OK, that is what most parts stores say, but they never report the actual results. P0014 can be the solenoid or the can phaser, both cause the same error. However the first thing I generally ask is "When was the last oil change and is it full?" That is the actual #1 cause of that code. Next is do you hear any noises, See if it was the valve, it generally sticks the cam phaser (cam drive sprocket) in one position and you hear nothing, it just sets a code. In this case though you say you are hearing valve-train noise. That usually points to a failed phaser and not the solenoid. However you could find a shop that has an OE scan tool and do a simple actuator test. What that would do is show the camshaft sensor readings with the solenoid on and off. If the readings stay the same regardless of the solenoid operation and the solenoid showed the typical current spike on the tool, the phaser has failed. If however the readings changed but not fully, the solenoid is more likely the problem. Being the exhaust solenoid you will need to open the engine, the valve is under the valve cover bolted to the cylinder head. The connector however is out in the open so there is a quick and dirty test you can do. The solenoid works from a pulsed 12 volt signal, as such you can unplug it's connector and apply battery voltage directly and see if you can hear it open and close.
They are usually quite loud when the engine is off. Attached are the wire diagrams. You apply battery plus to the Red wire and negative acts as the trigger.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Apr 7, 2026 at 1:18 PM