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P0022: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

Severity: Medium Arrange diagnosis promptly and avoid heavy loads. Stop the engine for timing-chain rattle, an oil-pressure warning, severe roughness, or a flashing check engine light; towing is safer than risking a timing failure.

What does P0022 mean?

The computer requested a camshaft position but cam A on bank 2 remained too far retarded. This is an actual timing/performance problem, unlike an actuator circuit code. The phaser depends on the correct engine oil, working oil-control hardware, and properly set mechanical timing.

Generic OBD-II definition: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). Confirm applicability in your vehicle service information.

Common causes

  • Low, contaminated, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil
  • Sticking VVT oil-control valve or cam phaser
  • Incorrect belt/chain timing or worn timing components

Symptoms

  • Uneven idle
  • Poor acceleration
  • Check engine light and reduced fuel economy

Diagnostic focus

Low or incorrect oil can prevent the intake phaser from reaching its target. If electrical actuator code P0020 is also stored, resolve that circuit problem before condemning the phaser.

Can I keep driving with P0022?

Severity: Medium Arrange diagnosis promptly and avoid heavy loads. Stop the engine for timing-chain rattle, an oil-pressure warning, severe roughness, or a flashing check engine light; towing is safer than risking a timing failure.

If the check engine light is flashing or the car runs badly, stop driving and have it checked.

Typical fixes

  • Verify oil level and the required viscosity
  • Check commanded versus actual cam angle with a capable scan tool
  • Test the oil-control valve and check mechanical timing if the mismatch remains

Related codes

P0011
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)P0012
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)P0014
"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)P0015
"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)P0020
"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)P0021
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)

Sources & review

Definitions and diagnostic background checked 2026-11-06. Generic guidance, not a substitute for the service procedure for your exact year, engine, and transmission.