Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0020: "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
P0020 means the engine computer detected an electrical fault in the control circuit for the Bank 2 "A" camshaft timing actuator, normally the intake cam solenoid on the side without cylinder 1.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0020 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) switches the Bank 2 "A" variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid and watches the circuit for the expected electrical response. An open, short to ground or short to voltage in that circuit sets P0020. It applies to engines with two cylinder banks, where Bank 2 is the side opposite cylinder 1.
Common causes of P0020
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Failed Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid
- Corroded or loose solenoid connector
- Damaged wiring between the solenoid and PCM
- Oil wicking into the connector or harness
- Power supply or fuse problem
- PCM driver fault (uncommon)
P0020 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Reduced power
- Poorer fuel economy
- Occasional stall
How P0020 is diagnosed
- Scan for codes and capture freeze frame data
- Inspect the Bank 2 "A" solenoid connector and wiring for damage or oil
- Measure solenoid coil resistance against specification
- Check for supply voltage and a good control signal
- Command the solenoid with a scan tool and verify it operates
- Repair, clear codes and confirm the fix with a drive cycle
Typical fixes for P0020
- Replace the Bank 2 "A" VVT solenoid
- Repair wiring or replace the connector
- Clean oil from the connector and fix the source leak
- Correct a power or fuse fault
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
Seen on V6 and V8 engines from GM, Ford and others with oil-controlled cam phasing. Definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0020 FAQ
What does code P0020 mean?
P0020 means the engine computer detected an electrical fault in the control circuit for the Bank 2 "A" camshaft timing actuator, normally the intake cam solenoid on the side without cylinder 1. The standard definition is ""A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)."
Can I drive with a P0020 code?
Typically yes for a short period, though the engine may idle roughly or lack power. Plan a repair soon so the problem does not lead to stalling or other timing faults.
Is P0020 the same as P0010?
They describe the same fault on opposite sides of the engine. P0010 is the Bank 1 "A" actuator circuit and P0020 is the Bank 2 "A" actuator circuit.
Could swapping solenoids help diagnose P0020?
On engines where the Bank 1 and Bank 2 solenoids are interchangeable, swapping them and seeing whether the code moves to P0010 is a quick way to isolate a bad solenoid.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.