P0020: The engine cannot control intake cam timing on the right side
"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
There is a fault in the bank 2 intake cam timing (VVT) solenoid circuit. Get it checked within a few days. If the engine stalls or idles very rough, stop driving and have it towed.
Stop driving and get help if
- The check engine light is flashing
- The temperature gauge runs high, or you see steam (overheating)
- The car loses power, hesitates badly or stalls
- You smell burning or see smoke
- A brake warning light comes on, or the brakes feel different
Pull over as soon as you can, turn the engine off, and call a tow or roadside help.
What it means
P0020 is the bank 2 mirror of P0010. On a V6 or V8, bank 2 is the side that does not contain cylinder 1. The intake camshaft actuator solenoid on that side has an open or short in its circuit, or the solenoid itself has failed. The engine falls back to fixed cam timing, which hurts responsiveness and economy. Diagnosis and repair steps are identical to P0010: check oil, inspect the connector, test and replace the solenoid.
Common causes
- Clogged or failed VVT solenoid on bank 2 intake camIdentical failure mode as bank 1. Sludge blocks oil flow through the solenoid.
- Low or dirty engine oilVVT relies on oil pressure. A single oil condition problem can trigger codes on both banks.
- Wiring or connector fault at the bank 2 solenoidThe bank 2 solenoid wiring runs a longer path on some engines and is more prone to chafing.
- Worn bank 2 intake cam phaserHigh-mileage phasers can fail independently on each bank.
What the fix could involve
From the cheaper fix to the bigger one. Prices depend on your car, your area and the shop, so ask for a written quote that names the part and the labor before you approve it.
- VVT solenoid replacement
- Wiring repair
- Camshaft phaser replacement
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Reduced power on acceleration
- Worse fuel economy
- Hard cold start
What to do next
If you see both P0020 and P0010 at the same time, start with oil condition. A single bad oil change can throw codes on both banks. If only P0020 is set, the issue is isolated to the bank 2 solenoid or its wiring. Replace the solenoid first. Access to bank 2 varies by engine layout: on some transverse V6 engines it is buried and may take more labor than bank 1.
Lewis reads P0020 alongside any Bank 1 cam timing codes, so you can see whether both sides are affected or only Bank 2. Get Lewis on the App Store or Google Play.
Related codes
FAQ
- How do I know which bank is bank 2?
- Bank 1 is the side containing cylinder 1 (check your owner's manual for location). Bank 2 is the other side. On most inline engines there is only one bank, so P0020 usually applies to V6 and V8 engines.
- Can P0010 and P0020 appear at the same time?
- Yes, and when they do, dirty or low oil is usually the culprit affecting both solenoids simultaneously. Fix the oil first, then see which code stays.
- Is the repair the same as for P0010?
- The procedure is identical, just on the opposite bank. Parts cost the same. Labor may be higher if bank 2 is less accessible on your specific engine.
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