A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

What P0022 means

Modern engines rotate the camshaft with an oil-pressure-driven phaser metered by a camshaft oil control valve (OCV) solenoid. P0022 sets when the ECM compares the commanded intake-cam position on Bank 2 with the actual position and finds the actual timing lagging beyond a set limit (typically a few crankshaft degrees) for a sustained period. Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that doesn't contain cylinder 1, so only V-configuration engines set it. Because the phaser is fed by engine oil through the OCV, most P0022 faults trace to oil condition and flow, the solenoid, or a worn phaser — not the electrical circuit.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Rough or slightly unstable idle
• Small loss of power and fuel economy
• Rattle from the cam phaser on cold start-up
• Occasional longer cranking before start

Common causes

• Low, dirty, or wrong-viscosity engine oil restricting phaser response
• Clogged screen in the Bank 2 camshaft oil control valve (OCV/VVT solenoid)
• Failed camshaft OCV solenoid (electrically open or mechanically stuck)
• Worn camshaft phaser/actuator that can't hold the commanded angle
• Damaged OCV wiring or a corroded connector
• Stretched or one-tooth-jumped Bank 2 timing chain shifting base timing

Severity & driving advice

Severity: Low-Moderate — Drivable short-term, but the VVT system isn't optimizing valve timing, so fix it soon to avoid drivability issues and long-term wear.

Can I drive? Safe short-term. Fix soon; an oil change may help if overdue.

Diagnostic approach

1. Check engine oil level and condition first — Low or sludged oil is the most common cause because the VVT phaser runs on clean oil pressure. Correct any oil problem before condemning parts.
2. Compare commanded vs actual cam timing in live data — A scan tool shows target and actual camshaft angle for Bank 2. A large, persistent gap confirms the phaser isn't reaching the commanded position.
3. Test and command the Bank 2 camshaft OCV solenoid — Measure the solenoid's resistance against spec and actuate it bidirectionally with a scan tool to confirm it responds.
4. Inspect the OCV filter screen — Remove the oil control valve and check its fine filter screen for varnish or debris that starves the phaser.
5. Check OCV wiring and connector — Look for chafed wires, oil-contaminated pins, or a loose connector on the solenoid circuit.
6. Evaluate phaser and timing chain if oil and solenoid are good — Persistent faults after a clean solenoid and good oil point to a worn phaser or a chain that has stretched or jumped on Bank 2.

Make & model notes

Toyota: Only V6/V8 engines set P0022 because it references Bank 2. On the 2GR-FE V6 (Camry V6, Highlander, Sienna, 4Runner) a sticky camshaft timing oil control valve or an overdue oil change is a frequent trigger. The ECM runs this monitor once the coolant is roughly 75–100°C, so the fault often appears after warm-up.

Ford / GM: Ti-VCT and VVT phaser wear plus low oil pressure on V6/V8 engines are common at higher mileage; deferred oil changes accelerate phaser and solenoid problems.

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