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

P0022 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code indicating that the engine control module (ECM/PCM) has detected that the “A” camshaft on Bank 2 is more retarded than the position it expected or commanded.

This is primarily a camshaft timing/VVT performance problem. The code does not automatically mean that the camshaft position sensor is defective, nor does it prove that the timing chain has jumped.

The ECM compares the camshaft's actual position with the position it is commanding. If the camshaft remains too far behind the expected position, P0022 may be stored.

Understanding “A” Camshaft and Bank 2

The terminology is important.

Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder number 1. This applies to engines with multiple cylinder banks, such as V6 and V8 engines.

“A” camshaft is a manufacturer-dependent designation. On many engines, “A” refers to the intake camshaft, but this is not universal. The exact camshaft should be confirmed using the manufacturer's service information.

P0022 therefore should not be interpreted simply as “intake camshaft problem” without checking the specific engine.

What Does “Over-Retarded” Actually Mean?

“Retarded” describes the camshaft's timing position relative to the crankshaft.

When the ECM commands the camshaft to move to a particular position, it expects the camshaft to reach that position within a certain time and tolerance.

For example, the ECM may command the camshaft toward a more advanced position, but the camshaft may:

• Move too slowly

• Stop before reaching the commanded position

• Remain in a retarded position

• Move incorrectly because the VVT mechanism cannot control it properly

The ECM can then determine that the camshaft is too retarded compared with the desired position.

This is different from simply saying that the engine's basic mechanical timing has definitely jumped.

The Role of Variable Valve Timing

P0022 is frequently associated with the engine's variable valve timing (VVT) system.

A typical VVT system consists of:

• Camshaft position sensor

• Crankshaft position sensor

• VVT control solenoid

• Camshaft phaser/actuator

• Engine oil passages

• Oil pressure

• Electrical wiring

• ECM

The ECM uses these components to continuously adjust camshaft timing.

The camshaft position sensor reports what is actually happening. The ECM then compares this information with the commanded position.

If the actual camshaft position stays too far retarded, P0022 can be triggered.

Why Can the Camshaft Stay Retarded?

There are several possible explanations, and they range from relatively simple maintenance issues to mechanical timing problems.

Low engine oil level

VVT systems often depend on engine oil pressure to move the camshaft phaser. If the oil level is too low, the system may not have sufficient hydraulic control.

Dirty or degraded engine oil

Sludge or contaminated oil can restrict small VVT oil passages and prevent the actuator from responding correctly.

Incorrect oil viscosity

Using an oil that does not meet the manufacturer's specification can affect VVT response, particularly in systems that are sensitive to oil pressure and flow.

Restricted VVT oil passages

The oil passage feeding the camshaft phaser or control solenoid may be restricted by sludge or debris.

Faulty VVT control solenoid

A sticking, contaminated, electrically faulty, or mechanically restricted solenoid may not regulate oil flow correctly.

Faulty camshaft phaser

The phaser may be stuck, internally worn, or unable to move to the commanded position.

Camshaft or crankshaft position signal problem

The ECM relies on position sensors to determine the relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft. A poor signal can make the ECM believe the camshaft is in the wrong position.

Timing chain or belt problem

A stretched timing chain, damaged timing component, incorrect installation, or mechanical timing problem can cause the camshaft to remain out of the expected position.

Low oil pressure

Even if the engine has enough oil, insufficient oil pressure can prevent a hydraulically controlled VVT system from operating correctly.

Electrical or wiring problems

A damaged connector or wiring problem affecting the VVT solenoid or position sensors can interfere with camshaft control.

Symptoms Associated With P0022

The symptoms vary considerably between engines.

Possible symptoms include:

• Check Engine Light

• Rough idle

• Hesitation during acceleration

• Reduced engine power

• Poor throttle response

• Increased fuel consumption

• Hard starting

• Extended cranking

• Engine stalling

• Poor low-RPM or high-RPM performance

• Reduced torque

• Unusual noise from the timing system

Some vehicles may have very few noticeable symptoms apart from the Check Engine Light.

P0022 Does Not Automatically Mean a Bad Timing Chain

This is an important diagnostic distinction.

A timing chain problem can cause P0022, but the code itself does not prove that the chain has jumped or stretched.

For example, a VVT solenoid that is stuck or an oil passage that is restricted can prevent a properly timed camshaft from reaching the commanded position.

Similarly, a faulty camshaft position sensor can provide an inaccurate signal and cause the ECM to calculate an incorrect camshaft position.

The actual cause has to be established through testing.

