Engine

P0022 — Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Retarded, Bank 2 (VVT)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0022 means

The engine control module compares the Bank 2 intake camshaft position with the crankshaft position and found the cam lagging further behind its target than allowed. The variable valve timing (VVT) system normally uses an oil control solenoid to send oil pressure to a phaser on the camshaft. If the phaser can't keep up or timing is off mechanically, the code is set.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Hard starting
  • Rough idle
  • Stalling at idle or low speed
  • Reduced power
  • Worse fuel economy

Possible causes

  1. Faulty VVT oil control solenoid
  2. Low, dirty or wrong-viscosity engine oil
  3. Clogged solenoid screen or worn cam phaser
  4. Stretched timing chain or jumped timing
  5. Wiring or connector fault in the VVT circuit
  6. Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze-frame data, and look for related cam or crank sensor codes
  2. Check oil level and condition, and change it with the correct viscosity if needed
  3. Inspect the Bank 2 VVT solenoid connector and wiring, and test solenoid resistance and power
  4. Compare desired and actual cam timing in live data
  5. Command the VVT solenoid with a scan tool and confirm the timing responds
  6. Remove the solenoid and inspect it and its screen for debris
  7. Check cam and crank sensor signals with a scope
  8. If the deviation persists, verify timing marks and chain stretch

Common fixes

  • Change the oil and filter to the specified type
  • Clean or replace the VVT solenoid
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Replace the camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
  • Replace the timing chain or belt, tensioner, guides and cam phaser

P0022 on different brands

Ford · manuals
Ford lists P0022:00 in its 2024-2025 gasoline engine monitor strategy as Bank 2 intake camshaft timing over-retarded; it identifies the detected condition, not a confirmed failed part.

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0022 code?

Briefly and gently to get it diagnosed, usually yes. The engine may stall or lose power, and a mechanical cause can lead to engine damage, so don't put it off.

Can dirty oil cause P0022?

Yes. The cam phaser runs on oil pressure, so low, dirty or wrong-viscosity oil makes it respond slowly. An oil change and a check of the solenoid screen is often the first step.

What does Bank 2 mean?

Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1. It applies to V-type and flat engines; check your vehicle's service information for its exact location.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.