AutoCodes – Generic – P0020

P0020 Code - 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2

Quick Answer

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid valve is an integral part of the VCT system. Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Incorrect camshaft timing, Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 2 Solenoid 1 (VCT21). Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0020 indicates 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Incorrect camshaft timing, Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 2 Solenoid 1 (VCT21).
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 32,370

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 21, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0020 Description

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid valve is an integral part of the VCT system. The solenoid valve controls the flow of engine oil in the VCT actuator assembly. As the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the duty cycle of the solenoid valve, oil pressure/flow advances or retards the cam timing. Duty cycles near 0% or 100% represent the rapid movement of the camshaft. Retaining a fixed camshaft position is accomplished by dithering (oscillating) the solenoid valve duty cycle.
The PCM calculates and determines the desired camshaft position. It continually updates the VCT solenoid duty cycle until the desired position is achieved. A difference between the desired and actual camshaft position represents a position error in the PCM VCT control loop. The PCM disables the VCT and places the camshaft in a default position if a concern is detected. A related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) also sets when the concern is detected.
When the VCT solenoid is energized, engine oil is allowed to flow to the VCT actuator assembly which advances or retards the camshaft timing. One half of the VCT actuator is coupled to the camshaft and the other half is connected to the timing chain. Oil chambers between the 2 halves couple the camshaft to the timing chain. When the flow of oil is shifted from one side of the chamber to the other, the differential change in oil pressure forces the camshaft to rotate in either an advance or retard position depending on the oil flow.
This DTC sets when a low or high voltage on the VCT21 circuit is detected. This DTC sets if the voltage exceeds a calibrated limit for a calibrated amount of time

OBDII Code P0020 - 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0020 Code - 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0020?

Low or Dirty Engine Oil
Incorrect camshaft timing
Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 2 Solenoid 1 (VCT21)
Variable Camshaft Timing Bank 2 Solenoid 1 circuit is open or shorted
Variable Camshaft Timing Bank 2 Solenoid 1 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0020?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0020 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Makes

P0020 Audi — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Bank 2
P0020 BMW — Variable Camshaft Timing 'A' Circuit Continuity Bank 2
P0020 Buick — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Cadillac — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Chevrolet — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Ford — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 GMC — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Lexus — Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Lincoln — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 Mercedes-Benz — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 Mercury — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 2
P0020 MINI — Variable Camshaft Timing 'A' Circuit Continuity Bank 2
P0020 Scion — Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Suzuki — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Control Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Toyota — Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit Bank 2
P0020 Volkswagen — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Bank 2

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0020 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0020?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, engine misfires, decreased fuel efficiency, and a noticeable decrease in engine performance.

2. What does the OBDII code P0020 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2 mean?

- This code indicates that there is an issue with the control circuit of the 'A' camshaft position actuator on bank 2 of the engine.

3. What are possible causes of OBDII code P0020?

- Potential causes include a faulty camshaft position actuator, damaged wiring or connectors, low engine oil levels, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0020?

- Diagnosing this code typically involves checking the camshaft position actuator, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, ensuring proper engine oil levels, and performing tests on the ECM.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P0020?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with this code present, as it can lead to further engine damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0020?

- Repairing this code may involve replacing the camshaft position actuator, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, ensuring proper engine oil levels, and resetting the ECM.

7. Will OBDII code P0020 cause damage to my engine if left untreated?

- Yes, leaving this code untreated can potentially cause damage to the engine, reduce fuel efficiency, and result in further issues with engine performance.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0020?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the specific cause, but it may range from $200 to $800 or more, including parts and labor.

9. Can I reset the OBDII code P0020 myself?

- While you can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, it is important to diagnose and repair the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from reoccurring.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0020?

- The repair time for this code can vary based on the cause and complexity of the issue, but it may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day at a repair shop.