OBD CodesWhat it means
Many engines can shift the timing of their camshafts while running, using oil pressure steered by a solenoid valve. These codes mean the camshaft is not where the computer commanded, or the solenoid circuit is faulty. Engine oil is the working fluid, so oil condition matters a great deal.
Codes in this group
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P0010 | Intake camshaft timing actuator circuit fault, bank 1 |
| P0011 | Intake camshaft timing too far advanced, bank 1 |
| P0012 | Intake camshaft timing too far retarded, bank 1 |
| P0013 | Exhaust camshaft timing actuator circuit fault, bank 1 |
| P0014 | Exhaust camshaft timing too far advanced, bank 1 |
| P0020 | Intake camshaft timing actuator circuit fault, bank 2 |
| P0021 | Intake camshaft timing too far advanced, bank 2 |
| P0022 | Intake camshaft timing too far retarded, bank 2 |
| P0023 | Exhaust camshaft timing actuator circuit fault, bank 2 |
| P0024 | Exhaust camshaft timing too far advanced, bank 2 |
Bank 1 is the side of the engine that has cylinder 1. Sensor 1 is before the catalytic converter and sensor 2 is after it. More terms explained.
What you may notice
- Rough idle
- Rattle at start-up
- Poor power or fuel economy
- Stalling at low speed
Common causes
Most likely first:
- Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil
- A sticking or blocked oil control solenoid
- A worn timing chain or tensioner
- A failed cam phaser
- Wiring fault to the solenoid
What to check first
- Check the oil level now and top up if low
- If the oil change is overdue, change it with the grade the maker specifies
- A rattle from the timing chain area needs a workshop soon
Have a mechanic confirm. A fault code tells you which system reported a problem, not which part has failed. The same code can have several causes, and they differ between car models. Use this page to understand the code, then have a qualified mechanic test the car before any part is replaced.
After the repair
Once the cause is fixed, the code can be cleared with a scan tool, or the warning light goes out by itself after several trips without the fault. Clearing a code without fixing the cause only hides it for a while. More about clearing codes.
Related codes
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor (P0100), Manifold pressure (MAP) and barometric sensor (P0105), Intake air temperature sensor (P0110), Engine coolant temperature sensor (P0115), Thermostat and engine warm-up (P0125), Throttle position sensor (P0120), Accelerator pedal sensor and throttle agreement (P2120), Electronic throttle actuator (P2100). All codes.
Written in November 2026. These are generic OBD-II codes, the same on all makes. Causes and repair steps differ between models.