P0024
B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)P0024 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (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 P0024 means
P0024 — "B" Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2) — is stored when the ECM determines that the exhaust ("B") camshaft on Bank 2 is more advanced than the commanded position, or that the Bank 2 exhaust VVT system cannot achieve acceptable performance. Bank 2 is the engine side not containing cylinder #1, and the "B" camshaft is the exhaust camshaft — the counterpart to the "A" (intake) cam covered by P0021 on the same bank.
On engines equipped with dual-independent variable valve timing (DIVT or twin-VVT), both the intake and exhaust camshafts are independently phased. The exhaust cam is typically advanced at mid-RPM to improve scavenging and retarded at idle and low load to maintain stable combustion. The ECM monitors the exhaust cam angle via its dedicated position sensor and compares it against the target angle; when the cam consistently runs ahead of the commanded position, P0024 is stored alongside the MIL.
The most frequent triggers are a faulty exhaust OCV solenoid stuck open, low or degraded engine oil preventing the phaser from returning from the advanced position, or a worn timing chain. Using an engine oil viscosity heavier than specified is a known trigger on some VAG and BMW applications. P0024 may appear alongside P0014 (Bank 1 exhaust over-advanced) on engines where both banks share the same oil and timing chain wear patterns.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0024 is logged.
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1
Exhaust OCV solenoid on Bank 2 stuck in the open (advance) position.
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2
Low engine oil level or oil pressure insufficient to allow the phaser to return from the advanced position.
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3
Dirty, degraded, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil impairing phaser hydraulic response.
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4
Worn or mechanically stuck Bank 2 exhaust cam phaser (VVT actuator).
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5
Stretched or worn timing chain shifting exhaust cam timing toward advance.
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6
Clogged oil galleries preventing return oil flow from the phaser retard chamber.
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7
Faulty Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position sensor reporting a falsely advanced angle to the ECM.
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8
Damaged wiring or corroded connector at the Bank 2 exhaust OCV solenoid.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0024
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Connect an OBD-II scanner, record all codes and freeze-frame data; note any companion codes such as P0014 (Bank 1 exhaust over-advanced) or P0021 (Bank 2 intake over-advanced) that would indicate a broader oil or chain issue.
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2
Check engine oil level and condition; verify the oil viscosity matches the manufacturer specification exactly — many P0024 faults on European vehicles are directly linked to using heavier-than-specified oil.
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3
Review live data to confirm that the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actual angle is running ahead of the commanded target at idle and during a 2,000 RPM sweep.
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4
Inspect the wiring harness and connector at the Bank 2 exhaust OCV solenoid for corrosion, heat damage, or loose terminals; measure solenoid resistance and compare to the manufacturer specification.
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5
Use a bi-directional scanner to command the Bank 2 exhaust OCV solenoid to maximum retard and observe whether the cam angle moves toward retard; if the cam stays advanced, suspect a stuck solenoid or mechanically bound phaser.
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6
Inspect the timing chain for wear or stretch, particularly on high-mileage engines, as a slack chain can contribute several degrees of apparent exhaust cam advance that solenoid replacement alone will not correct.
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7
If wiring, solenoid, and chain all test satisfactorily, check for applicable manufacturer TSBs covering VVT calibration updates or phaser design revisions.
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
How is P0024 different from P0021?
Both codes relate to Bank 2 and describe an over-advanced camshaft, but they affect different camshafts. P0021 covers the "A" (intake) camshaft; P0024 covers the "B" (exhaust) camshaft. On engines with dual VVT, both can be set simultaneously if there is a systemic fault such as low oil pressure or a worn timing chain.
Can the wrong engine oil cause P0024?
Yes, and this is a documented cause on several BMW and Audi/VW applications. Using an oil that is heavier than specified (e.g., 10W-40 instead of 5W-30) increases hydraulic resistance in the phaser, making it harder for the system to retard the cam from an advanced position.
Will P0024 cause limp mode?
Some vehicles will enter a limited-performance or limp mode if the exhaust cam timing deviation exceeds a threshold, particularly at high load. Others store the code but allow normal driving. Behaviour is manufacturer-specific; consult your vehicle's service documentation.
Is it safe to drive with P0024?
Brief driving to a workshop is generally acceptable, but the fault should be diagnosed promptly. A cam phaser stuck in the fully advanced position can cause combustion instability and, on interference engines, increases the theoretical risk of valve contact if a sudden timing event occurs.
Disabling P0024 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0024 — 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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