P0022
A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)P0022 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (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 P0022 means
P0022 — "A" Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2) — is the mirror-image fault to P0021. The ECM has determined that the intake ("A") camshaft on Bank 2 is more retarded than commanded — meaning the cam is lagging behind the ECM's target angle. Bank 2 refers to the engine bank that does not contain cylinder #1. The "A" camshaft is the intake camshaft in standard SAE terminology.
The ECM compares the intake camshaft angle reported by the camshaft position sensor against the desired target derived from crankshaft position. When the intake cam on Bank 2 consistently falls behind the commanded position — particularly when the ECM is trying to advance it for performance or emissions — P0022 is stored. A common mechanical cause is an oil control valve (OCV) solenoid that is stuck in the retarded (or de-energised) position, preventing oil from reaching the phaser's advance chamber. Sludge or low oil pressure can equally prevent the phaser from responding to advance commands.
Symptoms overlap strongly with P0021 but the timing error is in the opposite direction: over-retarded intake timing tends to hurt high-RPM performance more than idle quality, though a hard-retarded cam at idle can also cause rough running. The diagnostic approach is the same as for P0021 — begin with oil condition, then test the OCV solenoid, then evaluate the phaser mechanically.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0022 is logged.
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1
OCV solenoid stuck in the retarded (de-energised) position, blocking oil flow to the phaser advance chamber.
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2
Low engine oil level or pressure preventing the phaser from advancing when commanded.
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3
Dirty or sludgy engine oil fouling the phaser or OCV internals, impeding advance movement.
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4
Faulty VVT actuator (cam phaser) mechanically stuck in the retarded position.
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5
Stretched or worn timing chain introducing extra mechanical retard relative to the crankshaft.
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6
Defective camshaft position sensor providing an artificially retarded reading to the ECM.
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7
Clogged oil galleries in the cylinder head restricting oil flow to the phaser advance circuit.
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8
Incorrect engine oil viscosity (too thick) slowing phaser hydraulic response.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0022
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Connect an OBD-II scanner, read all stored codes and freeze-frame data; check whether Bank 1 camshaft codes (P0012) are also present, which would suggest a system-wide oil or timing chain issue.
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2
Inspect engine oil level and condition; change the oil and filter using the manufacturer-specified viscosity if the oil is overdue, dirty, or of incorrect grade before proceeding with component testing.
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3
Use live data to confirm the Bank 2 intake cam actual angle is genuinely lagging behind the target angle during a drive cycle — especially under conditions where the ECM commands an advance (moderate load, 1,500–3,000 RPM).
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4
Inspect the OCV solenoid wiring and connector for corrosion, loose terminals, or chafing; measure solenoid resistance and compare against specification.
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5
Command the Bank 2 intake OCV to full advance using a bi-directional scanner and observe whether the cam angle moves toward advanced; if the cam remains retarded, suspect a stuck solenoid or seized phaser.
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6
Evaluate timing chain condition — a stretched chain will show as a retarded cam-to-crank relationship that no amount of OCV adjustment can fully correct.
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7
If all hardware tests pass, consult manufacturer TSBs for software updates that may alter OCV duty-cycle calibration for the specific engine variant.
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 P0022 more serious than P0021?
Both codes indicate the VVT system is not operating within limits and carry similar severity. Over-retarded timing (P0022) typically causes greater loss of high-RPM performance and may worsen fuel consumption. Neither should be ignored, but neither is immediately catastrophic in most cases.
What is the most common fix for P0022?
An engine oil and filter change using the correct viscosity resolves the fault in many cases, particularly if the vehicle is overdue for service. The next most common fix is OCV solenoid replacement after confirming it is faulty by resistance and functional testing.
Can P0022 cause a failed emissions test?
Yes. Over-retarded camshaft timing affects combustion efficiency and can increase hydrocarbon and CO emissions, which may cause a failure on tailpipe emissions tests. The active MIL alone will also cause an OBD readiness test failure in many jurisdictions.
How is P0022 different from P0020?
P0020 is a circuit fault — the PCM cannot communicate with the OCV solenoid at all. P0022 is a performance fault — the electrical circuit is intact, but the cam position is not meeting the ECM's commanded target angle. They can share some causes but require different initial diagnostic focus.
Disabling P0022 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0022 — 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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