P0021 – Camshaft position (CMP); intake/left/front, bank 2 timing over -advanced/system performance
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P0021 | Camshaft position (CMP); intake/left/front, bank 2 timing over -advanced/system performance (Buy Part On Amazon) | Valve timing, engine mechanical fault, CMP actuator |
We recommend Torque Pro
Table of Contents
- What Does Code P0021 Mean?
- What are the common causes of code P0021 ?
- What are the symptoms of code P0021 ?
- How do you troubleshoot code P0021 ?
- Codes Related to P0021
- Get Help with P0021
What Does Code P0021 Mean?
In most cases if P0021 comes up it is due to lack of oil lubrication. The best way to rectify the situation is to apply an engine cleaning product and do an engine rinse before re-installing a new VCT/VVT solenoid. If that is not done you will have near future failure of the new VCT/VVT solenoid. It is very important to note in the new VCT/VVT engines they are very susceptible to lower cost oils. You need to purchase high end oils in order to have a longer lasting camshaft oil timing system. You definitely get what you pay for in this case.
- VVT- Variable Valve Timing
- VCT- Variable Camshaft timing
- You have an intake camshaft solenoid error usually. Not manufacturer specific, is a generic code.
What are the common causes of code P0021 ?
- Why did the solenoid fail? It is usually from an oil maintenance problem
- Poor choice of oil product for this particular engine- causes carbon build up in the VCT engines and will produce small ball like substance (carbon build up). This was not seen before VVT engines were introduced. This is what causes the filter blockage of the solenoid and causes it to fail and potential engine failure.
What are the symptoms of code P0021 ?
- Loss of gas mileage
- Engine stalling
- Possibly engine failure
- Engine contamination
- If the actual solenoid does fail this will cause a retardation of the intake valve operation
- Check engine light will appear
- Possibly camshaft failure due to lack of lubrication
How do you troubleshoot code P0021 ?
- Use a multi meter and take resistance
- As a general rule- every terminal needs to be checked for a solenoid failure. If it does not have a 7-12 ohm on the multi meter, it is most likely failed. Always pin test from the valve solenoid to PCM or ECM.
- Pin test means you must check continuity in the wiring harness between the actual valve solenoid and the brain (computer pcm/ecm)
- While pin testing in back probe, wiggle test all related harnesses and observe readings on vault meter/multi meter
- Check all engine grounds
- Also, clean and tighten every harness terminals from the valve solenoid to the pcm. The integrity of those contacts must be tightly mated and lubricated with grease to make sure full electric contact is present. The misdiagnosed problem is engine vibration which will loosen the harness connecters because most variable cam shaft timing systems rely on high revolution engines. So, any loose wiring or connections may cause this code. It does not mean the actual valve is a problem.
- First check the resistance of the actual valve. Most only have two terminals, will likely present 7-12 oms.
- Often the exhaust camshaft valve solenoid will be the issue, so interchange the two valves one for another and clearing codes.
- If the code changes to the exhaust then it is P0014
- The intake and the exhaust solenoid will have the same type of connection and are interchangeable. Try interchanging one solenoid for the other. If after erasing all present codes, a different code comes back, then you have essentially eliminated the actual valve solenoid and have saved hours of diagnostic work. By interchanging most times if one code changes to the other, you can got your parts guy and ask for the valve solenoid.
- The failure of the solenoid VVC or VCT is usually due to oil blockage from the screen/filter.
Codes Related to P0021
P0171, P0174, P0014, P0011, P0024
Type B codes- will erase itself without a scanner.
Type A code there is something else.
P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0335, P0336, P0338, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0346, P0347, P0348, P0366, P0367, P068, P091, P092, P093, P0521, P0522, P0523
If these codes show it is unliikely to be the valve
If the initial P0021 sets and other codes are present then erase all codes and do five camshaft drive cycles and then re-investigate which codes come back. If any of these codes are present disregard and erase. If they come back it is electrical wiring or connection failure.
PCM/ECM has a particular algorithm to follow. If the valve does not respond to the criteria of the computer, it will recognize the algorithm. So, usually when the P0021 code shows it is failure due to lack of maintenance.
Most P0021 codes are almost always a result of bad oil changes and lack of car maintenance in regards to engine lubrication.
Help Us Help You
Please comment below describing your issue as well as the specifics of your vehicle (make, model, year, miles, and engine), and one of our mechanics will respond as soon as possible. We appreciate a $9.99 donation via the payment button below.
see what I got p0021
I got codes p0010, p0011 and p0021. I change my oil regularly with synthetic mixed with 1 qt Lucas. I replaced the VCT on drivers side yesterday. Now the codes came back. What now?
Hello. Try replacing your camshaft position actuator. Cam phasers going bad are one of the most very common problems with the 5.4l motor. You can observe the intake and exhaust cam position actuators through a lab scope. See if if retards or advances under load.
I only have 54,000 on my 3.5 L 2018 F250 Platinum and just started using Lucas pure Synthetic oil stabilizer my last oil change, only 500 miles ago.
I also just had at 40,000 warranty work done changing the cam phasers. Thought Lucas might keep this from happening again. Since Ford replaced parts but did not fix lack of lubrication on start-ups.
Has anyone else had codes P0021 and P0018 after using Lucas stabilizer?