Low, dirty or degraded engine oil restricting the variable valve timing system; Faulty or sticking camshaft phaser control solenoid (oil control valve) on bank 2; Blocked oil passages or clogged screen at the solenoid; Wiring or connector fault on the bank 2 solenoid or camshaft position sensor circuit; Stretched timing chain or belt, or worn tensioner or guides, causing the cam to be out of position; Faulty camshaft position sensor or damaged reluctor wheel giving a false reading; Worn or failed camshaft phaser (actuator) unit.

P0022

A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 2.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0: AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
22: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0022 means the engine control unit has found that the intake or only camshaft on bank 2 is sitting too far retarded compared with the position it commanded. It compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft position signal and sees the cam timing lagging beyond the allowed tolerance. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number 1.

Symptoms

Engine warning light on
Rough or unstable idle
Hesitation or reduced power when accelerating
Poor fuel economy
Rattling or ticking noise from the top of the engine on start-up
Engine stalling or hard starting in some cases

Possible causes

Low, dirty or degraded engine oil restricting the variable valve timing systemlikely
Faulty or sticking camshaft phaser control solenoid (oil control valve) on bank 2likely
Blocked oil passages or clogged screen at the solenoidpossible
Wiring or connector fault on the bank 2 solenoid or camshaft position sensor circuitpossible
Stretched timing chain or belt, or worn tensioner or guides, causing the cam to be out of positionpossible
Faulty camshaft position sensor or damaged reluctor wheel giving a false readingrare
Worn or failed camshaft phaser (actuator) unitrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including engine temperature, load and rpm, then check for related codes such as other cam timing or sensor faults.
Check the engine oil level and condition, and confirm the correct grade and specification for the engine is in use.
Inspect the wiring and connectors to the bank 2 camshaft solenoid and camshaft position sensor for damage, chafing, corrosion, oil contamination or poor pin tension.
Using a scan tool with live data, compare commanded and actual camshaft angle for bank 2 at idle and under rising rpm, and check for sensor signal plausibility.
Test the solenoid resistance and its operation using an active test, following the manufacturer's specification for that engine.
Remove and inspect the solenoid and its filter screen for sludge, debris or sticking, if the engine design allows.
Check the cam and crank correlation using live data or a scope trace, and inspect for timing chain stretch or noise as per the model's procedure.
Check oil pressure with a gauge if oil supply to the phaser is suspected.

How to fix

Change the oil and filter to the correct specification and top up to the right level if it was low or degraded.
Replace the faulty bank 2 camshaft solenoid, and clean or replace its filter screen if fitted.
Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors in the solenoid or sensor circuit.
Replace the camshaft position sensor if it is proven faulty.
Renew the timing chain, tensioner and guides, or the belt, and reset correct timing if wear is found.
Replace the camshaft phaser if it is worn or failing to respond.

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

Short, gentle journeys are usually possible, but get it checked soon as poor oil supply or worn timing parts can lead to engine damage. Stop driving if there is a loud rattle, low oil pressure warning or the engine runs very badly.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.