AutoCodes – Generic – P0021

P0021 Code - Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2

Quick Answer

This mechanism hydraulically controls cam phases continuously with the fixed operating angle of the intake valve. Common causes include Faulty Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve, Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection. 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
P0021 indicates Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve, Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection.
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 42,543
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 05, 2019
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Code P0021 Description

This mechanism hydraulically controls cam phases continuously with the fixed operating angle of the intake valve.
The ECM receives signals such as crankshaft position, camshaft position, engine speed, and engine coolant temperature. Then, the ECM sends ON/OFF pulse duty signals to the intake valve timing control solenoid valve depending on driving status. This makes it possible to control the shut/open timing of the intake valve to increase engine torque in low/mid speed range and output in high-speed range.
The intake valve timing control solenoid valve changes the oil amount and direction of flow through intake valve timing control unit or stops oil flow. The longer pulse width advances valve angle. The shorter pulse width retards valve angle. When ON and OFF pulse widths become equal, the solenoid valve stops oil pressure flow to fix the intake valve angle at the control position.
OBDII Code P0021 - Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0021 Code - Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0021?

  • Faulty Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve
  • Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted
  • Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
  • Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor (POS)

How to Fix the DTC P0021?

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 P0021 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

  • P0021 Audi β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 BMW β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Buick β€” Intake Camshaft Position System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Cadillac β€” Intake Camshaft Position System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Chevrolet β€” Intake Camshaft Position System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Ford β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2
  • P0021 GMC β€” Intake Camshaft Position System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Hyundai β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Infiniti β€” Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 KIA β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Lexus β€” Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Lincoln β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2
  • P0021 Mazda β€” CMP Timing Over Advanced Left side
  • P0021 Mercedes-Benz β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over Advanced or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Mercury β€” Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over Advance Bank 2
  • P0021 MINI β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Nissan β€” Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Scion β€” Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Subaru β€” Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Suzuki β€” Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Toyota β€” Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2
  • P0021 Volkswagen β€” 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance 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.

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