P2088 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The P2088 error code is generally known as the “A" camshaft position actuator control circuit low bank 1. Newer vehicles will be utilizing a variable timing system so that the timing of the camshaft can be adjusted in relation to the crankshaft so as to raise the performance and the efficiency of the fuel. The intake valves will be opening and closing when the camshaft rotates. With the help of oil pressure, the PCM will advance or delay the timing of the camshaft, which alters when the valves open and close. The P2088 error will be stored if the camshaft fails to adjust as per command.

The VCT solenoid valve is an essential part of the VCT system. The flow of the engine oil in the VCT actuator assembly is controlled by the solenoid valve. The oil flow/ pressure will either advance or delay the cam timing, as the duty cycle of the solenoid valve is controlled by the PCM. The rapid movement of the camshaft will be represented by the duty cycle when it is near 0% or 100%. You can retain a fixed camshaft position by wavering the duty cycle of the solenoid valve.

What causes this problem with the A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Low Bank 1?

• The wires or the connectors might be burnt, separated, shorted or corroded.
• The oil control valve might be damaged.
• As a very rare case, the PCM might be defective and the error must be sought elsewhere before fixing any other control modules.

1. Camshaft Position Actuator - The camshaft position actuator can turn out to be faulty or defective if the engine fails or hesitates to start. Fix it as soon as possible.
2. Crankshaft Valves - Does the engine surge very often emitting black smoke? Then it’s high time to replace the crankshaft valves as they are defective.
3. Powertrain Control Module - Illumination of the check engine light proves that the PCM is defective or damaged. Get it fixed instantly by replacing it with a new PCM.
4. Oil Control Valve - The oil control valves can help you to save the usage of the valve. If you find the oil control valve to be broken or damaged, change it immediately.
5. Engine Wiring Connectors - Do you find the flashing or the blinking of the check engine light? Then the engine wiring connectors can be faulty. Replace it with a new engine wiring connector from PartsAvatar.

Next important thing you need to know about are the common symptoms for this OBD error code P2088 with your fuel volume control.

Common Symptoms

• There is a possible chance that the error codes are stored and the warning light illuminates.
• Other trouble codes related to misfire and exhaust emissions might be found.
• In some cases, the start condition may be hard or not present at all.
• The engine might show some power loss.
• Fluctuation of the idling speed.
• Idling may not be found or it might be rough or intermittent.
• Increased fuel consumption.
• Failure may occur due to a defective catalytic converter or very poor combustion.
• Failing to pass the emission test.
• Reduced engine performance.
• Fuel consumption is more.
• A damaged battery or charging system might result in low system voltage. Although, you might find always find these conditions which are specified by the dedicated codes.
• After the main repair to the timing system or an engine assembly, the timing marks might be misaligned because of careless assembly.

Wish to correct this error P2088 code with your vehicle? Do you know what all you should do to make your car free from this code? Well, don’t worry! We are here to guide you.

• The variable camshaft timing solenoid has to be changed.
• The damaged wires need fixation.
• The variable time actuator must be changed.
• If possible, the blown fuse or fuse-able link must be altered.
• Corrosion from the connector must be cleaned.
• Replacing both the oil and the filter.
• Either the timing belt or the chain must be replaced.
• Changing or fixing the ECU.

Apart from the fuel injector, you might need to undergo few more replacements. You might need a camshaft position actuator, crankshaft, valves, PCM, corroded wiring, charging system, oil control valve, oil control valve, engine valve, connectors, and many other parts. Where to get them from? Well, if you want quality parts, then we can prove to be your dream destination.

If you want to easily diagnose this P2088 fault code, then all you have to do is to follow the steps which are mentioned below:

• The electromagnetic sensor monitors the crankshaft and camshaft positions.
• With the help of relief holes in camshaft and crankshaft drive gears, these sensors will send signal interruption of the electromagnetic field.
• The PCM sees this interruption in the electromagnetic field as a square waveform pattern, which signifies different degrees of voltage.
• The electromagnetic resistance helps to create these voltage variations in the 5-volt circuit.
• Multiple crankshaft sensors are used by some manufacturers to provide separate data streams to the PCM.
• These data streams will send input for both the engine ignition and injection timing.
• Engines that are well-equipped with multiple camshafts will usually use a camshaft sensor for the separate camshaft.
• Other automakers will use notches that are cut into shafts or nodules which are permanently fixed so that the electromagnetic field can be interrupted.
• You might find these notches or nodules either near the rear or middle of the shaft, based on the sensor placement.
• Some manufacturer might fix the crankshaft sensor on top of the bell housing and the crankshaft position in the flex plate is read through the interrupter holes.
• Make sure that the engine timing indicators are correctly aligned and then begin a proper diagnosis.
• Once you make sure that the timing marks are correctly placed, with the help of manufacturer specification, test the belt or deflection of the chain.
• If the timing components are in proper working condition, then the VVT or VCT solenoids and the circuits must be tested.
• Failure of the sensor or the PCM might be very rare.
• Failure of the electrical wires and connectors can occur most often than the sensors, especially at the areas where the oil or other corrosive fluids are found.
• To correctly diagnose this error code, you will need various instruments.
• A DVOM, an oscilloscope, and a scanner can be highly helpful in performing a correct diagnosis.
• A manufacturer’s service manual will be essential.
• Carefully check the wires and connectors.
• The damaged wires, connectors, and other components have to be separated and repaired.
• After each successful diagnosis, recheck the system. Attach a scanner to the vehicle if every component is in proper working conditions and the retrieve both the stored codes and freeze frame data.
• This is highly helpful to find if there are any irregular conditions which made this error code to get stored in the vehicle.
• Clear all codes and retest the vehicle to see if any error has occurred.
• This will help you to know if the condition was irregular.
• Clear all codes and retest the vehicle to see if an error appears again.
• The condition will be erratic if the code does not show up instantly.
• In one such situation, you have to worsen the condition of the vehicle before proceeding for further diagnosis as this is a challenging task. Once the connector is separated from the affected sensor, carefully check for a reference voltage signal which is generally 5 volts by turning the key on and engine off and finally check for ground at the connector.
• Disconnect the connector from the PCM and if both the reference voltage and ground are not found, then check every circuit for resistance and continuity.
• Check with the manufacturer’s service manual for wiring diagrams, TSB and flow charts as it can be highly helpful.
• Fix or replace the defective connectors or components which does not coincide with the manufacturer’s specification as needed.
• Ensure a proper diagnosis is done by test driving the vehicle and clearing the error codes. If you find both the voltage and ground signal, re-join the sensor and monitor the live-data waveform patterns by using an oscilloscope.
• Replace the sensor if there are any abnormalities in the waveform.
• Ensure a proper diagnosis is done by test driving the vehicle and clearing the error codes after every repair.
• PCM can be faulty if the waveform patterns are normal.
• A faulty PCM will be very rare and you must re-program it if needed.
• You have to change the camshaft and crankshaft sensors in a few applications.
• For specific instruction, you can always check the service manual.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P2088 Code

• Defective PCM.
• Failure of the variable valve timing actuator.
• Problematic wires.