Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
The P0022 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $1,200 (oil change vs. solenoid vs. phaser/chain repair)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Loss of engine power, especially at higher RPMs
- Increased fuel consumption
- Engine may stall when coming to a stop
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Low or contaminated engine oil Very High
- Faulty intake VVT solenoid on bank 2 High
- Clogged oil passages to the bank 2 intake camshaft phaser Moderate
- Worn or stuck camshaft phaser Moderate
- Stretched timing chain causing retarded cam position Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Check engine oil level and quality. If the oil is dark, thick, or low, perform an oil change with the correct viscosity and clear codes to see if the issue returns.
-
With a scan tool, monitor bank 2 intake camshaft position at idle and 2,500 RPM. The actual position should be within 3-5 degrees of the desired position.
-
Remove and inspect the bank 2 intake VVT solenoid. Clean or replace if the oil screen is clogged. Test resistance (6-13 ohms typical).
-
Command the VVT solenoid on and off with a scan tool while watching cam position. If the position does not change, the phaser may be stuck or oil passages blocked.
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If other causes are ruled out, inspect the timing chain for stretch and the chain tensioner for proper operation.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0022 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2017 GM 3.6L V6 (Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, CTS) hard DIY
Bank 2 intake cam over-retarded -- replace Bank 2 intake cam actuator (phaser) and solenoid. On GM 3.6L LLT/LFX, chain stretch is usually the root cause, so plan for full timing chain kit if over 120k miles. Use Cloyes 9-0753S kit. Refill with dexos1 Gen2 5W-30.
Labor: 8-10 hours2004-2014 Nissan 3.5L VQ35 (Maxima, Altima, Murano, 350Z) easy DIY
Clean Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid (passenger side). VQ35 solenoids clog with sludge -- remove, clean the metal screen with carb cleaner, and reinstall. Use Hitachi OEM if full replacement needed. Switch to 5,000 mile oil intervals on VQ engines.
Labor: 30 min2011-2019 Ford 3.5L EcoBoost (F-150, Edge, Explorer) hard DIY
Ford 3.5L EcoBoost P0022 signals Bank 2 cam phaser failure. Replace timing chains, guides, tensioners, and phasers on both banks -- a partial repair returns the code. Ford TSB 19-2365 covers the full job. Use Motorcraft OEM kit; budget 14+ hours labor.
Labor: 14-16 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0022?
You can drive short distances at moderate speeds. The engine will have reduced power since the intake camshaft is stuck in a retarded position. Have it diagnosed soon to prevent further engine wear.
What causes the camshaft to be over-retarded?
The camshaft remains in its default retarded position when the VVT system cannot advance it. This is usually caused by low oil pressure, a clogged VVT solenoid, or blocked oil passages preventing hydraulic pressure from reaching the phaser.
How do I know if it is the solenoid or the phaser?
Test the solenoid first since it is cheaper and easier to access. If the solenoid tests good electrically and the oil screen is clean, but commanding it does not change cam position on the scan tool, the phaser itself is likely stuck or worn.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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