What Is the P0020 Code?
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Seriousness
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The P0020 code indicates that the bank 2 intake camshaft isn’t synchronized with the oil control valve because of an open or faulty circuit. This problem is detected by the engine control module, which is the electrical control unit that regulates the opening and closing of the camshaft intake and oil exhaust valves. The engine control module checks the camshaft position sensor to adjust the bank 2 intake, and if there’s an electrical issue with the camshaft position actuator circuit, it will trigger this code.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0020 Code?
One common problem associated with a P0020 code is a rough engine. You may experience engine stalling with an open oil control valve circuit regardless of whether your RPM (revolutions per minute) is high or low. Your vehicle may stall while idle and you may hear some rattling coming from the engine. You may also notice that your car has poor fuel economy since the bank 2 intake is no longer in position with the oil control valve. The check engine light being on is another common symptom.
What Are Some Causes of a P0020 Code?
The most common problem associated with a P0020 code is a faulty variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid. This component is part of the system that controls the oil flow of a vehicle depending on how fast or slow the engine runs. Another potential cause is a blockage in the engine that interferes with the variable valve timing, such as oil buildup. The engine control module may also be malfunctioning, causing it to command a lower output from the oil control valve while the valve itself has a high output. Another cause may be that the oil control valve may have faulty wiring.
How Serious Is the P0020 Code?
A P0020 is a moderately serious problem. The engine may experience internal damage depending on the cause and how long the problem has been going on. This code interferes with the flow of oil throughout the engine, causing it to stall frequently. Driving your car with a rough engine will eventually cause other problems that will break the engine down in time. Getting your car repaired as quickly as possible after getting this code is the best way to avoid having your engine die on you while driving.
Can I Still Drive with a P0020 Code?
You can still drive with a P0020 code, but if you do, your engine might die on you frequently. It will stall while your car is idle and when you accelerate, making your car incredibly unsafe to drive on busy roads. It’s highly recommended that you don’t drive while this code is active. The more you use your car while it’s in this state, the more you risk further engine damage.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0020 Code?
Diagnosing this problem can be difficult because there are too many variables when it comes to a faulty bank 2 camshaft. The camshaft also works with the variable valve timing, the crankshaft, and the engine control module, so when an open circuit is detected, it’s easy to miss the actual problem. The best way to get a proper diagnosis for this code is to get professional help.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0020 Code?
Inspecting a P0020 code is difficult because it requires knowledge of the wiring system in your engine. Inspecting and replacing the wires connecting each component is complicated and requires special tools. You may need to know how the voltage on the VVT solenoid is supplied and adjust the circuit accordingly, which then requires that you interact with other components in the engine. Overall, it’s not an easy problem to inspect, so professional help is highly recommended.
Need Additional Help with Your P0020 Code?
Having a problem with fuel economy in your engine is enough to damage your engine. It’s an extremely costly issue to have as it will affect different parts of your vehicle as the problem goes on. This is why it’s important that you take your vehicle to a professional. A professional inspection is the fastest way to solve a P0020 code.
If you need help, find a service center in your area using the Kelley repair shop locator. You can find the nearest service center so you can get your problem solved with trustworthy, local professionals. Finding a service center closest to you will also help you cut down on costs in case you need to hire a tow truck.
Learning more about your car will help you detect problems faster. Take a look at the OBD-II database to understand more about car codes, their symptoms, and their causes.
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