"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
Code P0020 means the PCM has detected an electrical fault — open, short to ground, or short to voltage — in the "A" camshaft position actuator circuit on Bank 2. This is the Bank 2 intake cam electrical equivalent of P0010. The PCM cannot properly control the Bank 2 intake cam VVT solenoid. Common causes are a failed oil control valve solenoid, damaged wiring, or a corroded connector on Bank 2.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or engine vibration
- Reduced power, especially at low RPM
- Poor fuel economy
- Cold-start stumble on Bank 2 side
Most Common Causes
- 1
Faulty Bank 2 intake cam OCV solenoid
The oil control valve has failed internally with an open or shorted coil. Test resistance — typical spec is 6–12 ohms. Replace if outside spec.
- 2
Open or short in Bank 2 intake OCV wiring harness
A broken wire or harness short between the PCM and Bank 2 intake solenoid causes the PCM to detect a circuit fault. Inspect the harness near the Bank 2 valve cover.
- 3
Corroded Bank 2 intake OCV connector
Moisture and heat degrade the connector. Clean and inspect before replacing the solenoid.
- 4
Low or dirty engine oil
Sludge clogs the solenoid screen and can cause excessive current draw. Change oil when replacing any VVT solenoid.
- 5
PCM output driver failure
Rare. The PCM internal driver for Bank 2 intake cam has failed. Rule out all other causes first.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Faulty Bank 2 intake cam OCV solenoid — The oil control valve has failed internally with an open or shorted coil. Test resistance — typical spec is 6–12 ohms. Replace if outside spec.
- 2
Check Open or short in Bank 2 intake OCV wiring harness — A broken wire or harness short between the PCM and Bank 2 intake solenoid causes the PCM to detect a circuit fault. Inspect the harness near the Bank 2 valve cover.
- 3
Check Corroded Bank 2 intake OCV connector — Moisture and heat degrade the connector. Clean and inspect before replacing the solenoid.
- 4
Check Low or dirty engine oil — Sludge clogs the solenoid screen and can cause excessive current draw. Change oil when replacing any VVT solenoid.
- 5
Check PCM output driver failure — Rare. The PCM internal driver for Bank 2 intake cam has failed. Rule out all other causes first.
How to Fix It
- 1
Change engine oil and filter
Always start with fresh oil before replacing a VVT solenoid to prevent repeat failure.
- 2
Inspect Bank 2 intake OCV connector and wiring
Check for corrosion at the connector and damage in the harness near the Bank 2 valve cover.
- 3
Test solenoid resistance
Disconnect and measure resistance. Replace if open, shorted, or outside spec.
- 4
Replace Bank 2 intake cam OCV solenoid
Install an OEM or quality replacement. Clean the solenoid bore and torque to spec.
- 5
Clear and verify with scanner
Clear DTCs and monitor Bank 2 intake cam actuator operation to confirm normal circuit function.
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