AutoCodes – Generic – P1CEC

P1CEC Code - Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard

Quick Answer

The Multiair system controls the intake valve opening and closing time for faster catalyst light-off at cold starts. Common causes include Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1CEC indicates Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 3,362

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 12, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1CEC Description

The Multiair system controls the intake valve opening and closing time for faster catalyst light-off at cold starts. For the 2.4L engine, only early valve closing strategy is applied. The monitor detects any malfunction that will cause the intake valve closing time to be over advanced or over retarded by an amount that prevents the fast catalyst light-off.

OBDII Code P1CEC - Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard - AutoCodes.com — P1CEC Code - Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1CEC?

Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Timing Chain

How to Fix the DTC P1CEC?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1CEC code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1CEC code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1CEC code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1CEC code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P1CEC Chrysler — Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard
P1CEC Dodge — Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard
P1CEC Fiat — Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard
P1CEC Jeep — Variable Valve Solenoid Valve Cold Start Closing Position 1 Timing Over-Retard

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1CEC Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1CEC mean?

P1CEC indicates an issue with the Variable Valve Solenoid Valve, specifically that the timing for the cold start closing position 1 is over-retarded, meaning it is not advancing as expected.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1CEC?

Symptoms may include rough idling during cold starts, reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the check engine light.

3. What causes code P1CEC to appear?

Common causes include a malfunctioning variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid, dirty or blocked oil passages, low oil pressure, or a faulty engine control module (ECM).

4. Can low oil levels trigger code P1CEC?

Yes, low oil levels or dirty oil can affect the operation of the VVT system, leading to this code being triggered.

5. How is code P1CEC diagnosed?

A mechanic will typically inspect the VVT solenoid, check the oil level and condition, test the oil pressure, and use a scan tool to monitor the VVT system's performance.

6. Can I drive with the P1CEC code active?

Driving with this code is not recommended as it can lead to poor engine performance and potentially cause further damage over time.

7. How do you fix the P1CEC code?

Repairs may involve cleaning or replacing the VVT solenoid, performing an oil change, clearing oil blockages, or repairing wiring or connectors related to the VVT system.

8. What happens if the P1CEC code is ignored?

Ignoring this code can lead to worsened engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to the timing system or other engine components.

9. Can a faulty ECM cause the P1CEC code?

While rare, a malfunctioning ECM can incorrectly interpret or control the VVT system, resulting in this code being triggered.

10. How much does it cost to fix the P1CEC code?

Repair costs vary, but replacing a VVT solenoid typically ranges from $150 to $400, depending on parts and labor. An oil change or cleaning blockages may cost less.