P0020 code meaning
"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0020 means
The engine control module drives the oil control valve (a pulse-width modulated solenoid) of the variable valve timing on the intake camshaft on bank 2. It checks the electrical state of this output and sets the code when the circuit is open, or when the measured state does not match the command, for example because of a short. Camshaft adjustment is then disabled and the phaser stays in its locked rest position: the engine keeps running, but with less torque and higher consumption. Bank 2 exists only on V and boxer engines; it is the cylinder bank without cylinder 1.
P0020 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0020
- Check engine light on
- Less pulling power at low and medium engine speed
- Rough idle in some engines
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
Common causes of P0020
- Most likelySolenoid coil of the oil control valve open or shorted
- Most likelyConnector corroded, loose or soaked with engine oil wicking through the valve
- PossibleWiring harness chafed through or broken
- PossibleSupply voltage missing, e.g. blown fuse
- Less likelyOutput driver in the engine control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oil control valve intake bank2Oil control valve wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0020 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0020 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0020
What does P0020 mean?
P0020 means ""A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)". The engine control module drives the oil control valve (a pulse-width modulated solenoid) of the variable valve timing on the intake camshaft on bank 2. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0020?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0020 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0020 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0020 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0020 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0020 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.