P0023 moderate

Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit / Open (Bank 2)

The P0023 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit / Open (Bank 2). This is a moderate severity code.

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Keep driving?: Short distances only
DIY difficulty: moderate
Estimated cost: $100 - $400 (solenoid $100-$250; wiring repair $100-$200)

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Common Symptoms

Check Engine Light on
Rough or erratic idle
Reduced engine power and throttle response
Poor fuel economy
Possible engine hesitation during acceleration

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

Failed exhaust VVT solenoid (bank 2) Very High
Open or shorted wiring in VVT solenoid circuit High
Corroded or damaged connector at the solenoid Moderate
Low or dirty engine oil affecting solenoid operation Moderate
PCM driver circuit failure Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

Check engine oil level and condition. Low or sludgy oil can clog the VVT solenoid screen and affect performance.
Locate the bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid. Disconnect the electrical connector and measure solenoid resistance (6-13 ohms typical). Replace if out of specification.
With the solenoid disconnected, use a multimeter to check for battery voltage and proper ground at the harness connector when the PCM commands the solenoid on.
Inspect the wiring harness from the PCM to the solenoid for chafing, breaks, or shorts. Check for heat damage near exhaust components.
Remove the solenoid and inspect the oil screen for sludge or metal debris. Clean the screen or replace the solenoid.

Common Fixes by Vehicle

What techs usually find when diagnosing P0023 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:

2007-2014 GM 3.6L V6 (Cadillac CTS, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia) easy DIY

Replace Bank 2 (passenger side) exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid. GM 3.6L oil control solenoids clog with varnish from extended oil changes. Also replace engine oil with GM dexos1 Gen2 and add a new oil filter. If timing chain has rattled on cold start, check chain stretch before blaming the solenoid.

Labor: 45 min

Common fix part ACDelco 12621505 Cam Solenoid View on Amazon→ Compare fitment at PartsGeek→

2004-2015 Nissan VQ35DE/VQ35HR (Altima, Maxima, 350Z/370Z) easy DIY

Clean or replace Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid (passenger side). Nissan VQ solenoids fail from oil sludge -- pull the solenoid, clean the screen with carb cleaner, and reinstall. If still coded, replace outright. Always use Nissan-spec 5W-30 and 5,000 mile intervals on VQ engines.

Labor: 30 min

Common fix part Hitachi VTC1005 Cam Solenoid View on Amazon→ Compare fitment at PartsGeek→

2008-2017 Cadillac Escalade / Chevy Tahoe 6.2L L94/L9H moderate DIY

AFM oil pressure issue starves the Bank 2 cam actuator. First check oil level and pressure -- AFM failure is common on these. If pressure is good, replace the Bank 2 cam phaser solenoid with AC Delco OEM part (aftermarket fails within 20k). Stretched timing chain is a secondary cause on 150k+ trucks.

Labor: 1 hour

Common fix part ACDelco 12621505 Cam Solenoid View on Amazon→ Compare fitment at PartsGeek→

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with code P0023?

Yes, you can drive short distances. The exhaust camshaft on bank 2 will remain in its default position, causing reduced power and efficiency but no immediate risk of engine damage.

What is the difference between P0013 and P0023?

P0013 is the exhaust camshaft actuator circuit code for bank 1, while P0023 is the same circuit code for bank 2. They indicate the same type of fault but on opposite sides of a V-configuration engine.

Can I replace the VVT solenoid myself?

Yes, VVT solenoid replacement is a moderate DIY job on many vehicles. The solenoid is usually held in with one bolt and an electrical connector. The main challenge is accessing it, which varies by vehicle. Budget about 30-60 minutes.