P0022 — "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

P0022 — "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). A fault in the camshaft position and variable valve timing. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Typical causes: worn cam phaser, low or dirty engine oil affecting VVT, worn timing chain/belt or jumped timing.

powertrain (engine/transmission)

Is it safe to drive?

Caution - diagnose P0022 promptly P0022 generally calls for prompt diagnosis rather than immediate roadside repair. A short, gentle trip to a shop is usually reasonable if the engine runs normally and oil pressure is adequate. Stop driving and arrange towing if there is knocking, an oil-pressure warning, severe rough running, or a significant loss of power.

Typical symptoms

  • P0022 stored in the powertrain control module, often with the check engine light illuminated.
  • Engine hesitation or stumble during acceleration.
  • Rough or uneven idle, especially when the engine is cold.
  • Reduced engine power or operation in a fail-safe mode.
  • Unusual ticking, clicking, or whirring near the bank 2 camshaft timing components.
  • Increased fuel consumption or elevated fuel-trim readings.

Common causes

  • Low, degraded, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil restricting oil flow to the bank 2 variable valve timing system.
  • A stuck, clogged, or failed bank 2 VVT oil control valve or occluder that cannot meter oil to the designated "A" camshaft phaser.
  • A worn, binding, or seized bank 2 camshaft phaser or actuator that cannot advance the "A" camshaft as commanded.
  • A faulty "A" camshaft position sensor, damaged reluctor, or contaminated connector or wiring on bank 2.
  • A stretched timing chain, worn guides or tensioner, or another cam-to-crank timing correlation fault affecting bank 2.
  • Incorrect camshaft timing following a previous repair, including a missing or improperly installed timing component.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

  1. Confirm P0022 with scan data Connect an ELM327 adapter with a capable OBD application, or use AIScanAuto, and record whether P0022 is stored, pending, or permanent. Save freeze-frame data for engine speed, load, coolant temperature, and fuel trim. If live cam-timing data is available, compare the commanded and actual "A" camshaft position on bank 2.
  2. Check the engine oil first With the engine off and on level ground, inspect the oil level and condition. Confirm that the oil meets the required viscosity and specification. Low pressure or contaminated oil can prevent the bank 2 VVT mechanism from moving the camshaft correctly, so correct any oil-level or oil-condition problem before replacing parts.
  3. Inspect the bank 2 VVT oil control hardware Remove the oil filler cap and, where accessible, the valve cover. Look for thick sludge, metallic debris, or damaged VVT components. Inspect the bank 2 oil control valve, occluder, oil feed, and drain passages for blockage or physical damage.
  4. Test the camshaft sensor circuit Inspect the wiring, terminals, and connector for the bank 2 "A" camshaft position sensor. Check the reluctor wheel and surrounding area for damage or oil contamination. Do not assume the sensor is faulty merely because P0022 is present; compare its signal and the commanded-versus-actual cam timing with scan data.
  5. Verify mechanical cam timing If the timing deviation remains, follow the manufacturer diagnostic procedure for cam-to-crank correlation. Inspect the chain, guides, tensioner, and phaser for wear. If the chain has skipped, stretched, or installed incorrectly, mechanical timing service may be required rather than a sensor or control-valve replacement.
  6. Repair, relearn, and verify Correct the oil, control valve, sensor circuit, or mechanical timing fault identified by the diagnosis. Perform any required camshaft timing relearn, clear the stored and pending codes, then road-test while monitoring P0022 and live timing data. A successful repair should show the bank 2 camshaft following commanded timing without the code returning.

Approximate repair cost

Typical independent-shop estimates in the United States are USD 100-250 for diagnosis, USD 50-150 for an oil and filter service, USD 180-650 for a VVT control valve or camshaft sensor repair, and USD 900-2,500 for mechanical cam phaser, chain, or complete timing work. These figures are estimates and vary by region, vehicle, and labor complexity.

Common questions

What does P0022 actually mean?

P0022 means the control module detected the designated bank 2 "A" camshaft rotating farther out of phase, or more retarded, than the commanded timing permits.

Can I continue driving with P0022?

Limited driving may be acceptable if the engine runs smoothly and oil pressure is normal, but P0022 should be diagnosed promptly. Stop driving if knocking, severe misfire, warning lights, or major power loss occurs.

