P0020

A Camshaft Position Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 2

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0020?

Yes, for short trips. The engine defaults to a safe cam position, so you'll notice weaker performance but not a breakdown. Fix it to restore power and economy.

Q: Can I just clear P0020?

It will return while the circuit is open. This is an electrical fault, so trace the wiring or replace the solenoid before clearing.

Variable valve timing (VVT) Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0020 means the ECM has detected an open in the control circuit for the bank 2 intake camshaft actuator (the VVT solenoid). With the circuit open the ECM can't vary cam timing on that bank, so it defaults to a fixed position. That typically causes reduced power, a rougher idle, and slightly worse economy — not a no-start. The usual cause is wiring or the solenoid itself.

High

Can I keep driving? Usually yes — the cam falls back to a default timing, so expect reduced power and economy rather than a breakdown; repair to clear the fault.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

187

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0020 scans

P0010in 57.2% of scans

P0013in 44.9% of scans

P0023in 44.9% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Reduced power and rough idle
Slightly worse fuel economy
Hesitation on acceleration

Common causes

Most likely first

Open or short in the VVT actuator control wiring (most common)Likely
Corroded or loose solenoid connectorCommon
Faulty camshaft actuator (phaser) solenoid on bank 2Common
Low or dirty oil affecting the solenoidLess often
Failed ECM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Inspect the bank 2 VVT solenoid connector and wiring for opens, shorts, or corrosion.
Measure the solenoid resistance and compare to spec; replace if out of range.
Check power and ground to the control circuit.
Verify oil level and condition.
If the circuit and solenoid are good, suspect the ECM. Clear and retest.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0020?+

Yes, for short trips. The engine defaults to a safe cam position, so you'll notice weaker performance but not a breakdown. Fix it to restore power and economy.

Can I just clear P0020?+

It will return while the circuit is open. This is an electrical fault, so trace the wiring or replace the solenoid before clearing.

Read & clear P0020 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX