| DTC Data Sheet | |
| System | Powertrain |
| Standard | SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 |
| Fault type | Circuit |
| Official meaning | A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 2) |
Bank 2 intake VVT actuator circuit is open or has an electrical fault. Mirror code to P0010 — applies to V-engine bank 2 (the bank opposite cylinder 1 on V6/V8/V12 engines).
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P0020 Quick Answer
Bank 2 intake VVT actuator circuit is open or has an electrical fault. Mirror code to P0010 — applies to V-engine bank 2 (the bank opposite cylinder 1 on V6/V8/V12 engines). The first thing to check is engine oil level, condition, and viscosity — many P002-range faults are oil-driven before they are electrical.
What Does P0020 Mean?
A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 2). Bank 2 intake VVT actuator circuit is open or has an electrical fault. Mirror code to P0010 — applies to V-engine bank 2 (the bank opposite cylinder 1 on V6/V8/V12 engines).
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Slight loss of power, often less noticeable than bank 1 failures
- Possible co-codes with bank 2 misfire or fuel trim faults
Common Causes
- Failed bank 2 intake VVT oil control solenoid
- Open or shorted wiring on the bank 2 solenoid circuit
- Connector corrosion or oil contamination at the solenoid
- Low oil level or wrong viscosity
- Restricted oil supply to the bank 2 phaser
- PCM driver failure (verify wiring first)
Diagnosis Steps
You’ll need a scan tool capable of reading live powertrain data, a digital multimeter, and access to the wiring diagram for the specific platform.
- Check oil level, condition, and viscosity.
- Read live data: bank 2 commanded vs actual cam phase.
- Resistance test the bank 2 intake VVT solenoid and harness.
- Inspect for oil contamination on the connector.
Possible Fixes
- Replace bank 2 intake VVT solenoid
- Connector repair if oil-contaminated
- Oil service
Can I Still Drive With P0020?
The vehicle will usually still drive with P0020 stored, but performance and fuel economy are degraded. The fault disables or limits the affected actuator, and the PCM may inhibit emissions monitors. Drive to a workshop, but don’t ignore the code long-term — VVT and EVAP failures often cascade into related faults if left untreated.
How Serious Is This Code?
P0020 is a moderate-priority fault. It will not prevent the engine from running but will affect drivability, emissions, and over time can damage related components (cam phaser wear, catalytic converter on EVAP-related codes). Address within a few drive cycles.
Brand-Specific Guides for P0020
Manufacturer-specific diagnostic procedures with factory data and pin-level details for vehicles where this code commonly sets:
FAQ
Will P0020 clear itself?
Only if the underlying fault was intermittent and self-corrected. Most P0020 root causes (failed solenoid, wiring damage, blocked screen) are persistent and require physical repair.
Can I clear P0020 without fixing it?
You can clear it with a scan tool, but it will return as soon as the fault condition reappears — typically within one or two drive cycles.
Is P0020 related to other codes?
Often, yes. Cam-position and EVAP faults frequently set adjacent codes — if P0020 is present, scan for related codes in the same range and address them as a group rather than one at a time.