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P0022 Code Explained: “A” Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 2 Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

OBD-II scanner displaying P0022 beside a Bank 2 intake camshaft phaser, VVT solenoid, retarded timing graphic and Check Engine Light

If your OBD-II scanner displays P0022, your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the Bank 2 “A” camshaft is more retarded than commanded or is failing to advance to its requested position.

On most dual-overhead-cam engines, Camshaft A refers to the intake camshaft, while Bank 2 is the side of the engine opposite Bank 1. Bank 1 contains cylinder number one, so Bank 2 is the other cylinder bank.

Modern engines use variable valve timing to advance or retard the camshaft according to engine speed, load, temperature and throttle position. When the ECM commands the Bank 2 intake camshaft to advance but detects that it remains too far retarded, it stores P0022.

P0022 is commonly caused by:

P0022 should be diagnosed promptly. While some vehicles may continue running with only a Check Engine Light, excessively retarded intake camshaft timing can cause poor acceleration, rough idle, hard starting, increased emissions and potential engine damage.

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P0022 Quick Facts

ItemInformation
OBD-II codeP0022
Official description“A” Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 2
CategoryPowertrain
SystemVariable valve timing
Code typeGeneric SAE powertrain code
SeverityModerate to high
Safe to drive?Limited driving only; diagnose promptly
Most common causesDirty oil, sticking VVT solenoid, failed phaser, timing-chain wear
Typical repair cost$60–$4,000+

What Does the P0022 Code Mean?

P0022 means “‘A’ Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 2.”

The ECM commanded the Bank 2 intake camshaft to a specific position but detected that the camshaft:

The ECM determines camshaft position by comparing signals from the:

The ECM also monitors the command sent to the Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid.

If the actual camshaft angle remains behind the requested angle, the ECM may store P0022.

P0022 is closely related to:

What Does Camshaft A Mean?

On most dual-overhead-cam engines:

The intake camshaft controls when the intake valves open and close.

The ECM adjusts intake camshaft timing to improve:

If the intake camshaft remains excessively retarded, the intake valves may open and close later than intended.

This can reduce:

Manufacturer terminology may vary, so verify Camshaft A using vehicle-specific service information.

What Is Bank 2?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one.

Bank 2 exists on engines with multiple cylinder banks, including:

Inline engines normally have only Bank 1 and should not store a true Bank 2 code.

Bank 2 may be located on either side of the vehicle depending on the engine design.

Confirm Bank 2 using:

Do not assume Bank 2 is always the driver side or passenger side.

What Does Over-Retarded Camshaft Timing Mean?

Camshaft timing is considered retarded when the camshaft rotates behind its normal or commanded position relative to the crankshaft.

The ECM intentionally advances and retards the camshaft under different operating conditions.

P0022 does not mean that all camshaft retard is abnormal. It means the Bank 2 intake camshaft is:

The cause may be:

How Variable Valve Timing Works

A typical variable valve timing system includes:

The system works as follows:

  1. The ECM calculates the desired camshaft angle.
  2. The ECM sends a duty-cycle command to the VVT solenoid.
  3. The solenoid directs engine oil to the camshaft phaser.
  4. The phaser rotates the camshaft relative to the timing sprocket.
  5. The camshaft position sensor reports the actual angle.
  6. The ECM adjusts the solenoid command to maintain the requested position.

If oil cannot reach the advance side of the phaser, or if the phaser cannot move, the camshaft may remain over-retarded.

This may happen because of:

How the ECM Detects P0022

The ECM compares:

P0022 may be stored when:

Some vehicles may set P0022 during:

Symptoms of the P0022 Code

Symptoms vary depending on how far the camshaft is retarded and whether the condition is intermittent.

Common symptoms include:

Some vehicles may show no obvious symptoms other than the warning light.

If the camshaft remains severely retarded, the engine may run poorly or fail to start.

Common Causes of P0022

1. Dirty Engine Oil

Dirty oil is one of the most common causes of variable valve timing problems.

Contaminated oil may create:

VVT components rely on precise oil flow through small passages.

Even moderate contamination may prevent the Bank 2 intake camshaft from advancing properly.

2. Incorrect Oil Viscosity

Oil that is too thick or too thin can interfere with phaser operation.

Oil that is too thick may:

Oil that is too thin may:

Use the manufacturer-specified oil viscosity and oil standard.

3. Low Engine-Oil Level

Low engine oil can reduce pressure available to the VVT system.

Low oil may be caused by:

The system may not have enough hydraulic pressure to advance the Bank 2 intake camshaft.

4. Low Engine-Oil Pressure

The oil level may be correct while actual pressure remains too low.

Possible causes include:

Low oil pressure may affect:

A mechanical oil-pressure test may be required.

