P0020
Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Circuit (Bank 2)
The PCM detected an electrical fault in the Bank 2 intake camshaft actuator (OCV) solenoid circuit
🟠 Moderate Severity 💰 $80–$400 Repair Cost 🛡 Driveable Short-Term
REPORTS THIS MONTH
11,470
across all makes/models
📟
This is the Bank 2 mirror of P0010. P0020 is an electrical/circuit code on the intake side of Bank 2 (the bank opposite cylinder 1 on most V-engines). A multimeter ohm-test of the solenoid (typically 6–12Ω) usually pinpoints the fault in under 10 minutes. See multimeters on Amazon ↑

🗺️ Where Is the Problem?

ENGINE CAT MUFFLER CYLINDER #1 - MISFIRE ← SPARK PLUG / COIL / INJECTOR
Blueprint view - P0020 electrical fault at the Bank 2 intake VVT/OCV solenoid circuit
⚠️
These are statistical causes across ALL vehicles - your exact car may rank differently
For example, on a Honda 4-cyl the downstream O2 sensor causes P0020 64% of the time, but on a GM 5.3L V8 the catalytic converter is the cause 71% of the time. Get a probability ranking built specifically for your year, make, model, and mileage.
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🎯 Top Causes & Probability

85%
#1 - Most Likely
Failed Intake OCV Solenoid (Bank 2)
The intake camshaft oil control valve on Bank 2 has failed open or shorted internally. Heat, oil contamination, and miles eventually break down the coil. Out-of-spec resistance confirms it; replacement is straightforward on most engines.
🔩 Part
$50–$180
👨‍🔧 Labor
$60–$160
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Easy
15%
#2 - Check First
Damaged Wiring or Connector at OCV
A chafed harness, corroded pins, or a melted connector at the Bank 2 intake OCV is common - the connector often sits in a hot, oily area. Wiggle-test it while watching live data; pin-fit and continuity checks confirm.
🔩 Part
$10–$60
👨‍🔧 Labor
$60–$120
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Easy
5%
#3 - Less Common
PCM Driver Circuit Failure
Rare but possible - the PCM's internal driver for the Bank 2 intake OCV has failed. Always confirm the solenoid and harness first. PCM repair or replacement is the fix.
🔩 Part
$300–$1,200
👨‍🔧 Labor
$80–$200
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Hard

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🚗 Most Affected Vehicles

VehicleFrequencyAvg Repair CostTypical Mileage
Chevy Silverado / Tahoe 5.3L V8 (2007–2018)🔴 Very High$22090k–170k mi
Ford Edge / Explorer 3.5L V6 (2007–2015)🟠 High$24085k–150k mi
Toyota Tundra / Sequoia 5.7L V8 (2007–2018)🟠 High$260100k–180k mi
Nissan Maxima / Murano VQ35 (2009–2018)🔶 Moderate$21080k–150k mi
Audi A4 / A6 3.0T / 3.2L (2008–2015)🔶 Moderate$28080k–140k mi

🔧 Step-by-Step Diagnosis

  1. Verify the code & identify Bank 2 - Use an OBD2 scanner to confirm P0020 and check freeze-frame data. Bank 2 is the bank that does not contain cylinder 1 - consult a service diagram if your engine layout is unfamiliar.
  2. Resistance-test the intake OCV solenoid - With the solenoid unplugged, measure across its two terminals. Spec is typically 6–12 ohms (verify on factory data). Open or out-of-spec means replace the solenoid.
🔒Steps 3+ are specific to YOUR exact vehicle
  • 3Exact torque specs for your engine's bolts - generic torque values cause leaks and re-cracks.
  • 4Connector locations and pin-outs for your engine bay layout - saves 30+ minutes of guessing.
  • 5Live data target values to compare against your scan tool readings - tells you if a part is actually bad.
  • +Specific OEM part numbers - the ones that fit your year/make/model without guesswork.
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  • Check Google reviews for recent mentions of the specific repair you need

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CodeP0020🔒
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