Faulty oil control valve (OCV), the VVT solenoid valve (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists variable valve timing actuator failure). Open or short in the VVT/VCT circuit wiring (both sources). Open or short inside the oil control valve or solenoid itself (OBD-Codes.com). Failed or damaged engine computer (PCM) (both sources).

Repair damaged VVT/VCT circuit wiring or connectors (both sources). Replace a faulty bank 2 oil control valve, VVT solenoid or camshaft actuator (both sources). Change the engine oil and filter with the correct oil specification (RepairPal's listed common repair). Replace or reprogram the engine computer only after the wiring and valve have been ruled out (both sources list PCM failure).

P0020🔧 Engine / variable valve timingStop and fix promptly

P0020: "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit, Bank 2 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0020 mean?

P0020 means the engine computer has found a problem in the electrical circuit that controls the variable valve timing actuator for the camshaft on bank 2, the side of the engine without cylinder 1. Common causes are a faulty oil control valve (the VVT solenoid), an open or short in its wiring, or, less often, a failed engine computer. Many modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT, also called VCT) to shift the camshaft for better power and efficiency. The engine computer (PCM/ECM) does this with an oil control valve (OCV), also called a solenoid valve, that directs engine oil pressure to a camshaft actuator. OBD-Codes.com says P0020 sets when the voltage in that actuator circuit falls below a set limit for a set amount of time, which varies by make, model and engine, and that bank 2 is the side of the engine that doesn't contain cylinder 1. RepairPal names the code '"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open' and describes the trigger more broadly: the camshaft does not respond the way the PCM requests. The sources also differ on the camshaft letter: OBD-Codes.com's headline calls it the "B" camshaft, but its own note says P0020 is nearly identical to P0010 (the "A" camshaft, bank 1 code), and RepairPal calls it the "A" camshaft, which is generally the intake, left or front camshaft. P0010 is the bank 1 version, and P0021 and P0022 are timing over-advanced and over-retarded codes for the same bank 2 camshaft.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0020?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0020 Urgent, meaning it can lead to significant problems and should be checked right away. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating and lists only the check engine light and rough running as typical symptoms, so the two sources disagree on how serious it usually is. Either way, cam timing that the engine computer can't control can hurt power and fuel economy, and RepairPal's only listed common repair is an oil and filter change, which is cheap to rule out first.

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0020 means

Many modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT, also called VCT) to shift the camshaft for better power and efficiency. The engine computer (PCM/ECM) does this with an oil control valve (OCV), also called a solenoid valve, that directs engine oil pressure to a camshaft actuator. OBD-Codes.com says P0020 sets when the voltage in that actuator circuit falls below a set limit for a set amount of time, which varies by make, model and engine, and that bank 2 is the side of the engine that doesn't contain cylinder 1. RepairPal names the code '"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open' and describes the trigger more broadly: the camshaft does not respond the way the PCM requests. The sources also differ on the camshaft letter: OBD-Codes.com's headline calls it the "B" camshaft, but its own note says P0020 is nearly identical to P0010 (the "A" camshaft, bank 1 code), and RepairPal calls it the "A" camshaft, which is generally the intake, left or front camshaft. P0010 is the bank 1 version, and P0021 and P0022 are timing over-advanced and over-retarded codes for the same bank 2 camshaft.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0020 Urgent, meaning it can lead to significant problems and should be checked right away. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating and lists only the check engine light and rough running as typical symptoms, so the two sources disagree on how serious it usually is. Either way, cam timing that the engine computer can't control can hurt power and fuel economy, and RepairPal's only listed common repair is an oil and filter change, which is cheap to rule out first.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Rough running (OBD-Codes.com)
Decreased engine performance (RepairPal)
Increased fuel consumption (RepairPal)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Faulty oil control valve (OCV), the VVT solenoid valve (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists variable valve timing actuator failure)
Open or short in the VVT/VCT circuit wiring (both sources)
Open or short inside the oil control valve or solenoid itself (OBD-Codes.com)
Failed or damaged engine computer (PCM) (both sources)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data. If P0020 shows up with P0010, P0021 or P0022, or with cam, crank or misfire codes, note them all before replacing parts.
Check the engine oil level and condition. RepairPal lists an oil and filter change as the common repair for P0020, and VVT systems run on engine oil pressure.
Carefully inspect the bank 2 VVT/VCT wiring and connectors, especially at the oil control valve, for damage, corrosion, oil in the connector or loose pins, and repair as needed (OBD-Codes.com).
With the engine warm, test the oil control valve's operation, as OBD-Codes.com recommends, and replace or repair it if it fails.

Typical fixes

Repair damaged VVT/VCT circuit wiring or connectors (both sources)
Replace a faulty bank 2 oil control valve, VVT solenoid or camshaft actuator (both sources)
Change the engine oil and filter with the correct oil specification (RepairPal's listed common repair)
Replace or reprogram the engine computer only after the wiring and valve have been ruled out (both sources list PCM failure)

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

The wiring and oil control valve check out but the code keeps coming back
You need the solenoid circuit tested for voltage, resistance and the computer's control signal with a meter or scope
The engine is running badly, rattling or stalling
Several cam or crank codes are set together, which can point to timing chain or mechanical problems

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0020?

Only gently and get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0020 Urgent, while OBD-Codes.com gives no rating and lists rough running as the main symptom besides the check engine light.

Which side of the engine is bank 2?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that doesn't contain cylinder 1, according to OBD-Codes.com. Check a service manual for where cylinder 1 is on your engine.

Is P0020 a bad VVT solenoid?

Often. OBD-Codes.com lists a faulty oil control valve first, but it is a circuit code, so check the wiring and connector at the bank 2 valve before replacing parts.

What's the difference between P0010 and P0020?

They describe the same camshaft actuator circuit fault on opposite sides of the engine. P0010 is bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1) and P0020 is bank 2. OBD-Codes.com calls the two codes nearly identical.

How much does it cost to fix P0020?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0020. It depends on whether the fix is an oil change, a wiring repair, a new oil control valve or, rarely, the engine computer, so get it diagnosed first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.