Engine

P002B — Camshaft Profile Control Circuit "B" Low, Bank 1

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P002B means

P002B means the engine control unit detected abnormally low voltage in the Bank 1 "B" camshaft profile control circuit, usually the exhaust cam variable valve timing (VVT) system. The ECU drives an actuator solenoid to shift cam timing. A short to ground, open circuit or faulty solenoid pulls the circuit voltage out of range.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Reduced engine power
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation when accelerating
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Possible limp mode

Possible causes

  1. Failed VVT solenoid (camshaft position actuator)
  2. Damaged wiring or poor connector contact, short to ground
  3. Low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil
  4. Faulty camshaft position sensor
  5. Worn cam phaser or stretched timing chain
  6. ECM/PCM failure (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes, read freeze frame data, clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Check oil level, condition and viscosity
  3. Inspect the VVT solenoid harness and connector for chafing, corrosion and oil intrusion
  4. Measure solenoid coil resistance and compare with spec
  5. Check power and ground at the connector and test the wire to the ECU for a short to ground
  6. Command the solenoid with a scan tool active test
  7. Compare commanded and actual cam timing and check the cam position sensor
  8. If still unresolved, inspect the cam phaser and timing chain

Common fixes

  • Replace the VVT solenoid
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Change oil and filter with the specified grade
  • Replace the camshaft position sensor
  • Replace the cam phaser or timing chain if worn

Questions and answers

What does P002B mean?

It means low voltage in the Bank 1 camshaft profile control "B" circuit, usually the exhaust cam VVT. Wiring, the solenoid or oil problems are the usual causes.

Can I drive with code P002B?

Short trips to a shop are usually possible, but the engine may lose power and run rough. Get it diagnosed soon, especially if the oil is low.

Will an oil change fix P002B?

Sometimes, if the oil is dirty or low, since VVT depends on oil pressure and clean oil. Since the code points to an electrical circuit, check the wiring and solenoid first.

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.