P0022 Intake camshaft timing over-retarded, bank 2: the bank 2 intake camshaft is sitting later than the engine computer commanded

Intake cam timing over-retarded (bank 2)

P0022 in short

P0022 means the bank 2 intake camshaft is more retarded than the engine computer asked for. Low oil and a sticking cam timing solenoid are the usual causes; Ford has messages for the F-150 5.0L. Check the oil level first. Get it inspected soon; stop if it rattles loudly.

A cam phaser turns the intake camshaft relative to its sprocket using oil sent by a solenoid. P0022 sets when the bank 2 intake camshaft stays further back (retarded) than commanded for too long. Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1.

Ford messages for 2019-2020 F-150 5.0L engines pair P0022 with P0011, P0012 and P0021 and a ticking noise from the front of the valve covers. Ford says to check the oil level, then replace only the solenoid for the code present.

Across many 2015-2021 Fords, debris can stick a cam timing solenoid; dealers cycle it repeatedly to free it before replacing it.

Most likely causes

  1. Low oil level, old oil or the wrong viscosity

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Phasers run on oil pressure. Ford's F-150 5.0L message tells technicians to verify and correct the oil level before anything else.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil is low, overdue or the wrong grade.

  2. Bank 2 intake cam timing solenoid sticking or failed

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford says to replace only the cam timing solenoid tied to the code on 2019-2020 F-150 5.0L engines, and lists P0022 among codes from debris sticking the solenoid on many models.
    What would change this
    Rises when the actual cam angle lags the command with good oil; falls if cycling the solenoid clears it for good.
    How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid

  3. Worn cam phaser, chain, tensioner or guide

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A worn phaser or stretched chain can hold the cam retarded and often makes noise; Ford mentions phaser noise with these codes.
    What would change this
    Rises with rattle at start-up or if a new solenoid does not fix it.

  4. Engine computer software

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford reprograms the PCM for cam timing codes including P0022 on 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L vans, and has a procedure for 2018 F-150 5.0L trucks built early in the year.
    What would change this
    Rises on a vehicle covered by a bulletin.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.

    Low riskTool: dipstick, owner's manual

  2. Read all stored codes and freeze frame and ask a dealer to check the VIN for open bulletins.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

  3. With the engine warm, watch desired versus actual bank 2 intake cam angle on a scan tool while varying engine speed.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with live data

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on, often with P0011, P0012 or P0021
  • Ticking or rattling from the front of the valve covers
  • Rough idle or reduced power
  • Loud rattle, stalling or no restart Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. Check the oil level and top it up to the full mark with the grade listed in your owner's manual.

    Warning:Engine off and on level ground; wait a few minutes for oil to drain back.

  2. If the oil is overdue or the wrong grade, change the oil and filter with the specified oil, clear the code and drive normally to see whether it returns.

    Warning:Let the engine cool before draining; hot oil burns. Support the car on ramps or stands, never just a jack.

Parts and cost context

  • Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid:Ford says to replace only the solenoid matching the stored code on 2019-2020 F-150 5.0L engines, not all of them.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2018–2020 · F-150 · 5.0L

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the F-150 5.0L, P0022 often comes with P0011/P0012/P0021 and front valve cover ticking. Ford: check oil level, then replace only the solenoid tied to the code.

  • SSM 48894Status unverified

    P0011, P0012, P0021, P0022 with intake phaser noise, 5.0L

    2019–2020f-150 · 5.0L · NHTSA 10176942

    Replace only the cam timing solenoid(s) for the codes present; continue normal diagnosis if it persists. Repeated as SSM 49082.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 49583Status unverified

    P0011, P0012, P0021, P0022 and phaser noise: check oil level first, 5.0L

    2019–2020f-150 · 5.0L · NHTSA 10187998

    Verify and correct the oil level; if the condition persists, replace only the solenoid(s) for the codes present.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB 18-2058Status unverified

    Misfire and cam timing codes with no drivability concern, 5.0L

    2018f-150 · 5.0L · NHTSA 10136581

    For trucks built on or before 3-Jan-2018.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 49821Status unverified

    VCT codes from debris sticking the VCT solenoid

    2015–2021f-150, escape, explorer, edge, expedition, fusion, focus, mustang · NHTSA 10194428

    Before replacing a VCT solenoid, dealers cycle it 10 times with a pinpoint test to try to clear debris. NHTSA lists many Ford and Lincoln models.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB 21-2224Status unverified

    P0011-P0022 from PCM software, 3.5L Transit

    2020–2021transit · 3.5L · NHTSA 10199525

    Cam timing cycling and PCM reprogram.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Mazda

  • P0021Bank 2 'A' camshaft (usually intake) timing is more advanced than commanded, or the system is not performing

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0021 is the over-advanced version on the same bank 2 intake camshaft; Ford lists both for the same solenoid fault.

  • P0011Intake camshaft timing ahead of target or slow to respond (bank 1)

    Other bank Supported by vehicle data

    P0011 is the bank 1 intake cam timing code; Ford groups it with P0022 on the F-150 5.0L.

  • P0012Intake camshaft timing behind target (bank 1)

    Other bank Supported by vehicle data

    P0012 is the bank 1 intake over-retarded code, the direct opposite-bank match for P0022.

  • P0018Crankshaft and camshaft positions do not agree on bank 2, sensor A

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford lists P0018 with P0022 among cam codes from a debris-stuck solenoid.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

Sources and review

  1. P0022 Code: Intake A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2) — CarParts.com ,
  2. Ford SSM 48894: P0011/P0012/P0021/P0022 with intake VCT phaser noise, 2019-2020 F-150 5.0L — Ford Motor Company
  3. Ford SSM 49583: P0011, P0012, P0021, P0022 and phaser noise, 2019-2020 F-150 5.0L — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA) ,
  4. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  5. 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
  6. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  7. GM PIP3423P: P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009 - inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners, then the crank reluctor — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. GM 12-06-01-009F: High Feature V6 timing chain kits for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. Variable Valve Timing — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley, automotive technical writer)
  10. Ford SSM 48423: VCT codes P0011-P0025 from debris sticking the VCT solenoid, 2015-2020 — Ford Motor Company
  11. Ford Special Service Message 46450: MIL with VCT codes (P0011, P0014, P0016, P0017 and others) from debris sticking the VCT solenoid — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA) ,
  12. Ford TSB 21-2224: P0011-P0022 from PCM software, 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L — Ford Motor Company
  13. Ford TSB 18-2058: misfire and VCT codes including P0022 with no drivability concern, 2018 F-150 5.0L — Ford Motor Company
  14. ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics — OpenExamPrep (independent study site, not affiliated with ASE)
  15. Ford SSM 49821: VCT codes P0011-P0025 from debris sticking the VCT solenoid, 2015-2021 — Ford Motor Company
  16. Mazda SB-01-038-09: P0011/P0012/P0021/P0022 and possibly cam sensor codes, 2009 Tribute — Mazda North American Operations
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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