What does timing retarded mean for P0022?

Retarded timing means the intake camshaft is opening later than the ECU commanded. The VVT system varies cam timing continuously between its fully retarded and fully advanced limits, and the ECU compares the actual position with its target. P0022 means the bank 2 intake cam is staying more retarded than the target when the ECU wants it further advanced. P0021 is the opposite, the cam staying more advanced than commanded.

Can I just clean the VVT solenoid instead of replacing it?

Sometimes yes. If the solenoid tests good electrically (6 to 13 ohms resistance), the cause is often a clogged mesh filter screen. Carefully remove the solenoid, clean the screen with brake cleaner and a soft brush, and reinstall. If P0022 returns within a few weeks, replacement is the right call.

Why do P0022 and P0021 both appear on V-engines but not on inline-4 engines?

P0021 and P0022 specifically refer to bank 2, which only exists on engines with two cylinder heads (V6, V8, V10, V12 and flat or boxer engines). Inline engines have one head and set P0011 (advanced) or P0012 (retarded) instead. The diagnostic process is identical between bank 1 and bank 2, but V-engine access and parts are more expensive.

How serious is P0022 on a high-mileage Audi 3.0 TFSI?

Take it seriously. The 3.0 TFSI EA837 is known for camshaft adjuster failures and chain stretch around 100,000 to 150,000 km. Starting with an oil change and bank 2 VVT solenoid replacement (roughly 200 to 650 EUR total) is reasonable. If P0022 returns, plan for full chain kit replacement at 2500 to 4500 EUR including labour. Ignoring it risks valve damage.

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

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

P0022 means the intake camshaft on bank 2 is positioned more retarded than the ECU commanded it to be. The variable valve timing system on bank 2 cannot advance the camshaft to the target angle, typically due to a stuck VVT solenoid, low oil pressure, a stretched timing chain, or a worn cam phaser. The code only appears on engines with two cylinder banks: V6, V8, V10 and V12 engines and flat (boxer) engines.

Severity: Moderate · Emissions
Estimated repair cost: From €60 to €6000+, varies by vehicle

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What does P0022 mean?

P0022 is a emissions-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0022 and illuminates the check engine light.

Where it is on the car

Crankshaft sprocket and position sensor
Timing chain or belt
Camshaft sprockets with VVT phasers
Camshaft position sensor
VVT oil control solenoid

A timing fault like this is most often low or dirty oil or a sticky VVT solenoid. The phaser itself fails less often. Bank 2 is the side of a V or flat engine that does not hold cylinder 1.

What are the symptoms of P0022?

If your vehicle has triggered P0022, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

Check engine light illuminated
Rough idle and unstable engine speed
Hard starting, particularly when warm
Loss of low-end torque and noticeable hesitation
Rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start
Increased fuel consumption

What causes P0022?

Here are the most common causes of P0022:

Dirty or low engine oil affecting bank 2 VVT solenoid
: high
Faulty bank 2 VVT solenoid (stuck closed or open)
: high
Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner on bank 2
: medium
Clogged oil passages to the bank 2 cam phaser
: medium
Worn bank 2 cam phaser unable to hold position
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0022?

Generally yes, for short-term driving. Short trips to a workshop are acceptable, but the engine may stall, idle roughly, or hesitate. P0022 is a bank 2 fault, indicating a V6 or larger V engine, or a flat (boxer) engine. Continued driving with a timing chain or belt problem on these engines risks valve damage and a 5000 EUR or greater engine rebuild on interference designs.

How do you diagnose P0022?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0022:

Check engine oil level and condition. Use only the manufacturer-specified oil approval. Low or contaminated oil is the most frequent cause of P0022 and the cheapest first step
Monitor live cam phasing data on bank 2 with manufacturer-level software (actual and target cam angles are not part of the standard OBD2 data set; a generic reader shows the code, freeze frame and fuel trims). Compare actual versus commanded intake cam angle. A persistent negative deviation confirms the camshaft is stuck retarded
Locate the bank 2 intake VVT solenoid and remove it. Inspect the mesh filter screen for sludge debris, which restricts oil flow and prevents proper cam advance. Clean or replace
Measure solenoid resistance with a multimeter (typically 6 to 13 ohms). Out-of-spec readings indicate a failed solenoid
If the oil, screen, and solenoid all check out, suspect timing chain wear or a sticking cam phaser. A workshop will need to remove the bank 2 valve cover for direct inspection

How much does P0022 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0022 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change	€40–€100	€20–€50	€60–€150	Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid	€80–€300	€60–€200	€140–€500	Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine	€800–€3000	€800–€3000	€1600–€6000	Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

Full repair guides

Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

P0022 on specific vehicles

P0022 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0022 on BMW

BMW 3 Series

See BMW-specific causes & cost

P0022 on Audi

Audi A6

See Audi-specific causes & cost

P0022 on Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes E-Class

See Mercedes-Benz-specific causes & cost

P0022 on Volkswagen

Volkswagen Touareg

See Volkswagen-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0022 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0022

What does timing retarded mean for P0022?: Retarded timing means the intake camshaft is opening later than the ECU commanded. The VVT system varies cam timing continuously between its fully retarded and fully advanced limits, and the ECU compares the actual position with its target. P0022 means the bank 2 intake cam is staying more retarded than the target when the ECU wants it further advanced. P0021 is the opposite, the cam staying more advanced than commanded.
Can I just clean the VVT solenoid instead of replacing it?: Sometimes yes. If the solenoid tests good electrically (6 to 13 ohms resistance), the cause is often a clogged mesh filter screen. Carefully remove the solenoid, clean the screen with brake cleaner and a soft brush, and reinstall. If P0022 returns within a few weeks, replacement is the right call.
Why do P0022 and P0021 both appear on V-engines but not on inline-4 engines?: P0021 and P0022 specifically refer to bank 2, which only exists on engines with two cylinder heads (V6, V8, V10, V12 and flat or boxer engines). Inline engines have one head and set P0011 (advanced) or P0012 (retarded) instead. The diagnostic process is identical between bank 1 and bank 2, but V-engine access and parts are more expensive.
How serious is P0022 on a high-mileage Audi 3.0 TFSI?: Take it seriously. The 3.0 TFSI EA837 is known for camshaft adjuster failures and chain stretch around 100,000 to 150,000 km. Starting with an oil change and bank 2 VVT solenoid replacement (roughly 200 to 650 EUR total) is reasonable. If P0022 returns, plan for full chain kit replacement at 2500 to 4500 EUR including labour. Ignoring it risks valve damage.

Read our detailed guides

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