P002A

B Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

Q: Is it safe to drive with P002A?

Generally yes for gentle driving — the engine defaults to its base valve-lift mode, so you mostly lose top-end power. Fix it to restore full performance.

Q: Can I just clear P002A?

It'll clear, but the open-circuit fault re-triggers the code once detected. Repair the wiring or actuator first.

Variable valve lift / cam control Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P002A means the engine computer detected an open control circuit for the 'B' (typically exhaust) camshaft profile / variable-valve-lift actuator on bank 1. With the circuit open the actuator can't switch cam profiles, so the engine runs in its default lift mode and loses some power. This is an electrical fault, not a timing or no-start problem.

High

Can I keep driving? Generally driveable — the engine runs in its default valve-lift mode and mainly loses top-end power. Fix it to restore full performance.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

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
Loss of high-rpm power or valve-lift mode
Slightly rough running under load
Reduced fuel economy on some engines

Common causes

Most likely first

Open or broken wire in the actuator control circuitLikely
Failed camshaft profile (valve-lift) actuator solenoidCommon
Corroded, loose, or backed-out connector at the actuatorCommon
Failed ECM control driverLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check the actuator connector for continuity, power, and ground.
Inspect the control wiring for opens, breaks, or chafing between the ECM and actuator.
Measure the solenoid resistance — an open coil means a bad actuator.
Clean or repair the connector and pins.
If wiring and actuator are good, suspect the ECM driver. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P002A?+

Generally yes for gentle driving — the engine defaults to its base valve-lift mode, so you mostly lose top-end power. Fix it to restore full performance.

Can I just clear P002A?+

It'll clear, but the open-circuit fault re-triggers the code once detected. Repair the wiring or actuator first.

Read & clear P002A 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