Enter the error code and car brand

Vehicle engine and/or automatic transmission

Code: P0024 - The "B" camshaft on engine bank 2 is too far advanced or not performing correctly, which may affect engine timing and performance.

Let me break down what p0024 means from a mechanic’s point of view. When you see this code pop up, your vehicle’s computer is telling you that the exhaust camshaft on bank 2 is advancing further than it’s supposed to. Bank 2 refers to the side of your engine that doesn’t have cylinder #1-important to know when you’re poking around under the hood. Here’s what’s really happening: modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT) to squeeze out better performance and fuel economy. The VVT system tweaks the timing of the camshaft so the exhaust valves open and close at just the right moments, all in sync with the crankshaft. When oil pressure, sensors, or solenoids in this system don’t cooperate, you end up with that camshaft out of position, and boom-dtc p0024 gets stored, your check engine light comes on, and it’s time to roll up your sleeves. In my experience, anything that messes with oil flow or those control components can bring on this headache.

Main Causes of P0024

Over the years, I’ve seen P0024 caused by a bunch of different things, but there are a few repeat offenders that show up time and again. Let me run you through the most common ones I find in the shop:

Low engine oil level - You’d be amazed how often this gets overlooked. Even a little low and you’re asking for trouble.
Failure of the camshaft variable timing solenoid - These guys are in charge of directing oil to the VVT system. They’re known to stick, clog, or just quit working altogether.
Incorrect engine timing - If your timing chain (or belt) has skipped a tooth or is worn out, the camshaft can fall out of sync. Happens more often than you’d think, especially on high-mileage engines.
Engine oil that doesn’t match factory specs - Running old, dirty oil or the wrong viscosity will absolutely wreak havoc on the VVT system.
Variable valve timing actuator failure - When this actuator gets gummed up or worn out, it can no longer do its job.
Worn timing chain, tensioner, or guide - These parts are the backbone of proper timing. Let them get sloppy, and your timing drifts.
Electrical gremlins - Broken wires, bad connections, or corrosion in the VVT solenoid wiring are a sneaky cause I see far too often.

If I had to bet, most of the time it’s oil-related or a sticky solenoid. But don’t skip checking everything, or you’ll miss the real culprit.

Typical Symptoms of P0024 Engine Code

Whenever p0024 rears its head, you’ll usually notice your vehicle isn’t behaving like it should. Here’s what I tell folks to watch out for, based on years of troubleshooting:

Check engine light - Nine times out of ten, this is your first clue.
Hard starting - Sometimes the engine cranks way longer than normal before coming to life.
Rough running or misfires - You’ll feel the engine stumble or shake, especially when sitting at idle.
Stalling - I’ve seen cars cut out completely at stoplights or in traffic.
Rattling or knocking from the engine - Take this seriously. That sound is never good news.
Worse fuel economy - If you’re filling up more often, this code could be why.
Failed emissions - If inspection time is coming up, this code will send you straight to the fail pile.

Any time you hear unusual engine noises or the car stalls, don’t wait-those are signs things could get ugly in a hurry.

How to Diagnose OBD Code P0024

I’ve developed a tried-and-true routine for chasing down dtc p0024. Here’s my go-to process, and a few pro-tips to help you out:

First stop: engine oil. Check the level and make sure it’s clean, not gritty or dark. Low or dirty oil? Swap it out with the manufacturer’s recommended type and see if p0024 comes back.
Next, take a close look at the wiring and connectors at the bank 2 VVT solenoid. Wiggle the plugs, hunt for corrosion, broken wires, or even oil leaking into the connector-these can all throw off the system.
Now, hook up a scan tool and peek at live camshaft data. This tells you if the cam timing is actually out of range, or if a flaky sensor is crying wolf.
If things look clean so far, pull the VVT solenoid out. Sometimes it’s just clogged with sludge. Clean it out and see if that solves your issue before reaching for your wallet.
If you’re still chasing the problem, move on to checking engine timing. Inspect the timing chain (or belt), tensioner, and guides for slack or wear. This part takes more work-don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re new to engine timing.
Last on the list: check the VVT actuator itself for sticking or failure. This often means you’re diving deeper into the engine and may need some specialty tools.

Always double-check the simple stuff before you start tearing things apart. That’s saved me countless hours-and headaches-over the years.

Common Mistakes When Addressing OBD2 Code P0024

Something I see all the time is folks throwing parts at the problem without working through the basics. Don’t make these classic mistakes:

Skipping the oil check - Not verifying oil level or using the wrong grade is a rookie error, and the fix could be as easy as a fresh oil change.
Neglecting the wiring - I’ve seen more than one “bad” solenoid that turned out to be a broken wire or corroded plug.
Assuming timing is fine - Just because the engine runs doesn’t mean the timing’s spot-on. Always verify with the right tools.
Replacing sensors or solenoids blindly - Swapping parts without testing first can drain your wallet and leave you right where you started.

Take it from me: the basics will solve more problems than you’d expect. Don’t overlook them while chasing ghosts.

How Serious Is a P0024 Code

If there’s one thing I can’t stress enough, it’s not to ignore P0024. Left unchecked, this code can snowball into major engine damage. When cam timing is off, you’re risking bent valves, banged-up pistons, and in the worst case, a dead engine. If you hear rattling or knocking, that’s a warning shot-parts inside your engine are fighting each other, and that never ends well. Besides the repair bill, you’re also looking at poor mileage, the chance of stalling at the worst time, and a guaranteed emissions test failure. Don’t roll the dice on this one. Components that can take a beating include the timing chain, tensioner, guides, camshaft, valves, and pistons.

Repair Solutions for P0024 Trouble Code

Here’s how I tackle p0024 in the shop, depending on what the diagnosis turns up:

Top off or change the engine oil, making absolutely sure you use the correct spec and grade.
If the camshaft variable timing solenoid is gummed up or dead, replace it. Sometimes a good cleaning does the trick.
Fix or replace any damaged wiring or sketchy connectors in the VVT circuit.
If the actuator is stuck or worn, swap it out for a new one.
Repair or change the timing chain, tensioner, or guides if they’re loose, stretched, or worn down.
If the timing’s out, get it reset-don’t guess, use the proper tools and procedures.

Chasing the real cause is the only way to fix p0024 for good. Sometimes it’s as simple as fresh oil, other times you’ve got a real job on your hands. Either way, clear the root issue, not just the code.

Conclusion

Bottom line: If you see p0024, your engine’s exhaust cam on bank 2 is running ahead of schedule-usually because of oil issues, a sticky solenoid, or something up with the timing. This isn’t a code to ignore. Fast, thorough troubleshooting-starting with oil, wiring, and solenoids, then moving on to the timing components-can save your engine and your wallet. Trust your instincts, handle this one quickly, and you’ll avoid a whole world of hurt down the line.

Video for "Error p0024" on YouTube