"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
Code P0022 means the PCM has detected that the Bank 2 "A" camshaft (intake cam) is over-retarded — the cam timing has moved further in the retard direction than commanded, or the system cannot advance it. This is the Bank 2 counterpart to P0012. All diagnosis and repair focuses on the Bank 2 intake cam, its solenoid, and phaser.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle especially when cold
- Poor throttle response
- Hard starting
- Stalling at idle or low RPM
- Poor fuel economy
Most Common Causes
- 1
Low or dirty engine oil
Insufficient oil pressure prevents the Bank 2 intake phaser from advancing, leaving the cam over-retarded.
- 2
Stuck or clogged Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid
A solenoid that cannot open blocks oil from reaching the phaser advance chamber.
- 3
Worn Bank 2 intake cam phaser
Internal wear causes oil to bleed from the advance chamber, allowing the cam to fall back retarded.
- 4
Stretched timing chain (Bank 2)
Chain stretch causes the Bank 2 intake cam to lag behind commanded position.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Low or dirty engine oil — Insufficient oil pressure prevents the Bank 2 intake phaser from advancing, leaving the cam over-retarded.
- 2
Check Stuck or clogged Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid — A solenoid that cannot open blocks oil from reaching the phaser advance chamber.
- 3
Check Worn Bank 2 intake cam phaser — Internal wear causes oil to bleed from the advance chamber, allowing the cam to fall back retarded.
- 4
Check Stretched timing chain (Bank 2) — Chain stretch causes the Bank 2 intake cam to lag behind commanded position.
How to Fix It
- 1
Change engine oil and filter
Fresh oil restores hydraulic pressure needed to advance the phaser.
- 2
Inspect Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid and screen
Clean or replace the solenoid if clogged or electrically faulty.
- 3
Monitor Bank 2 intake cam timing live data
Confirm the cam lags behind commanded timing with a scan tool.
- 4
Replace Bank 2 intake cam phaser
Replace with OEM-quality parts if phaser is internally worn.
- 5
Inspect Bank 2 timing chain for stretch
Check chain and tensioner if phaser and solenoid are confirmed good.
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