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

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 V6, V8, V10, and V12 engines.

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.

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

Here are the most common causes of P0022, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:

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 engine. Continued driving with timing chain problems on a V-engine risks valve damage and a 5000 EUR or greater engine rebuild on interference designs.

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0022:

1. 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
2. Use a scan tool to monitor live cam phasing data on bank 2. Compare actual versus commanded intake cam angle. A persistent negative deviation confirms the camshaft is stuck retarded
3. 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
4. Measure solenoid resistance with a multimeter (typically 6 to 13 ohms). Out-of-spec readings indicate a failed solenoid
5. 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

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

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

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