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Modern engines are designed to be both powerful and fuel-efficient, and one way they achieve this is through the use of variable valve timing (VVT) systems. These systems allow the engine to adjust the timing of the camshaft(s), which controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves, to optimize performance and efficiency. If the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a problem with the camshaft’s position in relation to the crankshaft, it triggers the P0024 code. This article explains the P0024 code meaning, causes, symptoms, and fixing.
P0024 Code Definition
The P0024 code stands for “Exhaust Camshaft Timing- Over-Advanced Bank 2.”
What does the P0024 Code Mean?
The P0024 code indicates that your PCM has detected that the exhaust camshaft timing for bank 2 is over advanced than what the PCM has set it to be.
Modern engines utilize the variable valve timing (VVT) system to improve their performance and fuel efficiency. This system enables the camshaft to adjust the opening and closing timing of the engine’s valves in relation to the crankshaft, resulting in optimized performance and better fuel mileage.
The camshaft is responsible for precisely controlling the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. It is connected to the crankshaft through a timing chain or belt. A camshaft position sensor (CMP) is typically installed on the camshaft or the camshaft sprocket. The information collected by the CMP is then used by the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) to monitor the position and speed of the camshaft(s) accurately.
If the PCM detects that the exhaust camshaft position on bank 2 is over-advanced, it will set the P0024 code.
The over-advanced camshaft position can cause a variety of issues, including reduced engine performance, misfires, and decreased fuel economy. It can also cause damage to the engine if left untreated.
Causes of P0024 Code
- Faulty camshaft position sensor: The camshaft position sensor may fail or malfunction, resulting in incorrect signals being sent to the PCM. This can cause the PCM to interpret the camshaft position as over-advanced, resulting in the P0024 code being set.
- Dirty or low engine oil: The VVT system requires clean and adequate engine oil to function correctly. If the engine oil is dirty or low, it can cause issues with the VVT system, which can lead to the P0024 code.
- Malfunctioning VVT solenoid: The VVT solenoid is responsible for regulating the flow of engine oil to the camshaft phasers. If the solenoid fails or malfunctions, it can cause issues with the VVT system, leading to the P0024 code.
- Timing chain or belt issues: If there is a problem with the timing chain or belt, it can cause the camshaft to be over-advanced or out of sync with the crankshaft. This can lead to the P0024 code being set.
- Malfunctioning PCM: In rare cases, the PCM itself may be faulty, causing the P0024 code to be set.
Symptoms of P0024 Code
- Engine stalling: In severe cases, the engine may stall when the camshaft timing is too advanced, leading to a sudden loss of power.
- Check Engine Light: The most common symptom of the P0024 code is the illumination of the Check Engine Light on the dashboard.
- Rough idling: The engine may idle roughly when the camshaft timing is over-advanced or out of sync with the crankshaft.
- Hard starting: The engine may experience difficulty starting due to the over-advanced camshaft timing.
- Engine misfires: Misfires can occur due to the over-advanced camshaft timing, causing the engine to run erratically.
- Loud engine noises: Over-advanced camshaft timing can cause loud engine noises, such as knocking, rattling, or ticking.
- Poor fuel economy: The P0024 code can also cause decreased fuel efficiency due to poor engine performance and irregular combustion.
- Poor engine performance: When the camshaft timing is over-advanced, it can lead to poor engine performance, such as reduced power, acceleration, and fuel economy.
How to diagnose the P0024 Code?
- Scan the vehicle for trouble codes: Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and check for any trouble codes present. If the P0024 code is present, it indicates an issue with the camshaft position-timing over-advanced or system performance on bank 2.
- Check the timing chain: Inspect the timing chain or belt for any signs of damage or wear. If the timing chain or belt is damaged or worn, it can cause the camshaft to be over-advanced or out of sync with the crankshaft, leading to the P0024 code.
- Check the engine oil level and quality: Ensure that the engine oil level is adequate and check the quality of the oil. Dirty or low engine oil can cause issues with the VVT system, leading to the P0024 code.
- Inspect the VVT solenoid: Check the VVT solenoid for any signs of damage or malfunction. A faulty solenoid can cause issues with the VVT system, leading to the P0024 code.
- Inspect the camshaft position sensor: Check the camshaft position sensor for any signs of damage or malfunction. If the sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the PCM, leading to the P0024 code.
- Check the camshaft phaser: Inspect the camshaft phaser for any signs of damage or malfunction. If the phaser is faulty, it can cause issues with the camshaft timing, leading to the trouble code.
- Check the PCM: In rare cases, the PCM may be faulty and cause the P0024 code to be set. A PCM failure is unlikely, but it is still worth checking.
Common P0024 Code Diagnostic Mistakes
- Not following manufacturer’s repair procedures: Each manufacturer has specific repair procedures for their vehicles. Failing to follow these procedures can lead to misdiagnosis and further damage to the engine. It is important to consult the manufacturer’s repair manual and follow the recommended procedures.
- Not checking the entire VVT system: The P0024 code can be caused by various components in the VVT system, including the camshaft phaser, timing chain, VVT solenoid, and camshaft position sensor. It is important to check the entire system to determine the root cause of the code.
- Replacing components without proper testing: Simply replacing components without properly testing them can lead to wasted time and money. It is important to perform a thorough diagnosis to ensure that the component is faulty before replacing it.
- Ignoring other codes: The P0024 code is often accompanied by other codes related to the VVT system. Ignoring these codes can lead to a misdiagnosis and failure to repair the underlying issue.
What repairs can fix the P0024 Code?
- Replacing the bad camshaft phaser
- Replacing the damaged or worn timing chain or belt
- Replacing the faulty VVT solenoid
- Replacing the bad camshaft position sensor
- Checking and changing the contaminated engine oil
- Changing the bad oil filter
Repair Costs for P0024 Code
To fix the P0024 code, you need to repair one or more below given parts:
| Parts | Cost |
| Oil change | $17 to $70 |
| Oil Filter replacement | $35 to $100 |
| Timing Chain replacement | $1,620 to $1,880 |
| Camshaft Position Sensor replacement | $110 to $350 |
| Valve cover gasket replacement | $95 to $360 |
FAQ Section
- Engine misfires: If the engine is misfiring, it can cause the exhaust camshaft to be out of sync with the other components of the engine, resulting in timing issues.
- Faulty camshaft position sensor: The camshaft position sensor (CMP) monitors the position of the camshaft and sends signals to the engine control module (ECM) to adjust the timing. If the sensor is faulty, it can cause issues with the timing of the exhaust camshaft.
- Mechanical issues: Other mechanical issues, such as damaged or worn components in the engine, can cause the exhaust camshaft to be out of sync with the other components, resulting in timing issues.
- Timing chain or belt issues: A stretched or damaged timing chain or belt can cause the exhaust camshaft to be out of sync with the other components of the engine, resulting in timing issues.
- VVT system issues: If the vehicle is equipped with a variable valve timing (VVT) system, issues with the VVT solenoid or phaser can cause problems with the exhaust camshaft timing.
- Engine stalling
- Check Engine Light illumination
- Rough idling
- Hard starting
- Engine misfires
- Loud engine noises
- Poor fuel economy
- Poor engine performance
Yes, if the exhaust camshaft position timing is significantly off, it can cause engine damage. The exhaust camshaft is responsible for opening and closing the exhaust valves at the proper time, allowing exhaust gases to be expelled from the engine.
The seriousness of the P0024 code depends on the underlying issue causing the code to be set. In general, issues with the exhaust camshaft position timing can have a significant impact on engine performance and can potentially cause engine damage if left untreated.
If the issue is relatively minor, such as a faulty camshaft position sensor or an issue with the VVT system, the impact on engine performance may be minimal, and the code can be resolved with relatively simple repairs.
However, if the issue is more significant, such as a damaged timing chain or belt, it can cause significant engine damage and potentially lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly.