Error Code P0023: What It Means & What To Do?

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If you notice that the car oil is getting dirty, some issues are there in the variable valve timing, faults in the oil control, open or shorted oil control valve, then there might be an OBD code P0023 in play.

When a short or an open electrical circuit is found in the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) or VCT system for the exhaust camshaft in the engine bank 2, then the P0023 code might start triggering up. The exhaust camshaft is identified by the “B” which is situated to the exhaust side of the cylinder head. The “Bank 2” signifies the engine bank which has the number two cylinder.

What causes this problem with the Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit?

• The car oil may get dirty
• Faults in the variable valve timing
• Defects in the oil control valve
• Variable Valve Timing harness can be open or shorted
• An open or shorted Oil Control Valve
• Some sort of damage in the engine control module

1. Oil Control Valve - P0023 error code may also flash due to problems with the Oil Control Valve Replace the Oil Control Valve now with us at economical prices.
2. Engine Control Module - P0023 code does not really end up spoiling your Fuel Shutoff Valve, but it might also accompany few ECM issues. We have best Engine Control Module related parts with us.
3. Crankshaft - Common cause behind this P0023 error code can be some fault in Crankshaft. So, it will be a good decision to replace them now.
4. Valve Timing (VVT) Harness - Another reason for P0023 error is the faulty Valve Timing (VVt) Harness and its parts. To remove the error, immediate replacement is in order.

Some of the most common symptoms of this fault code are that it may include a stored trouble code and an illuminated service engine soon lamp. The overall fuel efficiency may start decreasing, bad engine performance and the indicator lamp may start malfunctioning.

Common Symptoms

• The check engine light would be turned ON by the ECM
• The idle may appear normal but can start hesitation while acceleration
• The engine can experience a hard start condition if the OCV is shorted
• The can be an overall reduction in the fuel mileage if the OCV is shorted or opened
• The engine can start running rough or stall. It all depends upon the timing position during deceleration

• Verify the problems by clearing the code and retesting the system
• Make sure that you repair or replace the wiring to the exhaust camshaft oil control valve for bank 2
• The other step is to replace the camshaft oil control valve for bank 2 exhaust camshaft
• The next step is to disconnect the battery. Any access or trim panels are removed for access to the module
• The engine control module connections should be carefully disconnected and then remove the module. Install and secure the new module. Later the electrical connections should be connected
• The battery should be reconnected and a charger is connected to maintain battery charge if needed. Any sort of trim panels should be carefully reinstalled
• The programming to work with the vehicle for operation is done by the engine control module. This is done with an approved scan tool or methods
• Disconnect the charger and road test the vehicle for proper operation

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• You can monitor Crankshaft and camshaft positions with the help of electromagnetic sensors.
• The relief holes in camshaft and crankshaft drive gears are utilized by these sensors to provide signal interruption of the electromagnetic field. The PCM sees the interruptions in the electromagnetic field as square waveform patterns, which represent varying degrees of voltage
• Electromagnetic resistance creates these variations in voltage in the 5-volt circuit. Some manufacturers use multiple crankshaft sensors to feed separate data streams to the PCM. These data streams provide input for engine ignition as well as fuel injection timing
• A camshaft sensor is generally used by the engines that are equipped with multiple camshafts. Notches cut into shafts or nodules are used by other automakers that are permanently attached to interrupt the electromagnetic field. The notches or nodules are located near the rear or middle of the shaft and it all depends upon sensor placement. The crankshaft sensor can be placed on top of the transmission bell-housing and crankshaft position from interrupter holes in the flex plate is read
• Start proper diagnosis by making sure that all engine timing indicators are properly aligned. After making sure that timing marks are aligned, test belt or chain deflection using manufacturer’s specifications. VVT or VCT solenoids and circuitry should be carefully inspected if timing components prove to be properly aligned as well as in proper working order. PCM and sensor failure are generally rare
• Electrical wiring as well as connectors are more prone to fail than sensors, especially where oil or other corrosive fluids are present. Several tools will be instrumental in successfully diagnosing this fault code. A suitable OBD-II scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter, and an oscilloscope will help a lot in performing a successful diagnosis. A manufacturer’s service manual would also be required
• A visual inspection of all wiring and connectors should be done first. Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and other important parts if needed

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0023 Code

• The engine oil should be checked to see if it is full, clean and of the correct viscosity
• The code coming back should be verified by testing the system before any further tests or repairs are done
• The manufacturer pinpoint test procedures should be followed step by step
• The sensors or components where some issue is indicated should be replaced