What does it mean?
Camshaft is the shaft that controls your valves, crankshaft is the shaft that controls your piston. That being said, the two shafts need to be timed to a certain specification in order for the engine to run properly and smoothly. When this code is set, the ECM has detected the camshaft and crankshaft timing is off. They detect the camshafts position compared to your crankshaft position using camshaft position sensors and crankshaft position sensors.
Timing over retarded means the camshaft timing is “ behind ” in relation to where it should be in relation to the crankshaft. Causing drivability issues among other things. The ECM aims for the target timing using VVT (variable valve timing). VVT uses various sensors, solenoids, control valves in conjunction with the ECM to adjust and monitor the mechanical camshaft valve timing of the engine.
Not only does VVT help with performance of the engine but also helps regulate fuel mileage by advancing/retarding camshaft timing depending on the vehicle ’ s needs.