"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

What it means

The engine computer compares the "B" camshaft (usually the exhaust cam) timing it commands with the actual timing on Bank 2, and set this code because the actual timing stayed more retarded than commanded. This usually happens when not enough oil reaches the cam phaser, when the valve or phaser sticks, or when the timing chain has stretched. This code applies to engines with two cylinder banks, such as V engines.

Related codes: P0023P0024P0019P0015P0390

Symptoms5

• Check engine light on.
• Noticeable power loss, especially at low engine speeds.
• Hard or long cranking at times.
• Rough idle.
• Higher fuel consumption.

Possible causes5

• Low oil level or low oil pressure, or dirty or incorrect oil.
• VVT oil control valve sticking or a clogged screen that starves the phaser of oil.
• Cam phaser (VVT gear) stuck in the retarded position or worn internally.
• Stretched timing chain or weak tensioner, making the cam lag behind the crankshaft.
• Faulty camshaft position sensor (less common).

How to diagnose5

1. Check oil level and condition, and have oil pressure measured if it is suspected to be low.
2. On a scan tool, compare desired and actual timing while raising engine speed; if actual timing does not move, the fault is in the oil supply, valve or phaser.
3. Command the valve with the scan tool, and measure its coil resistance against specification.
4. Remove the valve and inspect its screen and the oil passages feeding it.
5. If timing reads retarded even at idle or on more than one cam, check for chain stretch using the timing marks or crank-to-cam correlation values.

How to fix5

1. Change the oil and filter using the specified oil and confirm the correct level.
2. Clean the VVT oil control valve and its screen, or replace it if it sticks.
3. Fix the cause of low oil pressure if a test confirms it.
4. Replace the timing chain kit with its tensioner, and the phaser if it is damaged.
5. Clear the codes, drive the vehicle and confirm desired and actual timing match.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost stays low when oil or the valve is to blame, and reaches the upper end if chain stretch or a failed phaser is confirmed, since replacing them requires opening the front of the engine.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions