AutoCodes – Ford – P0020 Ford

P0020 Ford 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 Ford 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 46,901

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

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
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0020 Ford?

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 Ford?

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 Ford 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.

Need more information about the P0020 Ford code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0020 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0020 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Ford Models

P0020 2015 Ford F150 — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 2016 Ford F150 — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 2017 Ford F150 — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 2018 Ford F150 — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 2019 Ford F150 — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 2020 Ford F150 — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
P0020 2006 Ford Fusion — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 2
P0020 2007 Ford Fusion — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 2
P0020 2008 Ford Fusion — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 2
P0020 2009 Ford Fusion — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 2
P0020 2010 Ford Fusion — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 2
P0020 2011 Ford Fusion — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 2
P0020 2012 Ford Fusion — Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open 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 Ford Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0020 in a Ford related to the 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, engine misfires, poor acceleration, and potentially stalling.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0020 in a Ford?

- The code P0020 can be triggered by issues such as a faulty camshaft position actuator, wiring problems, low engine oil levels, or a malfunctioning camshaft position sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Circuit/Open Bank 2 issue in my Ford?

- Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code, followed by inspecting the camshaft position actuator, related wiring, and sensor for any visible damage or issues.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Ford with OBDII code P0020 present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving your vehicle with code P0020 present, as it can lead to further damage to engine components and potential safety hazards.

5. Can I reset the OBDII code P0020 in my Ford by disconnecting the battery?

- While disconnecting the battery may temporarily clear the code, it is not a permanent solution. It is best to address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from reoccurring.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0020 in a Ford?

- The repair cost for OBDII code P0020 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from $200 to $800, including parts and labor.

7. Are there any DIY repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0020 in a Ford?

- DIY repair tips may include checking and cleaning the camshaft position actuator, inspecting and repairing damaged wiring, and ensuring proper engine oil levels before seeking professional help if needed.

8. Can a faulty camshaft position sensor trigger OBDII code P0020 in a Ford?

- Yes, a faulty camshaft position sensor can contribute to triggering code P0020 as it plays a crucial role in monitoring the camshaft position and actuator control circuit.

9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P0020 in a Ford?

- The repair time for OBDII code P0020 can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the availability of parts, but it may take a few hours to a full day for a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.

10. Will OBDII code P0020 cause my Ford to fail an emissions test?

- Yes, OBDII code P0020 can cause your Ford to fail an emissions test due to the impact it has on engine performance and emissions control systems. It is recommended to address the issue before undergoing an emissions test.