P0022: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Retarded (Bank 2)
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)Emissions
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.
Estimated repair costFrom €60 to €6000+, varies by vehicle
What does P0022 mean?
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.
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, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:
highDirty or low engine oil affecting bank 2 VVT solenoid
highFaulty bank 2 VVT solenoid (stuck closed or open)
mediumStretched timing chain or worn tensioner on bank 2
mediumClogged oil passages to the bank 2 cam phaser
lowWorn bank 2 cam phaser unable to hold position
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 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.
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
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
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.
P0022 on specific vehicles
P0022 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:
P0022 on BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
P0022 on a 3 Series implies the M3 with the S65 V8, where bank 2 VANOS solenoid failure is a documented issue. The S65 also has the well-known rod bearing service requirement at 100,000 km, so bundling repairs makes economic sense. VANOS solenoid sets BMW around 300 to 500 EUR per side OEM.
What causes P0022 on a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 SeriesM3 E90/E92 S65 V8 bank 2 VANOS solenoid stuck retarded
BMW 3 SeriesS63 V8 bank 2 phaser sticking on high-mileage M5
P0022 repair cost for BMW 3 Series
Estimated costs for BMW 3 Series ownersadjusted higher than average due to BMW-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€56–€140
€28–€70
€84–€210
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€112–€420
€84–€280
€196–€700
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1120–€4200
€1120–€4200
€2240–€8400
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0022 on Audi A6
Audi A6 • 2005–2024
The A6 3.0 TFSI EA837 supercharged V6 is the prime P0022 candidate. Bank 2 intake adjuster failure or stuck solenoid is the typical cause at 100,000 to 150,000 km. The supercharger must come off for chain access, which is why labour is 1500 EUR or more. Always bundle bank 1 and bank 2 adjuster replacements.
What causes P0022 on a Audi A6?
Audi A63.0 TFSI bank 2 intake adjuster stuck retarded
Audi A6Clogged solenoid screen from long oil change intervals
P0022 repair cost for Audi A6
Estimated costs for Audi A6 ownersadjusted higher than average due to Audi-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€52–€130
€26–€65
€78–€195
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€104–€390
€78–€260
€182–€650
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1040–€3900
€1040–€3900
€2080–€7800
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0022 on Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class • 2005–2024
The M276 V6 sets P0022 frequently due to bank 2 camshaft adjuster magnet failure or sticking. Mercedes Magnet Stellglieder are 250 to 400 EUR per side. Use only MB-approved 229.5 or 229.51 oil. The M278 V8 has similar issues. Plan for 400 to 600 EUR per side fully installed.
What causes P0022 on a Mercedes E-Class?
Mercedes E-ClassM276 V6 bank 2 adjuster magnet stuck retarded
Mercedes E-ClassM278 V8 bank 2 phaser wear at high mileage
P0022 repair cost for Mercedes E-Class
Estimated costs for Mercedes E-Class ownersadjusted higher than average due to Mercedes-Benz-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€56–€140
€28–€70
€84–€210
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€112–€420
€84–€280
€196–€700
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1120–€4200
€1120–€4200
€2240–€8400
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0022 on Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen Touareg • 2005–2024
The Touareg 3.0 TFSI V6 and 3.0 TDI V6 (CASA, CASB) are the typical P0022 candidates. On the 3.0 TDI, bank 2 chain stretch is well-documented and often sets multiple correlation and timing codes together. On the 3.0 TFSI, the bank 2 intake adjuster failure mirrors the Audi A6 pattern. Plan for 3000 EUR or more at a VAG specialist for full chain replacement.
What causes P0022 on a Volkswagen Touareg?
Volkswagen Touareg3.0 TDI V6 bank 2 chain stretch (CASA/CASB)
Volkswagen Touareg3.0 TFSI bank 2 intake adjuster stuck retarded
P0022 repair cost for Volkswagen Touareg
Estimated costs for Volkswagen Touareg ownersadjusted higher than average due to Volkswagen-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€60–€150
€30–€75
€90–€225
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€120–€450
€90–€300
€210–€750
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1200–€4500
€1200–€4500
€2400–€9000
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related diagnostic codes
These codes are often seen alongside P0022 or indicate related issues:
Retarded timing means the intake camshaft is opening later than the ECU commanded. The VVT system has two states: advanced (cam opens earlier) and retarded (cam opens later). P0022 specifically means bank 2 is stuck in a retarded position when the ECU wants it advanced. P0021 is the opposite, stuck advanced.
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 banks (V6, V8, V10, V12). Inline engines have one bank only 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 (500 to 800 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.
Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0022
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