P0024: Bank 2 'B' camshaft (usually exhaust) timing is more advanced than commanded, or the system is not performing

'B' camshaft position - timing over-advanced or system performance (bank 2)

Severity: Inspect soon

P0024 means the bank 2 exhaust cam is not following the commanded timing. The engine usually runs, sometimes with hesitation or rough running; it is an emissions-monitored VVT fault with oil and solenoid causes, so get it inspected soon.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The check engine light starts flashing. That means misfire heavy enough to overheat and damage the catalytic converter; avoid further driving and get it checked.
Stop: A new loud rattle or knock from the timing area, or the engine stalls. A worn chain or tensioner can be behind this code and further driving risks engine damage.

Source: how we rate severity

P0024 in short

P0024 means the bank 2 exhaust camshaft is ahead of where the engine computer wants it, or slow to respond. Check oil level and grade first, then the bank 2 exhaust oil control solenoid, a documented cause on 2014 Impala and LaCrosse. Get it inspected soon; stop if the engine rattles or knocks loudly.

On engines with variable exhaust cam timing, an oil control solenoid steers oil to a phaser on the exhaust camshaft. P0024 sets when the bank 2 'B' camshaft (the exhaust cam on most engines) sits ahead of the commanded angle or responds too slowly.

GM names this code "Exhaust Camshaft Position Performance - Bank 2" and replaced sticking exhaust actuator solenoid valves under a special coverage on 2014 Impala and LaCrosse. Nissan found a different exhaust timing part at fault on the Maxima after oil changes.

When P0014 (bank 1 exhaust) is stored too, oil level, grade or condition is the most likely shared cause.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low oil level, old oil or oil that does not meet the specification
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
Phasers depend on oil pressure and the right viscosity; low or wrong-spec oil is listed first because it is cheap to check.
What would change this
Rises if the oil is low, overdue or not the grade in the owner's manual.
Cause 2: Sticking bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid valve
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
GM covered P0014/P0024 from a sticking exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid valve on 2014 Impala and LaCrosse; it is also a widely listed general cause.
What would change this
Rises if the exhaust cam does not follow commands or the solenoid is sticky when tested.
How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid
Cause 3: Exhaust valve control magnet retarders (2009-2014 Maxima)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Nissan tells dealers to replace both exhaust valve control magnet retarders when P0014/P0024 come with low-speed hesitation after an oil change.
What would change this
Rises on a Maxima with hesitation below 15 mph after an oil change.
Cause 4: AVCS fault on 2011-2015 Subarus
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Subaru has a dedicated diagnosis and repair bulletin for P0024 and related AVCS codes.
What would change this
Applies to the listed Subaru models; follow the bulletin steps.
Cause 5: Worn timing chain, tensioner or guide
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
Listed as a cause; chain wear shifts every cam and usually also sets correlation codes.
What would change this
Rises with a timing rattle or with P0016-P0019 stored.

What to test first

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

Step 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
- IfOil is low, overdue, sludgy or the wrong viscosity
  It meansCorrect the oil first, clear the code and drive; many cam timing codes return no further.
  Points to: Low oil level, old oil or oil that does not meet the specification
- IfOil is full, fresh and the right grade
  It meansLook at what the camshaft is actually doing.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether a bulletin or special coverage applies to the VIN (for example GM 2014 Impala/LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima, Subaru 2011-2015).
Low risk
- IfA GM special coverage applies
  It meansThe exhaust actuator solenoid valve is replaced at no charge.
  Points to: Sticking bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid valve
- IfMaxima with hesitation after an oil change
  It meansFollow Nissan's bulletin.
  Points to: Exhaust valve control magnet retarders (2009-2014 Maxima)
- IfNo bulletin applies
  It meansCheck how the exhaust cam responds.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: With the engine warm, compare desired and actual bank 2 exhaust cam angle on a scan tool and command the exhaust oil control solenoid if the tool allows.
Use cautionTool: bidirectional scan tool
Warning:Keep hands and tools away from belts and the cooling fan with the engine running.
- IfCam does not follow commands
  It meansThe solenoid or its oil supply is at fault.
  Points to: Sticking bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid valve
- IfSolenoid works but the cam still lags or stays advanced
  It meansHave the phaser and timing drive inspected.
  Points to: Worn timing chain, tensioner or guide

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Hesitation, rough running or hard starting
Engine rattling or knocking Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

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

How to fix

Step 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.
Step 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.

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

2014 · Impala
Supported by vehicle data
On the 2014 Impala, GM special coverage replaces a sticking exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid valve for P0014/P0024 at no charge; check eligibility with a dealer.

GCUS-9-3286Status unverified
Special Coverage 16115: P0014/P0024 from a sticking exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valve
2014impala · issued December 22, 2017 · NHTSA 10126007
Dealers replace the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valve at no charge when P0014/P0024 set. Also covers the 2014 Buick LaCrosse.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Buick

2014 · LaCrosse
Supported by vehicle data
The 2014 LaCrosse is in the same GM special coverage for the exhaust actuator solenoid valve.

Nissan

2009–2014 · Maxima
Supported by vehicle data
On the 2009-2014 Maxima, P0014/P0024 with low-speed hesitation after an oil change points at the exhaust valve control magnet retarders.

NTB12116AStatus unverified
MIL with P0014/P0024 and low-speed hesitation after an oil change
2009–2014maxima · issued May 10, 2021 · rev. A · NHTSA 10192442
If P0014 and/or P0024 set with hesitation below 15 mph after an oil change, replace both exhaust valve control magnet retarders.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

P0024 questions

Is P0024 the intake or the exhaust camshaft?

On most engines camshaft 'B' is the exhaust cam, so P0024 is the bank 2 exhaust cam. Confirm in the service information for your engine.

Sources and review

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
P0024 Code: Exhaust 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2) — CarParts.com Research Team (reviewed by an ASE Master Technician)
GM Special Coverage 16115 (GCUS-9-3286): P0014/P0024 from a sticking exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valve — General Motors / NHTSA , December 22, 2017
2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
Variable Valve Timing — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley, automotive technical writer)
Nissan NTB12116A: MIL with P0014 and/or P0024 and low-speed hesitation after an oil change — Nissan North America / NHTSA , May 10, 2021
Subaru 02-132-12R: Diagnosis and repair for AVCS-related DTCs P000A-P000D, P0011, P0014, P0021 and P0024 — Subaru of America / NHTSA , November 15, 2016
ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics — OpenExamPrep (independent study site, not affiliated with ASE)
Lexus LSB-0028-09: Engine ticking noise and/or MIL with P0014, P0015, P0024, P0025, P0017 or P0018 — Lexus / Toyota Motor Sales / NHTSA , March 19, 2009

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low oil level, old oil or oil that does not meet the specification

Cause 2: Sticking bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid valve

Cause 3: Exhaust valve control magnet retarders (2009-2014 Maxima)

Cause 4: AVCS fault on 2011-2015 Subarus

Cause 5: Worn timing chain, tensioner or guide

What to test first

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

Step 2: Ask a dealer whether a bulletin or special coverage applies to the VIN (for example GM 2014 Impala/LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima, Subaru 2011-2015).

Step 3: With the engine warm, compare desired and actual bank 2 exhaust cam angle on a scan tool and command the exhaust oil control solenoid if the tool allows.

Symptoms

How to fix

On your vehicle

ChevroletYour car

BuickYour car

NissanYour car

Related codes

P0024 questions

Sources and review

Chevrolet

Buick

Nissan