Perhaps you’re looking in the wrong place for the answer. The ignition system is only part of the driveline that makes the whole thing work. A problem like this one could easily be caused by a problem in the fuel system.

In fact, the fact that the problem only happens in cold weather would make a lot of mechanics check the fuel system before fiddling with the ignition. That’s because, when an engine is cold, the fuel and air mixture needs more fuel and less air to get the thing started initially. If there’s a problem in the fuel system such as a clogged or dirty filter, an air leak or a slack fuel pump, you could potentially see the exact symptoms you have.

The problem could also lie in the injectors or any of the electronics that are supposed to tell the engine’s computer that it’s cold outside and a richer fuel:air mixture is required.

Have the car checked out by a mechanic who will be able to check all these parts for correct operation and then start replacing bits and pieces; not the other way around.

Let’s get something straight right from the off: The Holden Calais and Holden Captiva are not close family members. While the Calais was an Australian-engineered and built car, the Captiva is a rebadged Daewoo and not a very good one at that. So don’t be tricked into thinking that because they both have a Holden badge and a V6 engine, that they’re peas from a pod.

The reality is the Captiva has an absolutely dreadful reputation in the trade for poor build quality and sketchy reliability. Most mechanics wouldn’t travel 500 metres to look at one, let alone 500 kilometres. I’d take a 231,000km Calais over any Captiva, old or new, any day.

Holden actually sold a lot of Captivas back in the day, mainly on price alone. But many who bought them then stood and watched as they things fell apart and soon began to cost plenty in repair bills. Doubtless there will be some out there who own and love their Captiva, but the reality is that these cars are best left well alone.

Fault code P0014 is, indeed, a problem with the engine’s camshaft timing. It’s also a very common one on these late-model V6 Holdens. Your engine doesn’t have a timing belt, instead using a timing chain which, theoretically, should be good for the life of the car. Unfortunately, in this V6 engine, the timing chain was under-engineered and many owners have found out the hard way that the timing chain needs replacement at relatively low mileages.

The fault code shows up when the car’s computer can’t make sense of the relationship between the engine’s crankshaft and camshafts. That’s because when the timing chain stretches, that relationship varies and the engine’s valves are no longer opening and closing precisely when they should. At that point, the computer throws its hands in the air and triggers the fault code and check-engine light.

The only real fix is to replace the timing chains. The cost will vary depending on what else needs to be done and who carries out the work, but even at its cheapest, this job could easily run into the $2000 to $3000 region. Industry wisdom also suggests that you also replace the timing chain guide and oil pump at the same time.