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P0021 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

OBD Code P0021 - A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2

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The fault code P0021 can be defined as A Camshaft Timing Overbalanced, Bank 2. If refers to an advanced timing or system performance trouble on Bank 2. This code is similar to P0011, but there is one difference that the problem is in Bank 2 and not in Bank 1.

Learn More About OBD Error Code P0021

If the error code P0021 is depicting, then it would mean that some issues have been found in the Powertrain Control Module Variable Valve Timing or Variable Camshaft Timing by the OBD II system. If the camshaft is not in its position commanded and is advanced of where its supposed to be, then this trouble code would trigger up.

 

What causes this problem with the Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced?

 

  • The camshaft would be more advanced than the PCM might have commanded
  • Advanced camshaft when it’s supposed to be retarded to lower timing level
  • The oil control valve which is connected to the Bank 2 can be stuck open or clogged
  • The oil may become too thick, which would result in clogging to the passage. This issue can be caused because the oil changes must have been performed incorrectly.
  • Camshaft phaser might be stuck in full advanced position
  • Cam phaser return spring might be broken

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P0021

  1. Multimeter - The main indicative of OBD Code P0021 is a faulty Multimeter. Immediate replacement is required. Visit us today to get all Multimeter related replacement parts.
  2. Exhaust Camshaft Valve Solenoid - The Exhaust Camshaft Valve Solenoid can be damaged or stretched, so you must get it repaired or replaced at time.
  3. Camshaft - Faulty Camshaft are the first reasons for the error P0021. Visit us and replace them immediately.
  4. Oil Control Valve - Check out the necessary Oil Control Valve you might require while solving and detecting the OBD errors for your car.

Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P0021

The P0021 fault code would result in hard starting; poor idle as well as stalling. There are some other symptoms as well, have a look at them below:

 

Common Symptoms

 

  • Reduction in overall gas mileage
  • Engine might start stalling
  • You may experience engine failure
  • Engine can start contaminating
  • The actual solenoid may fail and this would cause a retardation of the intake valve operation
  • Check engine light may start illuminating
  • Lack of proper lubrication can lead to camshaft failure 

How To Correct P0021 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)

  • A multi meter should be used take the resistance
  • Each and every terminal should be checked for a solenoid failure.  If it does not have a 7-12 ohm on the multi meter, then it would likely fail. Always pin test from the valve solenoid to PCM or ECM.
  • The meaning of pin test is to check continuity in the wiring harness between the actual valve solenoid and the brain (Computer Pcm/Ecm)
  • While pin testing in back probe, wiggle test all related harnesses and observe readings on voltmeter/multimeter
  • All the engine grounds should be checked
  • Every harness terminal should be properly cleaned and tightened from the valve solenoid to the PCM. The integrity of those contacts must be tightly mated and lubricated with grease to make sure full electric contact is present. The misdiagnosed problem is engine vibration which will loosen the harness connecters because most variable camshaft timing systems rely on high revolution engines. So, any loose wiring or connections may be a reason why this code may start appearing. It doesn’t mean that there is some problem with the actual valve.
  • Make sure that you check the resistance of the actual valve.
  • Generally, there can be some issues with the exhaust camshaft valve solenoid, so you must interchange the two valves one for another and it is also important to clear the codes.
  • There would be a same type of connection between the intake and the exhaust solenoid and they are interchangeable. Give it a try to interchange one solenoid for the other. If you have made all the efforts and erased all the present codes and then suddenly a different code comes back, then you have essentially eliminated the actual valve solenoid and have saved hours of diagnostic work. But if one code keeps on changing to another, then you can always visit a mechanic and ask him for a new valve solenoid.
  • The main reason behind the failure of the solenoid VVT or VCT is usually due to oil blockage from the screen/filter.

 

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Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P0021

It is important to conduct a proper diagnosis before doing any repairs of the vehicle. Visual inspection of the connectors and wiring should be done by the mechanic. The he can inspect the engine for signs of sludge and would make sure the engine oil is the right viscosity. The car owners which are experienced can perform these steps as well.

 

The VVT oil flow control valve status should be checked using a scan tool. It should be On at higher RPM and Off at idle. The duty cycle should also change with the RPM if the control valve is pulse width is modulated.

 

If according to the PCM there is no problem on VVT oil flow control valve, but the cam phaser doesn’t change timing properly or returns cam timing to the base timing after an advanced command, then it would mean that the VVT valve continuously allowing the oil flow in the cam phaser, or the cam phaser may be stuck in the advanced position. The solenoid voltage should be tested. You must turn off the engine before you start removing the oil flow control valve. If the solenoid is not moving then it would mean that the unit needs replacement as it might be defected.

 

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0021 Code

 

  • First of all, you must perform visual inspection like checking all the electrical connectors if they are perfectly connected or not and then you can also check the harness
  • Then later you must check the car engine oil to check if it is full, clean or is of the correct viscosity
  • You can check the failure code is active by clearing and retesting the code
  • Carefully follow the tests step-by-step and make sure that you do not skip any steps

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P0021

P0022 - "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

P0024 - "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)

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