5. Sticking Bank 2 Intake VVT Solenoid

The Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid regulates oil flow to the camshaft phaser.

If the solenoid sticks in the retarded or default position, the camshaft may fail to advance.

Possible causes include:

A solenoid may pass an electrical resistance test while still sticking mechanically.

6. Clogged VVT Solenoid Screen

Some VVT solenoids contain a filter screen.

The screen may become clogged with:

A restricted screen may reduce oil flow to the advance side of the camshaft phaser.

7. Restricted VVT Oil Passages

Oil passages supplying the camshaft phaser may become restricted.

Possible causes include:

A restricted supply passage may prevent enough oil pressure from reaching the phaser.

8. Failed Bank 2 Intake Camshaft Phaser

The camshaft phaser may fail mechanically or hydraulically.

A failed phaser may:

A worn phaser may require more oil pressure than the system can provide.

9. Stretched Timing Chain

A stretched timing chain may cause the camshaft to lag behind the crankshaft.

This makes timing-chain wear a common mechanical cause of over-retarded timing codes.

Common signs include:

P0018 may appear together with P0022 when chain wear becomes severe.

10. Failed Timing-Chain Tensioner

A failed chain tensioner may allow excessive slack.

Possible failures include:

Chain slack may allow the camshaft to remain retarded relative to the crankshaft.

A tensioner that drains down overnight often causes a startup rattle.

11. Worn or Broken Timing Guides

Timing-chain guides keep the chain aligned.

They may:

Broken guide material may fall into the oil pan and restrict the oil pickup, creating both timing and oil-pressure problems.

12. Jumped Timing Chain or Belt

A timing chain or belt may jump one or more teeth.

Possible causes include:

A jumped timing system may cause:

13. Incorrect Mechanical Timing

P0022 may appear after:

Possible mistakes include:

If P0022 appears after engine work, verify mechanical timing before replacing sensors or solenoids.

14. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor

The Bank 2 intake camshaft position sensor may produce incorrect or intermittent data.

Possible sensor problems include:

However, the sensor may be accurately reporting a real timing problem.

Do not replace it based only on P0022.

15. Shifted Camshaft Reluctor Wheel

The camshaft position sensor reads a reluctor or trigger wheel mounted on the camshaft or phaser.

The reluctor may become:

A shifted reluctor may make the camshaft appear retarded even when the mechanical timing is correct.

16. Damaged Wiring or Connectors

Wiring faults may prevent the ECM from controlling the VVT solenoid correctly.

Inspect for:

An electrical fault may also store P0020.

17. Faulty ECM or PCM

ECM failure is uncommon but possible.

A failed ECM driver or control problem may:

Before replacing the ECM, verify:

18. Incorrect Replacement Components

An incorrect replacement component may cause P0022.

Examples include:

A component may physically fit while having different hydraulic or timing characteristics.

Is P0022 an Electrical or Mechanical Code?

P0022 is primarily a camshaft timing-performance code.

It does not directly identify one failed electrical circuit.

The cause may be:

P0022 differs from P0020, which primarily indicates an electrical fault in the Bank 2 intake camshaft actuator circuit.

P0022 means the camshaft’s actual position is more retarded than the ECM expects.

How Serious Is the P0022 Code?

P0022 ranges from moderately serious to severe.

The seriousness depends on the underlying cause.

A dirty VVT solenoid may cause poor performance without immediate engine damage.

A stretched or jumped timing chain can lead to catastrophic failure.

Ignoring P0022 may result in:

The code is especially serious when accompanied by:

Can You Drive With P0022?

Limited driving may be possible if:

Continued driving is not recommended until the cause is identified.

Stop driving immediately if you notice:

A mechanical timing problem may cause major engine damage without much additional warning.

How to Diagnose P0022

Step 1: Scan for Additional Codes

Use an OBD-II scanner to check for related codes.

Common companion codes include:

Record:

Do not clear the codes before saving this information.

Step 2: Confirm Bank 2 and Camshaft A

Use vehicle-specific service information to identify:

Incorrect bank identification can lead to testing or replacing the wrong components.

Step 3: Check the Engine-Oil Level

Check the oil with the vehicle positioned according to manufacturer instructions.

Look for:

Correct the oil level before continuing.

An overfilled engine may aerate the oil and cause unstable VVT operation.

Step 4: Inspect Oil Condition and Viscosity

Determine whether the oil is:

Perform an oil and filter change if necessary.

Use the exact manufacturer-specified viscosity and oil standard.

Step 5: Review Maintenance and Repair History

Determine:

P0022 appearing immediately after a repair often suggests incorrect mechanical timing or an installation problem.

