Sticking or faulty oil control valve (OCV) solenoid for the bank 2 camshaft phaser; Contaminated or degraded engine oil preventing proper phaser operation; Failed camshaft phaser or timing chain tensioner on bank 2; Wiring damage or poor connection at the bank 2 camshaft position sensor or OCV; Mechanical timing chain misalignment or stretched chain on bank 2; Faulty bank 2 camshaft position sensor; Engine control module software calibration issue or internal fault

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P0024

P0024'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)

P0024 is a generic powertrain code indicating that the engine control module has detected an over-advanced condition or performance problem with the 'B' camshaft on bank 2, which is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The computer compares the actual camshaft position signal against the commanded target and sets this code when the camshaft timing remains too far advanced beyond the calibrated threshold for a set period.

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, especially when the engine is cold
Reduced engine performance or sluggish acceleration
Poor fuel economy compared to normal driving
Intermittent stalling or difficulty starting
A noticeable rattle or ticking noise from the affected cylinder head

Common causes, most likely first

Sticking or faulty oil control valve (OCV) solenoid for the bank 2 camshaft phaser
Contaminated or degraded engine oil preventing proper phaser operation
Failed camshaft phaser or timing chain tensioner on bank 2
Wiring damage or poor connection at the bank 2 camshaft position sensor or OCV
Mechanical timing chain misalignment or stretched chain on bank 2
Faulty bank 2 camshaft position sensor
Engine control module software calibration issue or internal fault

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify engine oil level and condition; change oil and filter if overdue or contaminated
Perform a visual inspection of bank 2 camshaft position sensor and OCV wiring and connectors
Use a scan tool to command the OCV and observe camshaft timing response
Test the OCV solenoid for resistance and proper movement, replace if sticking
Check for mechanical timing chain alignment and tensioner wear on bank 2
Replace the bank 2 camshaft position sensor if signal is erratic or missing
Clear codes and perform a road test to confirm the repair, reprogramming the ECM if required

Oil quality and OCV sticking traps

A sticking oil control valve solenoid is the most common cause of P0024, and it often sticks due to sludge from neglected oil changes rather than outright electrical failure.
The code can set intermittently and may not reappear immediately after an oil change, leading some technicians to replace the phaser unnecessarily when the real issue was dirty oil.
Bank 2 camshaft timing problems can mimic bank 1 issues on V6 and V8 engines, so always confirm which bank is affected before ordering parts.
A stretched timing chain on bank 2 can cause over-advanced timing without any noise, and a simple visual inspection may miss it without checking chain stretch with a gauge.
Some vehicles require a relearn or calibration procedure after replacing the OCV or phaser, and skipping this step can cause the code to return immediately.

Can I keep driving with P0024?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration, towing, or sustained high speeds because over-advanced camshaft timing can lead to poor performance and potential engine damage over time. If the engine runs roughly or stalls, stop driving and have it towed.

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.