How P0022 Should Be Diagnosed

A good diagnosis should follow the operation of the VVT system rather than immediately replacing parts.

Start with the complete scan

Check all stored, pending, and manufacturer-specific codes.

Other camshaft, crankshaft, VVT, oil-pressure, or engine-performance codes can change the diagnostic direction.

Look at freeze-frame data

The conditions under which P0022 was detected can be very useful.

Pay attention to:

• Engine RPM

• Coolant temperature

• Engine load

• Throttle position

• Vehicle speed

• Camshaft position data

• VVT command data, if available

A problem that occurs only during cold starts can point toward a different area than one that appears only during high load.

Check engine oil first

Verify:

• Correct oil level

• Correct oil specification

• Oil condition

• Service history

If the oil is severely contaminated or the level is incorrect, this should be addressed before deeper VVT diagnosis.

However, simply changing the oil should not be treated as a guaranteed repair.

Compare commanded and actual camshaft position

This is one of the most useful tests.

If the scan tool provides VVT data, compare the commanded camshaft angle with the actual camshaft angle.

If the ECM commands a change but the actual camshaft position remains significantly retarded, the investigation can move toward the VVT actuator, oil supply, phaser, or mechanical timing.

Test the VVT solenoid

The solenoid should be checked according to the manufacturer's procedure.

Depending on the system, testing can include electrical resistance, power supply, control signal, current, and an active actuator test.

A solenoid that passes an electrical resistance test is not necessarily mechanically healthy. It can still stick or fail to control oil flow correctly.

Inspect the oil passages

If the electrical side is functioning correctly, check for restricted VVT oil passages and filters/screens where applicable.

Small restrictions can have a significant effect because VVT systems depend on controlled oil flow.

Check oil pressure when necessary

If the VVT system cannot move the camshaft properly, insufficient engine oil pressure should be considered.

Oil pressure should be measured according to the manufacturer's specifications rather than judged simply by the presence of oil in the engine.

Verify camshaft and crankshaft signals

If the VVT mechanism appears to operate correctly, check the camshaft and crankshaft position signals.

A sensor problem, damaged wiring, poor connector contact, or signal interference can produce incorrect timing information.

Inspect mechanical timing

If the electrical, oil, and VVT control systems check out, the timing chain or belt and related components should be inspected.

Depending on the engine, this may include checking:

• Timing marks

• Chain/belt condition

• Chain tensioner

• Guides

• Camshaft phaser

• Mechanical synchronization between crankshaft and camshaft

Can an Oil Change Fix P0022?

It can, but only under the right circumstances.

If the underlying problem is contaminated oil, incorrect oil viscosity, or restricted VVT operation caused by oil-related problems, servicing the oil may restore proper camshaft control.

But if the real problem is a damaged phaser, failed solenoid, stretched timing chain, broken wiring, or low oil pressure caused by an internal engine problem, an oil change alone will not solve it.

Therefore, P0022 should not be treated as an automatic “change the oil” code.

Can a Bad Camshaft Sensor Cause P0022?

It is possible, but the sensor should not be blamed automatically.

The camshaft position sensor provides the ECM with information about camshaft position. If the signal is incorrect, intermittent, or missing, the ECM may calculate that the camshaft is not where it should be.

However, the sensor may also be accurately reporting a camshaft that is genuinely too retarded.

This is why replacing the sensor without checking the actual VVT behavior can result in an unnecessary repair.

Is P0022 Dangerous to Drive With?

The answer depends on the symptoms and the cause.

If the engine runs normally and only the Check Engine Light is illuminated steadily, the vehicle may still be capable of short-term operation while awaiting diagnosis.

However, continued driving should be avoided or minimized if there is:

• Severe loss of power

• Engine stalling

• Difficult starting

• Strong timing-chain noise

• Severe rough running

• A flashing Check Engine Light

• Multiple engine timing-related codes

A mechanical timing problem can potentially cause much more serious engine damage if the timing becomes sufficiently incorrect.

The Most Important Diagnostic Point

P0022 describes a relationship between commanded and actual camshaft timing.

It does not identify a single failed component.

A practical diagnostic path is:

Oil condition and level → VVT solenoid → oil passages and pressure → commanded vs. actual camshaft position → cam/crank signals → camshaft phaser → mechanical timing.

Following this sequence helps avoid the common mistake of replacing the camshaft sensor, VVT solenoid, or timing chain simply because P0022 appeared.

Ultimately, the goal is not just to make the code disappear. The technician needs to determine why Bank 2 “A” camshaft cannot reach or maintain the position the ECM expects.