P0020: Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2 Intake)
Can you still drive? Yes, the vehicle will run but with reduced performance. The ECM will default to a fixed camshaft position. Repair within a few weeks to avoid excess fuel consumption.
What Does P0020 Mean?
Code P0020 indicates an electrical fault in the bank 2 intake camshaft position actuator (VVT solenoid) circuit. The ECM has detected an open circuit, short to ground, or short to power in the wiring or solenoid itself. Unlike mechanical timing codes, P0020 specifically points to an electrical issue.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Faulty intake VVT solenoid on bank 2
- Damaged wiring or connector to VVT solenoid
- Short circuit in solenoid harness
- Corroded electrical connector
- ECM driver circuit failure
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Decreased engine performance
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine may default to fixed cam timing
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Inspect the bank 2 intake VVT solenoid connector for corrosion or damage
- 2Measure solenoid resistance and compare to manufacturer specs
- 3Check wiring harness for chafing, breaks, or shorts
- 4Test VVT solenoid power and ground circuits with a multimeter
- 5Swap bank 1 and bank 2 solenoids to isolate the fault
Recommended Parts & Tools
electrical contact cleaner
wiring repair kit
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $80 - $400 |
Get a Personalized AI Diagnostic Report
Get a detailed AI diagnosis for code P0020 specific to your vehicle. Includes step-by-step repair instructions, exact parts needed, and a cost breakdown tailored to your make and model.
Chat with AI About P0020Commonly Affected Vehicles
Related Recalls
Frequently Asked Questions
Is P0020 an electrical or mechanical problem?
P0020 is an electrical circuit code. It means the wiring or solenoid itself has an electrical fault, not that the camshaft timing is mechanically off. Related mechanical codes include P0018 and P0019.
Can I replace the VVT solenoid myself?
On many vehicles, the VVT solenoid is accessible on top of the engine and can be replaced with basic hand tools. It is typically held in by one bolt. However, bank 2 can be harder to reach on some V6 engines.
Community Fix Reports
Community reports are user-submitted and not verified by Auto AI Buddy. Results may vary.
Related Codes
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain this free resource. We only recommend products we believe will help you diagnose and repair your vehicle. Prices shown are estimates and may vary.