P0025 moderate

Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

The P0025 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). This is a moderate severity code.

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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 idle or engine shaking
Loss of power during acceleration
Poor fuel economy
Engine may stall at idle

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

Low or dirty engine oil Very High
Failed exhaust VVT solenoid (bank 2) High
Clogged oil passages to the exhaust camshaft phaser Moderate
Worn or stuck exhaust camshaft phaser Moderate
Stretched timing chain on bank 2 Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

Check engine oil level and quality. Low or contaminated oil is the most common cause. Perform an oil change with the manufacturer-specified viscosity.
Using a scan tool, monitor bank 2 exhaust camshaft position at idle and 2,500 RPM. The actual position should be within 3-5 degrees of the desired target.
Remove the bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid and inspect for clogged oil screen or internal debris. Test resistance (6-13 ohms typical).
Command the solenoid on/off via scan tool while watching cam position. If position does not change, suspect a stuck phaser or blocked oil passage.
If all VVT components test good, check the timing chain for stretch and tensioner for proper operation.

Common Fixes by Vehicle

What techs usually find when diagnosing P0025 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:

2007-2017 GM 3.6L V6 (Equinox, Terrain, SRX, Traverse) hard DIY

Replace Bank 2 intake camshaft position actuator (VVT phaser) AND the solenoid. GM TSB covers this -- the phaser lock pin breaks and the actuator won't hold timing. Kit includes timing set (chains, guides, tensioners) since this is a full front cover job. Budget a full day. Use dexos1 Gen2 oil on refill.

Labor: 6-8 hours

Common fix part Cloyes 9-0753S Timing Chain Kit View on Amazon→ Compare fitment at PartsGeek→

2004-2019 Nissan VQ V6 (Pathfinder, Murano, Maxima, Altima) easy DIY

Clean the oil control valve (OCV) filter screen first -- Nissan has a small mesh filter ahead of the Bank 2 OCV that clogs with sludge. If screen is clean and code persists, replace the OCV. Extended oil change intervals are the root cause; drop to 5,000 miles on Mobil 1 0W-20.

Labor: 45 min

Common fix part Hitachi Oil Control Valve View on Amazon→ Compare fitment at PartsGeek→

2011-2019 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost moderate DIY

Bank 2 (passenger) VCT solenoid is under the valve cover on EcoBoost -- replace with Motorcraft only, aftermarket fails. Check for spark plug well oil (common failure) before tearing down. Also inspect VCT phaser for rattle on cold start; if rattling, phaser replacement is needed too.

Labor: 2 hours

Common fix part Motorcraft VCT Solenoid 3L3Z-6M280-BA View on Amazon→ Compare fitment at PartsGeek→

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with code P0025?

You can drive short distances. The engine will have reduced power because the exhaust camshaft on bank 2 is stuck in a retarded position. Get it diagnosed within a few days to prevent additional engine wear.

What is the difference between P0015 and P0025?

P0015 is exhaust camshaft over-retarded on bank 1 and P0025 is the same condition on bank 2. On a V-engine, each bank has its own VVT system, so the fault is on different sides of the engine.

Will a fresh oil change fix P0025?

In many cases, yes. The VVT system depends on clean, properly pressurized oil. If the code appeared because the oil was overdue or the wrong viscosity was used, a fresh oil change and code clear often resolves the issue.