Does P0022 always mean the camshaft sensor needs replacement?

No. The sensor is only one possibility. Low or degraded oil, a blocked VVT control valve, a seized phaser, wiring damage, or incorrect mechanical timing can also produce P0022.

Will clearing the P0022 code fix the problem?

Clearing P0022 only erases the stored information; it does not correct the timing fault. The underlying cause must be repaired, after which the code can be cleared and a relearn completed when required.

When your scan tool displays P0022, the engine's control unit is flagging a problem with the camshaft timing on the opposite side of the engine from cylinder one. The official definition reads "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2), and it falls under the powertrain category of diagnostic trouble codes. This is not a code you want to ignore, as it points directly at the variable valve timing system — a critical component that governs how your engine breathes.

Modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize performance across the entire RPM range. The engine control module commands the camshaft phaser to advance or retard the timing based on throttle position, engine load, and RPM. When this system is working correctly, you get better torque at low speeds and more power up top. The module continuously watches the actual camshaft position against the commanded position through the camshaft position sensor. If the actual timing lags too far behind what the computer expects, P0022 triggers after the condition persists for a set number of drive cycles. The stored freeze frame data captures the exact engine conditions — RPM, load, temperature, and vehicle speed — at the moment of failure, giving you a precise starting point for tracking down the root cause.

Common Symptoms of P0022

  • The Check Engine light illuminates on the dashboard
  • Engine cranks longer than normal before starting, or fails to start altogether
  • Noticeable reduction in engine power during acceleration
  • In extreme cases, the engine may not start at all
  • Fuel economy drops noticeably compared to normal driving

What Causes P0022?

  • Faulty or damaged wiring and connectors feeding the camshaft position sensor
  • Worn or failing camshaft phaser that can no longer hold its commanded position
  • Insufficient or contaminated engine oil disrupting VVT operation
  • Stretched timing chain, worn belt, or jumped timing marks
  • Defective camshaft position sensor sending incorrect data to the ECU
  • Stuck or clogged VVT oil control valve preventing proper hydraulic actuation

How to Diagnose P0022

  1. Plug in an OBD2 scanner and verify that P0022 is the stored code. Record the freeze frame data — this snapshot shows exactly what the engine was doing when the fault occurred and is invaluable for recreating the failure condition.
  2. Look for any related diagnostic trouble codes. Secondary codes often point directly to the failing component. Also search manufacturer technical service bulletins for your vehicle — many VVT-related faults have published fixes or calibration updates.
  3. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the wiring harness and connectors at the camshaft position sensor and VVT solenoid. Look for chafed insulation, corrosion, pushed pins, or any signs of water intrusion.
  4. Check engine oil level and condition before anything else. VVT systems are hydraulically actuated, and dirty or low oil is the single most common reason for VVT-related codes. If the oil is black, thick, or below the dipstick minimum, address this first.
  5. Access live data on your scan tool and compare commanded camshaft position versus actual position while varying engine RPM. A large gap between these two values indicates the phaser is not responding to commands.
  6. Clear the code and complete a drive cycle that mimics the conditions captured in the freeze frame. If P0022 returns, you have confirmed an active fault and can proceed with component testing.

Repair Options and Costs

Depending on which part has failed, repair costs for P0022 vary significantly:

  • VVT oil control valve replacement: $200–$500
  • Timing chain or belt repair: $800–$2,500
  • Camshaft position sensor replacement: $120–$350

Total Repair Cost for P0022

When all factors are considered — parts and labor at independent shop rates in the United States — fixing P0022 typically ranges from $120 to $2,500. The wide spread reflects how many different components can trigger this code. Always pursue a thorough diagnosis before purchasing parts. In most cases, the problem turns out to be the relatively inexpensive oil control valve or sensor, not the costly timing chain. Skipping the diagnostic step and replacing parts randomly is the fastest way to overspend.

Can You Drive with P0022?

Drive with caution. While the engine may continue running, expect poor performance, reduced power, and potentially rougher operation. On interference engines — where pistons and valves share physical space — a jumped timing chain or belt can cause catastrophic valve damage if the vehicle is driven hard or long. Have the code diagnosed before any extended trip. If the engine is noticeably struggling or entering failsafe mode, stop driving and arrange a tow.