Sticking or failed variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid for bank 2; Sludge or debris blocking the bank 2 camshaft phaser oil passages; Worn or failing bank 2 camshaft phaser mechanism; Low engine oil level or degraded oil that cannot actuate the phaser; Faulty bank 2 camshaft position sensor or damaged wiring; Stretched timing chain or worn timing chain tensioner on bank 2; Engine computer calibration issue or faulty powertrain control module (PCM)

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P0025

P0025'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

Q: What does code P0025 mean?

'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). P0025 indicates that the engine computer has detected the bank 2 'B' camshaft is retarded beyond the commanded timing by more than a calibrated threshold. The powertrain control module compares the actual camshaft position signal against its target and sets this code when the camshaft stays over-retarded for a set number of drive cycles.

P0025 indicates that the engine computer has detected the bank 2 'B' camshaft is retarded beyond the commanded timing by more than a calibrated threshold. The powertrain control module compares the actual camshaft position signal against its target and sets this code when the camshaft stays over-retarded for a set number of drive cycles.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or engine misfire, especially when cold
Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration
Poor fuel economy compared to normal
Extended cranking before the engine starts
Intermittent stalling at low speeds or when coming to a stop

Common causes, most likely first

Sticking or failed variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid for bank 2
Sludge or debris blocking the bank 2 camshaft phaser oil passages
Worn or failing bank 2 camshaft phaser mechanism
Low engine oil level or degraded oil that cannot actuate the phaser
Faulty bank 2 camshaft position sensor or damaged wiring
Stretched timing chain or worn timing chain tensioner on bank 2
Engine computer calibration issue or faulty powertrain control module (PCM)

How to diagnose and fix it

Check engine oil level and condition; top off or change oil if it is low or dirty
Scan all stored codes and freeze-frame data to confirm P0025 is active and not history
Inspect the bank 2 VVT oil control solenoid for sludge and test its resistance and operation
Remove and clean or replace the bank 2 VVT solenoid if it is sticking or clogged
Verify oil pressure to the phaser and inspect the phaser for mechanical wear
Check the bank 2 camshaft position sensor signal and wiring for damage or corrosion
If the above checks pass, inspect the timing chain and tensioner for stretch or wear

Oil quality and VVT solenoid traps

A dirty or sticking VVT solenoid is the most common cause of P0025, and it often sets no other codes until the phaser is damaged.
Low oil level or neglected oil changes can trigger this code even when the solenoid and phaser are mechanically sound.
A stretched timing chain can mimic a failed phaser by retarding cam timing beyond the computer's ability to correct.
Replacing the phaser without first flushing the oil passages often leads to the same code returning within a few thousand miles.
Some vehicles set P0025 only during cold starts or after long idles, so a test drive under those conditions may be needed to reproduce it.

Can I keep driving with P0025?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid hard acceleration and sustained high speeds until the fault is repaired. Prolonged driving with over-retarded cam timing can damage the phaser and timing components, so schedule diagnosis soon.

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.