Faulty bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid (open or shorted coil).; Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the actuator or PCM.; Oil sludge or debris clogging the actuator solenoid screen, causing electrical resistance changes.; PCM internal driver failure for the actuator circuit (rare but possible).; Poor electrical ground connection affecting the actuator circuit.; Aftermarket or incorrect solenoid installed previously, leading to circuit mismatch.

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P0023

P0023'B' Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)

Q: What does code P0023 mean?

'B' Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 2). P0023 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open, short, or excessive resistance in the electrical circuit for the bank 2 'B' camshaft position actuator, which is typically an oil control solenoid that adjusts camshaft timing. The PCM monitors the actuator circuit and sets this code when the commanded current or voltage does not match expected values, indicating a wiring or solenoid fault rather than a mechanical timing issue.

P0023 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open, short, or excessive resistance in the electrical circuit for the bank 2 'B' camshaft position actuator, which is typically an oil control solenoid that adjusts camshaft timing. The PCM monitors the actuator circuit and sets this code when the commanded current or voltage does not match expected values, indicating a wiring or solenoid fault rather than a mechanical timing issue.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms.
Rough idle or engine misfire, particularly when the actuator is commanded to change timing.
Reduced engine performance or poor fuel economy due to incorrect camshaft timing.
In some cases, the engine may enter limp mode or exhibit hard starting.
A noticeable decrease in power at certain RPM ranges if the actuator fails to adjust timing.

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid (open or shorted coil).
Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the actuator or PCM.
Oil sludge or debris clogging the actuator solenoid screen, causing electrical resistance changes.
PCM internal driver failure for the actuator circuit (rare but possible).
Poor electrical ground connection affecting the actuator circuit.
Aftermarket or incorrect solenoid installed previously, leading to circuit mismatch.

How to diagnose and fix it

Perform a visual inspection of the actuator solenoid and its connector for damage, corrosion, or oil intrusion.
Check the actuator solenoid resistance with a multimeter and compare to manufacturer specifications.
Test the wiring harness for continuity and shorts between the solenoid and PCM, repairing as needed.
Verify oil condition and pressure, as sludge can affect solenoid operation; perform an oil change if contaminated.
Swap the bank 2 actuator solenoid with a known-good unit (if accessible) to see if the code moves.
If the circuit and solenoid test good, diagnose the PCM driver circuit or replace the PCM as a last resort.
Clear the code and perform a road test to confirm the repair and ensure the code does not return.

Oil Quality and Wiring Checks Before Solenoid Replacement

A clogged oil screen on the actuator solenoid can cause P0023 even when the solenoid coil tests good, so always inspect the screen for sludge.
The code can be set by a poor connection at the PCM connector, which is often overlooked because the solenoid itself tests fine.
P0023 is sometimes misdiagnosed as a mechanical timing chain issue, but the code specifically points to the electrical actuator circuit, not the phaser itself.
On some vehicles, the bank 2 'B' actuator is the exhaust camshaft actuator, so confirm which camshaft the 'B' designation refers to in the service information.
A failing oil pump or low oil pressure can indirectly cause this code by starving the actuator, so check oil pressure if the solenoid and wiring are good.

Can I keep driving with P0023?

You can usually drive the vehicle with P0023, but avoid aggressive acceleration or heavy loads because incorrect camshaft timing can reduce performance and fuel economy. If the engine runs rough or enters limp mode, seek service soon to prevent potential catalytic converter damage.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.