Step 6: Inspect Wiring and Connectors

Inspect the Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid and camshaft-position sensor circuits.

Look for:

Repair electrical faults before condemning mechanical components.

Step 7: Test the Bank 2 Intake VVT Solenoid Electrically

Test the solenoid for:

Compare all readings with manufacturer specifications.

A circuit fault may store P0020 together with P0022.

Step 8: Command the VVT Solenoid With a Scan Tool

Use a bidirectional scan tool when available.

Command the Bank 2 intake camshaft through its operating range.

Monitor:

Possible results include:

Step 9: Remove and Inspect the VVT Solenoid

Remove the Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid according to the service procedure.

Inspect for:

Clean or replace the solenoid as appropriate.

Do not use aggressive cleaning methods that may damage seals or coatings.

Step 10: Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 Solenoids

If the intake VVT solenoids are identical, compare:

Some technicians temporarily swap identical solenoids between banks.

Only do this when:

If the fault moves to Bank 1, the solenoid is likely defective.

Step 11: Monitor Camshaft Position Data

Compare:

If Bank 1 responds normally while Bank 2 remains retarded, suspect a Bank 2-specific problem.

Possible causes include:

Step 12: Check Engine-Oil Pressure

Install a mechanical oil-pressure gauge if low pressure is suspected.

Measure pressure at:

Compare results with factory specifications.

Do not assume oil pressure is normal because the dashboard warning light remains off.

Step 13: Test the Camshaft Position Sensor

Inspect and test the Bank 2 intake camshaft position sensor.

Depending on sensor type, test:

Use an oscilloscope when possible.

A distorted signal may make a correctly positioned camshaft appear retarded.

Step 14: Compare Camshaft and Crankshaft Waveforms

Use an oscilloscope to compare:

Compare the waveform with known-good data.

This may reveal:

Step 15: Inspect the Camshaft Phaser

If the solenoid, wiring and oil pressure are correct, inspect the camshaft phaser.

Possible signs of phaser failure include:

Phaser replacement may require substantial engine disassembly.

Step 16: Verify Mechanical Timing

If scan data or waveform testing suggests a mechanical timing fault, verify timing alignment.

This may require removing:

Position the engine at top dead center and inspect:

Use the required locking tools and manufacturer procedures.

Step 17: Inspect the Reluctor Wheel

If mechanical timing is correct but the code remains, inspect the camshaft reluctor.

Look for:

A shifted reluctor may require replacement of the camshaft or phaser.

Step 18: Check Technical Service Bulletins

Some vehicles have known P0022-related issues involving:

Review manufacturer service information before performing major repairs.

Step 19: Verify the Repair

After completing repairs:

  1. Clear all stored codes.
  2. Start the engine from cold.
  3. Listen for timing-system noise.
  4. Monitor commanded and actual camshaft position.
  5. Command the VVT system with a scan tool.
  6. Check for oil leaks.
  7. Complete the manufacturer’s drive cycle.
  8. Rescan for pending codes.

A successful repair should restore proper Bank 2 intake camshaft control and prevent P0022 from returning.

Common P0022 Repairs and Costs

RepairEstimated cost
Diagnostic inspection$100–$300
Engine oil and filter change$60–$180
Clean VVT solenoid or screen$100–$250
Repair VVT wiring$100–$600
Replace Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid$150–$500
Replace camshaft position sensor$150–$450
Clean restricted oil passages$200–$800
Replace Bank 2 intake camshaft phaser$600–$1,800
Replace timing-belt kit$700–$2,000
Replace timing chain, guides and tensioners$1,200–$4,000
Repair cylinder-head damage$2,500–$6,000+
Replace engine$4,000–$12,000+
ECM software update$100–$300
Replace and program ECM$1,000–$2,500+

Repair costs vary according to:

Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Replacing the Camshaft Position Sensor First

P0022 does not automatically mean the camshaft position sensor has failed.

The sensor may be correctly reporting that the camshaft is over-retarded.

Confusing P0022 With P0020

P0020 is an actuator electrical-circuit code.

P0022 means the actual camshaft timing is more retarded than expected.

Confusing P0022 With P0021

P0021 indicates over-advanced timing.

P0022 indicates over-retarded timing.

Replacing the VVT Solenoid Without Checking the Oil

Dirty, low or incorrect oil can cause the same symptoms as a failed solenoid.

Always inspect the oil first.

Assuming an Oil Change Will Repair Mechanical Wear

Fresh oil may help a sticking solenoid.

It cannot repair:

Confusing Bank 1 and Bank 2

Bank 1 contains cylinder number one.

Bank 2 is the opposite bank.

Testing the wrong bank may lead to unnecessary parts replacement.

