P2B33 code meaning
A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P2Bxx codes Check engine light
What P2B33 means
P2B33 concerns the second profile actuator on the intake camshaft (camshaft A) of bank 1. Such actuators are solenoids that extend a pin into a groove on a sliding cam sleeve and so move lobes of a different lift under the valves. GM uses the code on the 2.7-litre turbo four L3B (Silverado and Sierra 1500 from 2019), whose sliding cam system has four intake and two exhaust actuators; GM calls this one actuator 2. The ECM energises the output and flags an open circuit when it sees 200 kΩ or more between signal and ground in 4 of 5 samples, with supply above 11 V; MIL on the first trip (Type A). With the sleeve unable to move, lift switching and cylinder deactivation stay locked out. Low and High are P2B34 and P2B35.
P2B33 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2B33
- MIL on after the first drive with the fault
- No change of intake lift profile, less pull or higher fuel use depending on the stuck profile
- Cylinder deactivation no longer engages
Common causes of P2B33
- Most likelyConnector at the actuator on the camshaft carrier loose, corroded or not latched after valve cover work
- PossibleSolenoid winding of actuator B open
- PossibleControl wire broken in the engine harness
- Less likelyOutput stage 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
A camshaft profile actuator b b1Wiring harnessECM
What each part of P2B33 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| B | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2B33 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 P2B33
What does P2B33 mean?
P2B33 means "A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit/Open Bank 1". P2B33 concerns the second profile actuator on the intake camshaft (camshaft A) of bank 1. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2B33?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2B33 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2B33 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2B33 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 P2B33 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2B33 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.