P0020: Camshaft A actuator control: open circuit (bank 2)

What P0020 means

Variable valve timing shifts when the valves open depending on engine speed, using oil pressure fed by an ECU-controlled solenoid. This code means the electrical circuit of that solenoid is broken, so the timing stops adjusting and the camshaft stays in its rest position. Camshaft A is usually the intake camshaft, although each manufacturer defines it, and bank 2 is the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1 (only found on V or flat engines).

Most common causes

• Solenoid connector loose, corroded or with oil inside
• Broken or chafed wire between the solenoid and the ECU
• Blown fuse or faulty power supply to the solenoid
• Burnt out or open solenoid coil
• ECU fault (uncommon)

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Less power at low or high revs
• Slightly rough idle
• Slightly higher fuel consumption

Can you drive with P0020?

With care You can keep driving, as the camshaft is locked in a safe position, but the engine loses some performance and uses more fuel. Get it checked soon.

How to check it

With the engine off, unplug the solenoid connector and look for corrosion or oil on the pins. A multimeter across the solenoid should show a low resistance; if it reads nothing at all, the coil is open.

How to read and clear P0020 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0020 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

• P0016 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor A)
• P0017 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor B)
• P0018 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 2, sensor A)
• P0019 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 2, sensor B)
• P0021 Camshaft A timing over-advanced (bank 2)
• P0022 Camshaft A timing over-retarded (bank 2)
• P0030 Oxygen sensor heater circuit fault (bank 1, sensor 1)
• P0031 Oxygen sensor heater circuit low (bank 1, sensor 1)
• P0010 Camshaft A actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
• P0011 Camshaft A timing over-advanced (bank 1)
• P0012 Camshaft A timing over-retarded (bank 1)
• P0013 Camshaft B actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)

P0020 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Citroën, Hyundai, Mini, Renault, Seat, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.