P0020
A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)P0020 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2). It is logged by the engine control unit when the ckp/cmp monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0020 means
P0020 — "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit / Open (Bank 2) — is an electrical fault code, not a timing-deviation code. The PCM has detected that the voltage in the variable valve timing control circuit for the Bank 2 intake ("A") camshaft has fallen outside the manufacturer's specified range for a calibrated period of time. Bank 2 is the engine bank that does not contain cylinder #1.
Unlike P0021 or P0022 which indicate the camshaft is physically out of position, P0020 means the PCM cannot properly command the oil control valve (OCV) solenoid at all — due to an open circuit, short to ground, short to voltage, or a failed solenoid winding. Because the OCV receives a pulsed signal (PWM duty cycle) from the PCM, the module continuously monitors the return voltage; any persistent deviation triggers this code.
The consequence is that the intake camshaft on Bank 2 will default to its fixed base timing position (usually fully retarded) and cannot be advanced by the VVT system, resulting in degraded low-end torque, rough idle, and increased fuel consumption. On engines with continuously variable valve lift or dual-independent VVT, the performance impact is more pronounced. Wiring faults and solenoid failures are the most common causes; PCM hardware failure is rare but possible.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0020 is logged.
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1
Open circuit in the wiring harness between the PCM and the Bank 2 intake OCV solenoid.
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2
Short to ground or short to battery voltage in the VVT control circuit.
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3
Failed or internally open oil control valve (OCV) solenoid on Bank 2 intake cam.
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4
Corroded, loose, or damaged connector at the OCV solenoid.
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5
Faulty PCM output driver for the Bank 2 VVT circuit (rare, diagnose last).
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6
Low engine oil level or oil contamination that has also damaged the solenoid internally.
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7
PCM software fault requiring an update (verify with manufacturer TSBs).
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0020
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Connect an OBD-II scanner, record all stored codes, freeze-frame data, and any related codes (such as P0010 or P0011) that may indicate whether additional banks or camshafts are affected.
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2
Visually inspect the wiring harness routing to the Bank 2 intake OCV solenoid for chafing, heat damage, or pinched sections, and check the connector for corrosion or pushed-back terminals.
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3
Measure the resistance across the OCV solenoid terminals with a multimeter and compare against the manufacturer specification — an open reading (infinite resistance) confirms a failed solenoid winding.
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4
Check for power supply voltage and ground integrity at the solenoid connector with the ignition on, verifying that the PCM side of the circuit is providing the correct reference voltage.
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5
Perform a continuity test on the signal wire from the PCM connector pin to the solenoid connector pin to identify any open or high-resistance section of the harness.
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6
If wiring and solenoid test satisfactorily, check for PCM software updates or known TSBs for the specific vehicle, then — as a final step — test the PCM driver output with an oscilloscope.
Related powertrain codes
- P000A — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000B — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000C — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P000D — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P0010 — A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0011 — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Frequently asked questions
Is P0020 a serious code?
It causes the VVT system to stop functioning on Bank 2's intake cam, which noticeably affects performance and fuel economy. It will not immediately damage the engine in most cases, but the underlying wiring or solenoid fault should be repaired without significant delay.
How does P0020 differ from P0021 or P0022?
P0020 is a circuit-level (electrical) fault — the PCM cannot send a valid command to the OCV solenoid. P0021 and P0022 are performance faults — the circuit works but the camshaft ends up in the wrong position. Both types can involve the same Bank 2 intake camshaft.
Can a bad ground cause P0020?
Yes. A poor chassis ground or a corroded ground pin in the OCV connector can create a voltage reading outside the PCM's expected range, triggering P0020 even if the solenoid itself is in good condition.
Will replacing the OCV solenoid always fix P0020?
Only if the solenoid is confirmed faulty by resistance testing. A significant proportion of P0020 cases are caused by wiring faults rather than solenoid failure. Replacing the solenoid without testing the circuit first risks an unnecessary repair.
Disabling P0020 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0020 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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