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P0024 — Exhaust Cam Over-Advanced (Bank 2, VVT)

P0024 is set when the engine control module commands the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft ("B" camshaft) to a position and the actual cam position reads too far advanced, or the phaser fails to track the command within tolerance. It is the Bank 2 counterpart of P0014. Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does NOT contain cylinder number 1, so this code only appears on V6, V8, V10, V12, and flat / boxer engines. The causes are the familiar variable valve timing set: a stuck oil control valve, oil that cannot do its job, or a failing phaser.

P0024 means exhaust cam over-advanced (bank 2, vvt). A vehicle usually stays drivable short-term with this code, but it should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is stuck or sludged bank 2 exhaust-side vvt oil control valve (typically $100–$450). Causes and cost vary by make and model; confirm the root cause before replacing parts.

Severity: high powertrain Safe to drive (short term)

Reviewed by MECH AI Editorial · Last verified

What does P0024 mean?

P0024 is set when the engine control module commands the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft ("B" camshaft) to a position and the actual cam position reads too far advanced, or the phaser fails to track the command within tolerance. It is the Bank 2 counterpart of P0014. Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does NOT contain cylinder number 1, so this code only appears on V6, V8, V10, V12, and flat / boxer engines. The causes are the familiar variable valve timing set: a stuck oil control valve, oil that cannot do its job, or a failing phaser.

What are the symptoms of P0024?

What causes P0024?

Cause Likelihood Estimated repair (USD)
Stuck or sludged Bank 2 exhaust-side VVT oil control valve Most common $100–$450
Low engine oil level or pressure starving the Bank 2 exhaust phaser Most common $50–$200
Sludged oil passages from skipped oil changes Common $100–$600
Failed Bank 2 exhaust cam phaser / VVT actuator Common $600–$1,800
Stretched timing chain affecting Bank 2 exhaust cam position Occasional $800–$3,000
Damaged Bank 2 exhaust cam sensor wiring or connector Occasional $80–$350
Failed Bank 2 exhaust cam position sensor Occasional $100–$400

Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by make, model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.

Is it safe to drive with P0024?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0024 active, but you should diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on your specific make and model.

How to diagnose P0024

  1. Confirm oil level, condition, and pressure

    The phaser is driven by pressurised engine oil, so this is not a box-ticking step — it is the leading cause. Check level on level ground with the engine warm, look at the oil for sludge or a burnt smell, and confirm the viscosity matches the OEM specification. Then measure pressure with a mechanical gauge at idle and at 2500 RPM.

    Tools: Mechanical oil pressure gauge, Dipstick or level check procedure

  2. Identify which bank is Bank 2 before removing anything

    Bank 2 is the bank without cylinder number 1, and which physical side that is depends on the manufacturer's cylinder numbering. Confirm it in service information. On transverse V6s the Bank 2 oil control valve is frequently the one against the firewall, so it is worth knowing what you are committing to before the first bolt comes out.

    Tools: Vehicle-specific service information

  3. Read commanded versus actual Bank 2 exhaust cam position

    Watch both values while commanding cam movement with a bidirectional scan tool. A healthy system tracks the command within a degree or two. Lag, overshoot, or oscillation points at the oil control valve or the phaser. Comparing against the Bank 1 exhaust cam on the same graph gives you a free known-good reference.

    Tools: Bidirectional scan tool with cam position PIDs

  4. Remove and bench-test the Bank 2 exhaust oil control valve

    Inspect the inlet screen for sludge and metal debris. Clean the valve and confirm it moves freely. With 12 V applied it should click and pass air; with no voltage it should seal. A valve stuck in the advance position holds the cam advanced regardless of what the ECM asks for, which is the classic P0024.

    Tools: Socket set, Brake cleaner, 12 V test source, Compressed air

  5. Listen for phaser rattle at cold start

    A failing phaser commonly rattles for one to three seconds on a cold start and quiets as oil pressure builds. Use a stethoscope on the front of the Bank 2 cylinder head. A rattle that persists at idle indicates advanced wear in the phaser or the chain, and that is no longer a solenoid-cleaning job.

    Tools: Mechanic's stethoscope

How do I fix P0024?

P0024 by make and model

Select your exact year, make, and model below to get a P0024 diagnosis tuned to your vehicle's known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.

P0024 on Chevrolet

P0024 on Ford

P0024 on GMC

P0024 on Honda

P0024 on Hyundai

P0024 on Jeep

P0024 on Kia

P0024 on Mazda

P0024 on Nissan

P0024 on Ram

P0024 on Subaru

P0024 on Toyota

Related diagnostic codes

Common symptoms of P0024

P0024 often shows up as one of these symptoms. Start from what your car is actually doing:

P0024: frequently asked questions

What does diagnostic trouble code P0024 mean?

P0024 is set when the engine control module commands the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft ("B" camshaft) to a position and the actual cam position reads too far advanced, or the phaser fails to track the command within tolerance. It is the Bank 2 counterpart of P0014. Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does NOT contain cylinder number 1, so this code only appears on V6, V8, V10, V12, and flat / boxer engines. The causes are the familiar variable valve timing set: a stuck oil control valve, oil that cannot do its job, or a failing phaser.

What are the symptoms of P0024?

Check Engine Light is illuminated. Rough idle, often worse when the engine is hot. Reduced low-end torque and slow throttle response. Possible stalling at low RPM. Increased emissions at idle. Slight reduction in fuel economy. Cold-start rattle from the cam area

What causes P0024?

Stuck or sludged Bank 2 exhaust-side VVT oil control valve (most-common). Low engine oil level or pressure starving the Bank 2 exhaust phaser (most-common). Sludged oil passages from skipped oil changes (common). Failed Bank 2 exhaust cam phaser / VVT actuator (common). Stretched timing chain affecting Bank 2 exhaust cam position (occasional). Damaged Bank 2 exhaust cam sensor wiring or connector (occasional). Failed Bank 2 exhaust cam position sensor (occasional)

Is it safe to drive with P0024?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0024 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Specific tolerance varies by make and model.