Confusing Camshaft A and Camshaft B

Camshaft A usually refers to the intake camshaft.

Camshaft B usually refers to the exhaust camshaft.

Confirm the designation before repairs.

Ignoring Startup Rattle

Startup rattling may indicate:

Ignoring the noise may lead to major engine damage.

Skipping Oil-Pressure Testing

A correct oil level does not guarantee correct pressure.

Low oil pressure can prevent the phaser from advancing.

Failing to Compare Both Banks

Comparing Bank 1 and Bank 2 operation can show whether the fault is localized or system-wide.

Replacing the ECM Too Early

ECM failure is uncommon compared with:

Verify the complete system before replacing the module.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0022

P0022 may appear on OBD-II vehicles equipped with multiple cylinder banks and intake variable valve timing.

Potentially affected manufacturers include:

P0022 is commonly associated with engines using:

The code alone does not prove that a particular model has a known defect.

Diagnosis must be based on the exact:

How to Prevent P0022

Helpful preventive measures include:

Good oil maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent camshaft-timing and VVT problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About P0022

What does code P0022 mean?

P0022 means the Bank 2 intake camshaft is more retarded than commanded or is failing to advance to its requested position.

Is Camshaft A the intake camshaft?

On most engines, yes.

Camshaft A usually refers to the intake camshaft.

Which side is Bank 2?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one.

Its location varies by engine design.

Is P0022 an electrical code?

Not primarily.

P0022 is a camshaft timing-performance code. The underlying cause may still be electrical, hydraulic or mechanical.

What is the difference between P0020 and P0022?

P0020 identifies an electrical fault in the Bank 2 intake camshaft actuator circuit.

P0022 means the Bank 2 intake camshaft is too retarded or not advancing correctly.

What is the difference between P0021 and P0022?

P0021 indicates over-advanced camshaft timing.

P0022 indicates over-retarded camshaft timing.

Can dirty oil cause P0022?

Yes. Dirty oil can clog the VVT solenoid, camshaft phaser or oil passages.

Can low oil cause P0022?

Yes. Low oil may prevent enough hydraulic pressure from reaching the camshaft phaser.

Can the wrong oil viscosity cause P0022?

Yes. Incorrect oil viscosity can slow camshaft-phaser response.

Can a bad VVT solenoid cause P0022?

Yes. A sticking Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid is a common cause.

Can a bad camshaft phaser cause P0022?

Yes. A failed phaser may remain stuck in a retarded position or fail to advance.

Can a stretched timing chain cause P0022?

Yes. Chain wear often causes the camshaft to lag behind the crankshaft.

Can a bad camshaft sensor cause P0022?

Yes, but it is less common than oil, VVT solenoid, phaser or mechanical timing problems.

Test the sensor before replacing it.

Can P0022 cause rough idle?

Yes. Incorrect intake camshaft timing may cause rough idle, misfires and hesitation.

Can P0022 cause poor acceleration?

Yes. A retarded intake camshaft may reduce cylinder filling and low-speed torque.

Can P0022 cause hard starting?

Yes. Incorrect valve timing may cause extended cranking or hard starting.

Can P0022 cause a no-start condition?

Yes, especially if the timing chain or timing belt has jumped significantly.

Can I drive with P0022?

Limited driving may be possible if the engine runs normally and makes no unusual noise.

Prompt diagnosis is recommended because the code may indicate a serious timing-system problem.

Will an oil change fix P0022?

It may help if dirty or incorrect oil is causing a sticking VVT solenoid.

It will not repair a failed phaser, stretched chain, jumped belt or incorrect mechanical timing.

How much does it cost to fix P0022?

An oil service may cost under $200.

A VVT solenoid replacement commonly costs $150 to $500.

Camshaft-phaser or timing-chain repairs may cost $600 to $4,000 or more.

Will clearing P0022 fix the vehicle?

No. Clearing the code only removes the warning temporarily.

The code will return if the camshaft timing problem remains.

Will P0022 fail an emissions test?

Yes. An active Check Engine Light or emissions-related powertrain code will generally cause an OBD-based inspection failure.

Final Thoughts

The P0022 code means the Bank 2 intake camshaft is over-retarded or is failing to follow the ECM’s commanded position.

The most common causes include:

Begin diagnosis by checking the oil level, condition and viscosity. Confirm Bank 2 and Camshaft A before inspecting the VVT solenoid and wiring.

Use a capable scan tool to compare commanded and actual camshaft position. If the camshaft remains retarded, inspect the solenoid, oil passages, oil pressure, camshaft phaser and mechanical timing.

Do not assume P0022 is simply caused by a bad sensor. The code may indicate timing-chain wear or another mechanical problem capable of causing severe engine damage.

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