page boundary
ToolsSpecialist equipment

This is the conservative boundary from the reviewed code record. This page has no frozen site-wide safety grade, so it does not publish a repair route.

What to tell the garage about P0015

Do not drive until checked. Camshaft B is later than commanded — timing over-retarded on the B cam (P001x bank). This is a position result, not the B-cam actuator-circuit code P0013.

Take these reviewed, code-specific details with you. They help the garage confirm the fault without turning this page into a repair procedure.

  • 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded: Registration number
  • 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded: Exact code P0015 and any companion codes from the same scan
  • 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded: Whether the engine management light is steady or flashing
  • 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded: Whether P0013 (B-cam circuit) is also stored
P00xxFuel and air metering
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0015 mean?

P0015 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P00xx block, which covers fuel and air metering. The stored description is “'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0015 fail an MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major MOT fail until repaired. P0015 is over-retarded B-cam timing, not the A-cam P0012 result and not a catalyst test.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe.
P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High P0005Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit/Open P0006Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit Low P0007Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit High P0008Engine Position System Performance

P0015 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0015?

Do not drive until checked. We have no verified driving guidance for P0015. Treat as do not drive until checked. Over-retarded cam B is still not a driveway phaser replacement.

Will P0015 fail my MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major MOT fail until repaired. P0015 is over-retarded B-cam timing, not the A-cam P0012 result and not a catalyst test.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.