OBD-II trouble code
P0025: "B" Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
The exhaust ("B") camshaft on bank 2 is staying more retarded than the engine computer commanded. Usually an oil-flow or VVT solenoid problem rather than a broken part.
Quick facts
- System
- Powertrain
- Category
- Variable Valve Timing
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $50 – $600
- DIY difficulty
- Intermediate DIY
What does P0025 mean?
Engines with variable valve timing (VVT) adjust when the camshafts open and close the valves to balance power, economy, and emissions. The engine computer commands a timing target and verifies the cam actually moved there using the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. P0025 sets when the "B" camshaft on bank 2 — on most engines the exhaust cam on the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1 — stays over-retarded: its actual timing lags the commanded target beyond the allowed limit.
VVT systems are driven by pressurized engine oil routed through an oil control (VVT) solenoid into the cam phaser. Anything that disturbs that oil flow — low oil level, degraded or sludged oil, a sticking solenoid, a clogged screen — can leave the phaser stuck or slow to respond. Because of that, this family of codes is very often an oil problem before it is a parts problem, and the first check is always oil level and condition.
P0025 completes the bank 2 set alongside P0021 ("A" cam over-advanced) and P0022 ("A" cam over-retarded), and mirrors P0013/P0014 logic on bank 1. If multiple cam timing codes set at once across both banks, think oil pressure/condition or a stretched timing chain rather than several failed solenoids.
Common causes
- Low engine oil level or dirty, degraded oil
- Sticking or failed VVT/oil control solenoid for the bank 2 exhaust cam
- Clogged oil passage or solenoid screen (sludge)
- Faulty or sticking camshaft phaser/actuator
- Stretched timing chain or jumped timing
- Wiring or connector fault at the oil control solenoid
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or stalling
- Reduced power and poor fuel economy
- Rattle or ticking from the timing cover area
- Possible failed emissions test
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Check engine oil level and condition first; correct level and change heavily degraded oil before further diagnosis.
- 2.Scan for companion codes — other cam timing codes on either bank point toward oil supply or the timing chain.
- 3.Watch commanded vs. actual cam timing for bank 2 exhaust on live data; a lazy or stuck actual value confirms the mechanical/hydraulic side.
- 4.Swap or bench-test the bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid; inspect its screen for debris.
- 5.Check the solenoid's wiring and connector for damage or corrosion.
- 6.If oil and solenoid check out, evaluate the cam phaser and timing chain (timing marks, chain stretch).
Repair cost
$50 – $600
An oil change fixes a surprising number of cam timing codes ($50-$120). A VVT/oil control solenoid is typically $50-$150 in parts with modest labor. If the cam phaser or timing chain is at fault, repairs can run well beyond $600 — diagnose before replacing parts.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with vvt solenoid replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
This is an intermediate DIY job. It usually involves diagnostic steps, specialty parts, and some careful work in tight spaces. If you have the tools and a service manual or trustworthy video for your specific vehicle, it is achievable in a weekend. Otherwise, a competent independent shop will be faster.