Engine

P0025 — Exhaust (B) Camshaft Timing Over-Retarded, Bank 2

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0025 means

The engine control module compares the target angle of the bank 2 exhaust ("B") camshaft with the actual angle reported by the camshaft position sensor. Normally an oil-controlled cam phaser, driven by a VVT solenoid, shifts valve timing smoothly. When the real timing lags too far behind the target, the ECM stores P0025 and turns on the check engine light.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Hard starting or stalling
  • Higher emissions

Possible causes

  1. Faulty VVT solenoid or oil control valve
  2. Low, dirty or wrong-viscosity engine oil
  3. Wiring or connector problems in the VVT solenoid or cam sensor circuits
  4. Stretched or worn timing chain or belt, or jumped timing
  5. Faulty camshaft position sensor
  6. Stuck or worn cam phaser
  7. Internal engine mechanical fault

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and review freeze frame data, looking for other timing codes
  2. Check oil level, condition and viscosity against spec
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors at the bank 2 VVT solenoid and cam sensor
  4. Compare commanded and actual cam angle in live data
  5. Actuate the VVT solenoid with a scan tool and watch the response
  6. Test solenoid resistance and supply, and the sensor signal
  7. Remove the solenoid and check its screen for debris
  8. If the deviation persists, check timing marks and chain stretch

Common fixes

  • Change the oil and filter with the specified grade
  • Clean or replace the VVT oil control valve
  • Repair wiring and connectors
  • Replace the camshaft position sensor
  • Replace the timing chain or belt, tensioners and guides, and the phaser if needed

P0025 on different brands

Ford · manuals
Ford lists P0025:00 as exhaust camshaft timing over-retarded on bank 2 in its gasoline engine monitor; it identifies the detected condition, not a confirmed failed part.

Questions and answers

What does P0025 mean?

The bank 2 exhaust camshaft is positioned too far retarded compared with the target. Oil problems, the VVT solenoid or the timing chain are the usual culprits.

Can I drive with P0025?

Only briefly and gently until it is diagnosed. If the cause is oil-related or mechanical, the engine can be damaged, so don't put it off.

Where should I start fixing P0025?

Check oil level and condition first, then the VVT solenoid and its connector. Replace the timing chain only after confirming it is worn.

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.