P002E
B Camshaft Profile Control Circuit Low Bank 2P002E is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: B Camshaft Profile Control Circuit Low 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 P002E means
P002E is a generic OBD-II powertrain code triggered when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects a low voltage condition in the 'B' camshaft profile control circuit on Bank 2. Bank 2 is the cylinder bank not containing cylinder number 1, and 'B' designates the exhaust camshaft in DOHC configurations.
The camshaft profile control system uses an electronically commanded oil control solenoid (OCS) to hydraulically engage different cam lobe profiles, allowing the engine to switch between economy and performance valve-lift modes. A 'Low' circuit fault indicates the ECM measured a voltage at the control circuit that falls below the lower threshold of the expected operating range, suggesting a short to ground, excessive resistance, a partially failed solenoid, or a degraded ground reference. With the circuit unable to command the solenoid correctly, the camshaft profile may be stuck, resulting in degraded performance or economy. Though not immediately critical, the fault should be addressed promptly to avoid progressive wear on the VVT actuator and timing components.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P002E is logged.
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1
Short to ground in the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft OCS control wire
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2
Defective oil control solenoid with an internally shorted coil (reads below spec resistance)
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3
High resistance or corroded ground connection for the camshaft profile control circuit
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4
Damaged wiring insulation causing the control wire to contact engine ground
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5
Contaminated engine oil causing the solenoid spool to stick, creating abnormal back-EMF
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6
Faulty VVT actuator with internal electrical fault
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7
ECM driver circuit degradation reducing the commanded output voltage (rare)
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P002E
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Scan for all active and pending DTCs; P002E alongside P002D or P002F may indicate a broader circuit problem affecting the Bank 2 cam system
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2
Check engine oil level and condition; sludged oil is a common root cause — change oil and filter with the specified viscosity before proceeding
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3
Back-probe the OCS control wire with a DVOM with ignition on; a voltage reading at or near 0 V when the solenoid is not commanded confirms a short to ground
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4
Unplug the solenoid and recheck the wire voltage — if it rises to normal reference voltage, the solenoid coil is shorted internally; replace the solenoid
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5
If voltage stays low with solenoid unplugged, inspect the wiring harness for chafed insulation or a pinched wire grounding against the engine block
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6
Verify solenoid coil resistance (typically 6–15 Ω depending on manufacturer); a reading significantly below spec indicates an internal short
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7
After repair, clear codes and perform a full drive cycle including idle, light cruise, and wide-open-throttle operation to confirm resolution
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 P002E the same fault as P002D just on a different bank?
Not exactly. P002D describes an open-circuit fault, while P002E is a low-voltage (short-to-ground or high-resistance) condition. Both affect Bank 2's B-camshaft circuit, but their root causes differ: P002D usually means a broken wire or disconnected plug, while P002E typically means a grounded wire or shorted solenoid coil.
Can a bad VVT solenoid cause P002E on its own?
Yes. A solenoid with an internally shorted coil draws excessive current and pulls the control-line voltage down below the ECM's minimum threshold, setting the Low circuit code. Testing solenoid resistance out-of-circuit quickly confirms or rules this out.
Will this code go away on its own?
Only if the fault is intermittent — for example, a connector that makes contact when the engine is cold but loses it when components expand with heat. A persistent P002E will not self-clear and requires active diagnosis and repair.
What oil viscosity should I use to avoid VVT problems?
Always use the manufacturer's specified viscosity (commonly 0W-20, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on the engine). Using a thicker oil than specified increases hydraulic resistance and can prevent the VVT actuator from responding quickly, triggering camshaft position and profile codes.
Disabling P002E in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P002E — 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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