Engine oil level too low, or oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's requirements (RepairPal). Failed camshaft variable timing solenoid, for example stuck open (both sources). Variable valve timing actuator failure, or continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber (RepairPal; OBD-Codes.com). Incorrect camshaft timing or a worn timing chain (both sources). Wiring problems in the timing control solenoid circuit (OBD-Codes.com).

Change the engine oil and filter with the correct oil specification (RepairPal's listed common repair). Clean or replace a sticking bank 2 exhaust cam timing solenoid, or replace a failed VVT actuator (both sources). Correct the cam timing or replace a worn timing chain and related parts (both sources). Repair damaged solenoid circuit wiring (OBD-Codes.com).

P0025🔧 Engine / variable valve timingStop and fix promptly

P0025: "B" Camshaft Timing Over-Retarded, Bank 2 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0025 mean?

P0025 means the engine computer has found that the 'B' camshaft (usually the exhaust cam) on bank 2 is more retarded than it should be, or not in the proper position relative to the crankshaft. Common causes are low or incorrect engine oil, a stuck variable valve timing solenoid or failed actuator, and incorrect cam timing such as a worn timing chain. 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) compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft signal to check that the cam is where it commanded. OBD-Codes.com says P0025 sets when the cam timing is over-retarded, and that it is nearly identical to P0022 (the same fault on the 'A' camshaft). RepairPal describes it more broadly: the PCM sets P0025 when the camshaft is not in the proper position relative to the crankshaft, and its title for the code leaves out the bank. The 'B' camshaft is the exhaust, right or rear camshaft, and bank 2 is the side of a V6 or V8 engine that does not contain cylinder 1, so inline engines don't set P0025. P0024 is the over-advanced version of the same camshaft. The sources weigh the causes differently: RepairPal puts low or incorrect engine oil and a worn timing chain on its list, while OBD-Codes.com doesn't mention oil level at all and focuses on a sticking VCT solenoid from contamination. OBD-Codes.com also lists wiring in the 'intake' timing control solenoid system as a cause, even though the 'B' camshaft is normally the exhaust cam. In practice, check the wiring for the bank 2 exhaust cam solenoid on your engine.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0025?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0025 Urgent, meaning it can lead to significant problems and should be checked right away. OBD-Codes.com gives no formal rating but says the code most likely brings hard starting, poor idle and/or stalling. Because the timing system runs on engine oil, check that the oil is full and the right grade before driving far.

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0025 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) compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft signal to check that the cam is where it commanded. OBD-Codes.com says P0025 sets when the cam timing is over-retarded, and that it is nearly identical to P0022 (the same fault on the 'A' camshaft). RepairPal describes it more broadly: the PCM sets P0025 when the camshaft is not in the proper position relative to the crankshaft, and its title for the code leaves out the bank. The 'B' camshaft is the exhaust, right or rear camshaft, and bank 2 is the side of a V6 or V8 engine that does not contain cylinder 1, so inline engines don't set P0025. P0024 is the over-advanced version of the same camshaft. The sources weigh the causes differently: RepairPal puts low or incorrect engine oil and a worn timing chain on its list, while OBD-Codes.com doesn't mention oil level at all and focuses on a sticking VCT solenoid from contamination. OBD-Codes.com also lists wiring in the 'intake' timing control solenoid system as a cause, even though the 'B' camshaft is normally the exhaust cam. In practice, check the wiring for the bank 2 exhaust cam solenoid on your engine.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0025 Urgent, meaning it can lead to significant problems and should be checked right away. OBD-Codes.com gives no formal rating but says the code most likely brings hard starting, poor idle and/or stalling. Because the timing system runs on engine oil, check that the oil is full and the right grade before driving far.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Hard starting (OBD-Codes.com)
Poor idle (OBD-Codes.com)
Stalling (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.

Engine oil level too low, or oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's requirements (RepairPal)
Failed camshaft variable timing solenoid, for example stuck open (both sources)
Variable valve timing actuator failure, or continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber (RepairPal; OBD-Codes.com)
Incorrect camshaft timing or a worn timing chain (both sources)
Wiring problems in the timing control solenoid circuit (OBD-Codes.com)

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 P0025 shows up with other cam timing codes such as P0022, P0024, P0015 or P0018, note them all before replacing parts, since several banks or cams at once point toward oil or the timing chain.
Check the engine oil level and condition and confirm it is the grade the manufacturer specifies. RepairPal lists low or incorrect oil as causes and an oil and filter change as the common repair.
Inspect the bank 2 exhaust cam VVT/VCT solenoid connector and wiring for damage, oil in the connector or loose pins.
Clear the code after any oil service and see whether it returns before buying parts.

Typical fixes

Change the engine oil and filter with the correct oil specification (RepairPal's listed common repair)
Clean or replace a sticking bank 2 exhaust cam timing solenoid, or replace a failed VVT actuator (both sources)
Correct the cam timing or replace a worn timing chain and related parts (both sources)
Repair damaged solenoid circuit wiring (OBD-Codes.com)

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 oil is correct and full but the code keeps coming back
The VCT unit needs component tests from the vehicle-specific repair manual or with a scan tool, which OBD-Codes.com says dealer techs can do
The engine rattles at startup, runs badly or stalls
Cam timing or the timing chain needs to be checked, which usually means opening up the front of the engine

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 P0025?

Only gently and get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0025 Urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says it can cause hard starting, poor idle or stalling.

Can an oil change fix P0025?

Sometimes. RepairPal lists low oil and oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's spec as causes and an oil and filter change as the common repair, because the timing system runs on oil pressure. If the code returns, the solenoid, actuator or timing chain need checking.

What's the difference between P0025 and P0022?

They cover different camshafts on the same side of the engine. OBD-Codes.com says P0025 is nearly identical to P0022; P0025 is for camshaft 'B' (usually exhaust) and P0022 is for camshaft 'A' (usually intake).

What's the difference between P0025 and P0015?

Both are over-retarded timing codes for the 'B' camshaft. P0015 is for bank 1, the side with cylinder 1, and P0025 is for bank 2, the other side of a V engine.

How much does it cost to fix P0025?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0025. It ranges from an oil change to a new timing solenoid or a timing chain job, so get it diagnosed first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.