P0021
Medium SeverityIntake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2)
Engine System
What Does P0021 Mean?
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.
Common Fix
Replace VVT solenoid bank 2
Estimated Cost (DIY)
$30 - $150
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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Related Resources
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Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0021 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0021 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0021 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0021 on this vehicle.
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.
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Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0021.
Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0021.
Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0021.
Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with 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.
Related Repair Guides
If your vehicle has triggered P0021, these DIY repair guides may help: