P0024 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)
Has your check engine light illuminated due to a P0024 diagnostic trouble code (DTC)? Though this particular fault is quite serious in nature, it can be effectively diagnosed and repaired with the right information.
Whether you’re experiencing rough idling, starting difficulties, or other common symptoms, understanding DTC P0024 is crucial for addressing your vehicle’s issues. Read on to learn what P0024 means, its symptoms, causes, and how to fix it (step-by-step).
What Does Code P0024 Mean?
Diagnostic trouble code P0024 is indicative of an engine’s “B” camshaft being overly advanced in timing, as projected by a vehicle’s PCM/ECM. Camshaft “B”, refers to an engine’s bank 2, exhaust camshaft. A similar fault code, DTC P0021, corresponds to the same condition on bank 1, while DTC P0022 deals with a timing over-retarded state.
Code P0024 is a fault that is largely specific to engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) technology. This technology allows an engine to advance or retard its camshaft timing in response to various operating conditions so that maximum combustion efficiency can be attained under virtually all individual circumstances.
In the case of diagnostic fault code P0024, this high degree of efficiency cannot be attained as intended, as the “B” camshaft is overly advanced, without the ability to be reconciled via standard computer controls. This over advanced state is recognized by the vehicle’s PCM/ECM on behalf of feedback obtained from an engine’s camshaft position sensor.
See Also: What Side Is Bank 1 and Bank 2 On?
Symptoms of Code P0024
Diagnostic fault code P0024 is often accompanied by several corresponding secondary symptoms, a number of which can prove detrimental to overall engine operating efficiency. Recognition of these symptoms is important to achieving a quick resolution.
- Illuminated check engine light
- Starting-related difficulties
- Rough idle
- Erratic engine performance
- Intermittent stalling
- Decreased fuel economy
Causes of Code P0024
Several issues can trigger the P0024 code, ranging from simple to complex problems. While experienced mechanics can usually diagnose and fix these issues quickly, some causes may require more detailed troubleshooting.
Here are the most common reasons for DTC P0024:
- Inaccurate camshaft timing
- Electrical control issues to VVT circuit
- VVT solenoid or actuator failure
- Stretched timing chain or chain tensioner
- Dirty or incompatible engine oil
- Low engine oil
Is Code P0024 Serious?
Diagnostic fault code P0024 is typically regarded as being of high-severity, thereby requiring immediate attention. This is due primarily to the wide array of symptoms accompanying this fault, that have the potential to negatively impact a vehicle’s driveability.
Starting related-symptoms and intermittent stalling are commonly associated with DTC P0024, leaving potential for a motorist to become stranded.
Additionally, continuing to operate a vehicle with an engine timing-related fault, such as P0024, for prolonged periods of time can present risk of incurring additional engine damage. Much of this damage often proves far more expensive and cumbersome to repair than the initial cause of a vehicle’s P0024 fault.
In any event, the root cause of a vehicle’s P0024 diagnostic fault code should be thoroughly diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so will dramatically reduce your risk of being stranded roadside, while also minimizing the risk of unknowingly causing additional engine damage.
If you don’t feel comfortable tackling such tasks on your own, consult a trustworthy mechanic at the first available opportunity.
How to Fix Code P0024
The following steps can be used to assist in diagnosing the root cause of your vehicle’s active P0024 diagnostic fault code. It is also wise to locate factory-specific service literature for your exact model of vehicle, before attempting to spearhead such efforts.
#1 – Check For Additional Fault Codes
Before beginning the diagnostic process, check for the presence of additional DTCs with the use of a quality scan tool. Any such faults that are recorded, should be diagnosed in order of priority.
#2 – Check Engine Oil Level
Begin by checking your vehicle’s engine oil level, to ensure it is filled to capacity. You should also verify that your vehicle’s engine is not past due for an oil change, and that the correct weight of oil was used during the vehicle’s prior service.
#3 – Inspect Control/Actuator Wiring
Next, you will need to carefully inspect the affected vehicle’s oil control solenoid/actuator wiring for signs of damage. Additionally, all connectors within this circuit should also be inspected for misalignment of their internal pins, or corrosion.
Any damage discovered during this inspection should be corrected before proceeding.
#4 – Analyze Freeze Frame Data
If no obvious issues have been identified to this point, it will be necessary to closely analyze the freeze-frame data related to each logged instance of DTC P0024. Multiple inputs should be studied during this analysis, as directed by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
For many, this is where DIY efforts stop and a when a service appointment is scheduled. This data should point you in the direction of the root cause of the offending fault.
#5 – Perform Pinpoint Test
Because the exact design of VVT systems in use today often differ significantly from one make and model of vehicle to the next, it is essential to follow manufacturer-published pinpoint tests for your exact vehicle, to continue diagnosis. The information gleaned in step #4 will prove invaluable during this step of the troubleshooting process.
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