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P0022 — Camshaft Position Timing Over Retarded Bank 2

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P0022 indicates that the Bank 2 intake (Camshaft A) variable valve timing phaser is reporting a position more retarded than the engine control module has commanded. It points to a fault in the variable valve timing (VVT) system, not a failed sensor reading. The ECM detects the discrepancy between commanded and actual cam timing and sets the code.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty or clogged Oil Control Valve (OCV/VVT solenoid) on Bank 2

The solenoid that meters oil to the cam phaser sticks, clogs with sludge, or fails electrically, leaving the phaser stuck in the retarded position. Swapping the Bank 1 and Bank 2 solenoids to see if the code follows is a common field check.

2. Low, degraded, or contaminated engine oil

VVT systems depend on clean oil at the correct pressure and viscosity. Old oil or oil that has lost viscosity can prevent the phaser from advancing, causing this code even with good hardware.

3. Worn or sticking camshaft phaser / VVT actuator

Internal wear in the phaser or a stuck check valve traps oil in the retarded position. More common on higher-mileage engines or those with infrequent oil changes.

4. Damaged wiring or connector to the Bank 2 OCV solenoid

Corroded pins, broken wires, or a loose connector can prevent the solenoid from operating, producing the same timing-retarded signal as a failed solenoid.

5. Stretched timing chain or incorrect cam timing

A chain that has elongated or skipped teeth can leave Bank 2 cam timing retarded. Usually accompanied by chain noise and a cam/crank correlation code.

6. Engine control module (PCM/ECM) fault

Genuine PCM failures causing P0022 are rare. The control module should be considered only after the VVT solenoid, oil condition, wiring, and phaser have all been ruled out.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Verify engine oil level and condition; note the last service interval, as oil-related VVT faults are common.
  2. Connect a scan tool capable of reading VVT data and compare commanded versus actual Bank 2 cam timing while varying RPM.
  3. Remove and inspect the Bank 2 OCV/VVT solenoid for sludge or screen clogging; swap it with the Bank 1 unit to see if the code migrates.
  4. Check the OCV solenoid electrical connector and harness for corrosion, bent pins, or open circuits per manufacturer specifications.
  5. Verify engine oil pressure is within spec, since low pressure prevents the phaser from advancing.
  6. If the above check out, perform a cam timing inspection and assess the phaser and timing chain for wear or stretch.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make
Related codesP0020 — Camshaft Position Actuator Control CirP0021 — Camshaft Position Timing Over AdvancP0023 — B Camshaft Position Actuator Control CP0024 — B Camshaft Position Timing Over AdvaP0025 — B Camshaft Position Timing Over RetaP0026 — Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit

Frequently asked

Is it safe to keep driving with P0022?

Short-term driving is usually possible, but performance and fuel economy will suffer, and continued operation with poor VVT operation can increase engine wear. Diagnose and repair promptly.

Can low or old engine oil really set this code?

Yes. The VVT system uses engine oil as its hydraulic fluid. Low oil level, very old oil, or the wrong viscosity can prevent the cam phaser from advancing and trigger P0022, even with a perfectly good solenoid.

Do I need to replace the engine computer (PCM) for P0022?

No. Replacing the PCM for P0022 is almost always the wrong repair. The code is set because the ECM is doing its job and reporting a real mechanical or hydraulic fault in the VVT system. The solenoid, oil condition, wiring, or phaser should be addressed first.

Will clearing the code fix the problem?

Clearing the code only erases the stored fault and will not resolve the underlying VVT issue. The code will return once the ECM again detects the timing discrepancy.