P0021
Medium SeverityIntake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2)
Engine System
P0021 — Instant Answer
Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2)
Severity: MEDIUM SEVERITY
Meaning: Same as P0011 but on bank 2 (the opposite cylinder bank on V-engines). The intake cam is too far advanced due to oil or VVT solenoid issues.
Safe to drive? Usually yes with caution, but confirm root cause before long trips.
Estimated repair cost: $30 - $150
Most common causes:
- 1. Low or dirty oil (35-45% of cases)
- 2. Faulty bank 2 VVT solenoid (35-45% of cases)
- 3. Timing chain stretch (10-25% of cases)
- 4. Clogged oil gallery (10-25% of cases)
Symptoms
- ⚠️Rough idle
- ⚠️Poor fuel economy
- ⚠️Loss of power
- ⚠️Check engine light
Related Symptoms
Common Causes
How to Diagnose P0021
- 1Check oil level and change if dirty
- 2Test bank 2 VVT solenoid
- 3Inspect timing components
- 4Compare bank 1 vs bank 2 cam timing
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Related Symptoms
Browse →Rough idle often traces back to ignition, air metering, vacuum leaks, or timing-related faults before it becomes a full misfire complaint.
A check-engine light is a graph entry point into code pages, symptom-specific diagnosis, and the exact repair categories most often associated with those failures.
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Related Codes
The intake camshaft on bank 1 is more advanced than the ECM commanded. This typically means the VVT system is stuck or the oil flow is restricted. Often caused by dirty oil or a stuck VVT solenoid.
The intake cam on bank 2 is behind where it should be. Typically dirty oil or a failing VVT solenoid on the bank 2 side.
The exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is more advanced than the ECM expects. Usually caused by sludged oil blocking the VVT actuator or a stuck solenoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P0021 different from P0011?
- P0021 is the same problem as P0011 but on bank 2 (opposite side of V-engine). The fix is the same — check oil and VVT solenoid.
- Can I drive with P0021?
- Yes, but fix within a week. Engine performance will be reduced and fuel economy suffers.
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Author & Review
Written by AllOEMManuals Editorial Team. Reviewed by ASE-certified technicians and updated with factory-reference checks for fitment-sensitive steps.
This guide was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by a human editor.
Last updated: 2026-05-07