When your check engine light comes on, an error P0022 code can make things frustrating and hard to understand. This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) means that there is a problem with the speed of the camshaft, which could make your car run less efficiently.
Learn about the most common reasons for P0022 code, how to fix it correctly, and whether you can drive until you have the time or money to fix it.
What does the Error P0022 Code mean?
“A” Camshaft Position: Timing Too Slow (Bank 2)
Diagnostic error P0022 code means that the timing on the bank two intake camshaft of an engine is too slow or delayed compared to the crankshaft of that engine.
Engines with variable valve timing (VVT) are the only ones that can use this trouble code. Usually, DTC P0022 means that there is a problem with an engine’s ability to phase its camshafts as needed.
If you want to understand this concept better, you should first learn about VVT technology. Engines with this kind of technology can index or phase their camshafts with respect to their static crankshaft.
This “phasing” happens when the ECM or PCM of a car tells it to. Camshaft phasers are turn on and off by solenoid activation during the indexing or phasing of an engine’s camshafts.
When compared to other changes in internal combustion engine technology, VVT technology is fairly new. The use of this technology came about because the automotive business wanted to make combustion more efficient all over. Then, VVT technology lets the engine speed change instantly, which cuts down on pollution.
The main computer of the vehicle has found that the bank two camshaft position is too far behind what the maker of the car considers acceptable, which is what diagnostic fault code P0022 means. This decide computer using information from the camshaft and crankshaft position monitors in the engine.
Symptoms of Code P0022
The diagnostic error P0022 code is often accompanied by a number of other symptoms, some of which make it impossible to drive the car. For people who know what’s going on, these symptoms can help them figure out why things are going so badly.
These are some of the most common signs that you might have DTC P0022.
- The check engine light is on.
- Stopping at idle
- Problems with starting
- Having an unstable or otherwise irregular idle
- More fuel burns
What Could Cause Error P0022 Code
The diagnostic error P0022 code can be caused by a number of different problems, some of which are harder to find than others. People who know a lot about these kinds of possible reasons are usually very good at diagnosing these kinds of problems.
One of these things may be causing DTC P0022.
- The time of the camshaft is not right
- The changeable valve timing solenoid failed.
- Failure of the variable valve timing actuator
- Not enough oil in the engine
- Engine oil with the wrong viscosity
- Control valve/solenoid wire that an electrical circuit has damaged
- The timing chain break
What Does P0022 Code Mean?
Most of the time, diagnostic fault code P0022 means that something is seriously wrong and needs to be looked at right away. This is because of the many signs that can affect driveability that often go along with DTC P0022, as well as the possible underlying problems that this fault can point to, such as timing chain and tensioner fatigue.
Further, it’s common for a car’s engine to start stopping when timing-related problems happen. It’s also possible that your vehicle will run strangely or not start at all. This alone can be very scary because the weather conditions make it possible to get stuck on the side of the road with no way out.
No matter what the number means, a P0022 implies that the problem needs to be diagnosed and fixed quickly. If you don’t fix camshaft timing problems, they will get worse over time and leave you stuck in the middle of your journey. Smart do-it-yourselfers can try to fix things themselves, but most drivers should make an appointment for help as soon as possible.
Hiring trained experts to fix your car cuts down on the time it takes to try different fixes. And makes sure that only certified tools are used to find the exact problem and get your vehicle running normally again.
How to Fix the P0022 Code
After reading these steps, you should be able to figure out what’s wrong with your car and fix it. Before trying to fix anything, you should always look at the factory-specific service literature for your make and type of car.
1: Scan For Additional DTCs
Before you start the troubleshooting process, make sure there aren’t any other fault codes. If these problem codes are present, carefully figure out before moving on.
2: Check the oil in the engine
To start the testing process for any VVT-related problem, you should carefully check the oil in the engine in question to make sure it is clean and full.
If this fault happens soon after changing the oil, drain the tank and then fill it back up to full capacity. No problems can occur because the oil doesn’t have the right thickness.
3: Look things over carefully
Next, as many of the parts connected to VVT as possible should be checked; this includes the oil control valve for the camshaft and all the wiring that goes with it. If any of these parts are found to be broken, they will need to be replaced.
4: Check the position sensors for the crankshaft and camshaft
Check the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors of an engine for damage. Do the same thing for all the wiring that goes with it. Any damage that is seen needs to be fixed before moving on.
5: Look at data from freeze frames
Next, use a good scan tool to look at the freeze frame data saved for DTC P0022. Check this data for any oddities, like camshaft position feedback that doesn’t make sense or other wrong numbers. Write down Any problems to look at further.
6: Use pinpoint tests made by the manufacturer
Because VVT systems vary from one automaker to the next, it is often necessary to use specific pinpoint tests that are recommended by the producer of the affected vehicle in order to figure out what the problem is. For your type of car, these tests can be found in the maintenance and repair manual.
