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
OEM Diagnostic Flowchart
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Parts & Tools for This Job
Common parts shoppers buy for P0021 Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2).
Oxygen Sensor
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Related Resources
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OEM Manual Evidence
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Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) Index — 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus Quattro, 2D Coupe, Eng CD CAEB, Standard Trans Service Manual ~ LEMON Manu...
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Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) Index — 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus Quattro, 2D Coupe, Eng CD CPMA, Standard Trans Service Manual ~ LEMON Manu...
Exact Repair Workflows
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Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0021 on this vehicle.
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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.
Exact Vehicle Hubs
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Open the exact vehicle hub grounded by OEM manual evidence related to P0021.
Open the exact vehicle hub grounded by OEM manual evidence related to P0021.
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
Published by AllOEMManuals, founded by Lyndon Bedford, an automotive technician with 20 years of experience. He owned and operated a mechanic shop in Hurst, Texas from 2014 to 2022 and continues hands-on repair work.
Content may combine manual references, general repair templates, and AI-assisted drafting. Confirm the source, vehicle configuration, and applicability before working. Report corrections through our contact page.
Last updated: 2026-10-29