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Timing and crank/cam sensorsGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon

P0015 on Mazda: causes and affected engines

P0015 means: camshaft "B" (exhaust) position, bank 1: timing over-retarded.[1][2] Mazda has 4 documented faults that can trigger it, across 4 engines: 1.6 HDi, 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo, MZR-CD and 1.4 HDi. Only a diagnosis can confirm the cause on your car.

Documented faults
4
that can trigger it
Engines
4
used by Mazda, with at least one of them
Mazda models
6
with at least one of these faults
Urgency
Garage soon

2 sourcesHow we work

Documented faults in Mazda engines that can trigger P0015

Grouped by engine or model, from most to least important. These are faults with the variable valve timing actuator, with the timing chain and with the timing belt: not all of them will necessarily set the code, and only a diagnosis confirms the cause on your car.

Common causes of P0015 on any make

From most to least likely, according to the sources.

  1. 1Dirty oil or lack of maintenance, which harms the phaser, because the timing is moved by oil pressure.[1][2]
  2. 2Faulty or dirty phaser control solenoid (and its filter).[1][2]
  3. 3Stretched or jumped timing chain or belt.[1][2]
  4. 4Faulty camshaft position sensor or wiring.[1][2]

What to check first

The first diagnostic steps, from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.

  1. 1Check when the oil was last changed and what it looks like; if it is dirty or due, change it using the grade the manufacturer specifies and see whether the code returns.[1]
  2. 2Inspect the camshaft sensor, its connector and the wiring, which runs next to the rocker cover.[1][2]
  3. 3Check the phaser solenoid (resistance, dirt in the filter) following the values in the model's manual.[1][2]
Full guide to P0015: symptoms, diagnosis and whether you can drive

Frequently asked questions

Which Mazda engines have faults that can trigger P0015?

1.6 HDi (1 fault), 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (1 fault), MZR-CD (1 fault) and 1.4 HDi (1 fault). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

What does code P0015 mean on a Mazda?

Camshaft "B" (exhaust) position, bank 1: timing over-retarded. The ECU compares the position of the bank 1 exhaust camshaft with that of the crankshaft and detects that it is lagging behind what the variable valve timing system is commanding. It is the opposite case to P0014, where the camshaft is too far advanced. It is a generic OBD-II code: it means the same on a Mazda as on any other make.[1][2]

Can I keep driving with P0015?

Garage soon. Out-of-step timing hurts performance and, if the cause is a stretched chain or belt, carrying on using the car can increase wear and end up damaging the engine.[2]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. P0015 – Camshaft position (CMP) exhaust/right/rear, bank 1 – timing over-retardedTroubleCodes.net · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
  2. P0015 Code Symptoms, Causes, Diagnostic Steps & Cost GuideFlagship One (FS1 Inc.) · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026