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Camshaft timing (VVT)

P0021 Intake camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 2)

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P0021 means: Intake camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 2). The camshaft is not where the engine computer wants it to be. Drive gently and have the car checked soon. The repair usually costs about €80–900 in Estonia. The most common cause: oil is low, old or the wrong grade.

Is it safe to drive?Get it checked soonDrive gently and have the car checked soon.
Typical repair cost€80–900parts and labour in Estonia

What it means

The camshaft is not where the engine computer wants it to be. It is adjusted with oil pressure, so oil is the most common culprit. V engines have two banks of cylinders; this code refers to the second bank.

What could be wrong

  1. 1Oil is low, old or the wrong grade
  2. 2Adjuster valve is sticking or its screen is blocked
  3. 3Camshaft adjuster (phaser) is worn
  4. 4Timing chain is stretched

What you can check yourself

Check the oil level. If the last oil change was more than a year ago, change the oil and filter and clear the code. You can check the simple things yourself, but the repair is best done in a workshop.

How we fix it

  1. We check the oil and watch the camshaft position with a diagnostic tool
  2. We clean or replace the adjuster valve
  3. If the chain is stretched, we replace the timing chain kit

Standard SAE description: "A" Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2)

This code usually comes with: Check engine lightSee what the light means →

Want a definite answer?

Bring the car to our workshop in Estonia for diagnostics. We read the fault codes, test the sensors and tell you what is wrong. Repair price depends on the work involved, generally €45 per hour.

Book a diagnostic check

Questions

What does fault code P0021 mean?

Intake camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 2). The camshaft is not where the engine computer wants it to be. It is adjusted with oil pressure, so oil is the most common culprit. V engines have two banks of cylinders; this code refers to the second bank.

Can I drive with code P0021?

Drive gently and have the car checked soon.

How much does it cost to fix P0021?

Roughly €80–900 in Estonia. The price depends on exactly what has failed and on the car.

How is P0021 fixed?

We check the oil and watch the camshaft position with a diagnostic tool. We clean or replace the adjuster valve. If the chain is stretched, we replace the timing chain kit.

Related codes

P0011Intake camshaft timing too far advancedP0022Camshaft: timing too far retarded ("A", bank 2)P0020Camshaft actuator: circuit fault ("A", bank 2)P2090Camshaft actuator: signal or voltage too low ("B", bank 1)P2091Camshaft actuator: signal or voltage too high ("B", bank 1)P2092Camshaft actuator: signal or voltage too low ("A", bank 2)

Based on AI combined with our hands-on workshop experience and knowledge. This information is general and prices are approximate (Estonian workshop rates). The same code can mean different things on different cars. Only an inspection of the car gives a definite answer.

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