Fix P0024: Mechanic’s Solutions That WORKED!

The P0024 – Exhaust B Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2) code indicates an issue with the exhaust camshaft position timing being over-advanced on Bank 2, which is engine head number #2.

P0024 quick overview

Meaning	P0024 – Exhaust B Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2)
Is it serious?	Yes, this code can affect engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. It may also signal impending damage to the engine if not addressed.
Possible causes	– Faulty camshaft actuator solenoid – Incorrect oil viscosity affecting VVT operation – Stretched timing chain or worn timing components – Electrical issues with the VVT circuit – PCM software needing an update
How to diagnose?	Check oil level and viscosity to ensure they meet the engine’s specifications. Inspect camshaft timing and components for wear or incorrect installation. Test camshaft actuator solenoid operation and resistance. Examine electrical wiring and connectors for damage or poor connections. Perform active tests to observe camshaft response to ECM commands.

How to fix P0024 – learn from mechanics

I looked into P0024 service cases at iatn.com website where in the private forums the mechanics seek advice from other mechanics. I looked up a bunch of cases to help you decide how to fix your issue and see what would a real mechanic do to solve it.

Case #1: Toyota P0024

Vehicle information 2010 Toyota Tundra 5.7L

Issue + repair history

• MIL lamp on
• Code P0024: Bank 2 Exhaust Cam Advanced
• Oil change performed with full synthetic 0W-20
• Inspected and replaced VVT solenoid
• Cleaned the filter in the valve cover
• Suspected cam phaser issue due to lack of change in idle when manually activating OCV/VVT solenoid
• Considered wiring issues but no specific mention of any found

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P0024: Bank 2 Exhaust Cam Advanced

Mechanic suggestions

• Ensure each cam sensor wire connector isn’t switched around and verify actuators connectors using wiring diagrams
• Check for engine history, especially related to cam tower reseals, and ensure regular maintenance and oil changes were performed
• Consider the possibility of a stretched timing chain or worn gear issue, and measure cam and crank signals with a scope
• Perform an active test to verify if the cam is responding to ECM command and log PIDs for cam position actual and target during a test drive
• Monitor P0017 code, which has priority over P0024, during the test drive and graph the target vs. actual cam position to identify potential issues with the phaser or oil flow
• Torque the new cam gear bolt and ensure it is properly locked after installation

Final fix

• Removed and inspected the cam gear, found it locked in position
• Installed a new cam gear on the cam and ensured proper function by manually activating the OCV/VVT solenoid
• No further issues reported after installation

Case #2: Infiniti P0024

Vehicle information 2007 Infiniti G35 3.5L

Issue + repair history

• MIL lamp on
• Codes P0014 and P0024: Exhaust valve timing control bank 1 and bank 2
• Engine oil level checked and changed to ensure proper weight oil is used
• Lab scope used to check exhaust retard sensors, found to be functioning properly
• Both VTC solenoids tested and found to be working
• Codes set after 2 trips

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P0014: Exhaust valve timing bank 1
• P0024: Exhaust valve timing bank 2

Mechanic suggestions

• Check cam timing as the variable timing may be over-advanced, leading to the PCM being unable to correct it
• Verify if there is any ECM update available, as both banks are showing the codes despite the oil being changed to the proper weight
• Consider the possibility of solenoids sticking due to improper oil changes; one suggestion involved adding half a quart of transmission fluid to the oil, running the engine for 3 minutes, and then changing the oil
• For vehicles with the VQ35 HR engine, check for internal oil pressure leaks on the inner timing cover at the oil galley, as these engines use oil pressure and a solenoid for intake timing control, which may be affected by oil level/quality

Final fix

• After running low on oil, manually activated each actuator and road tested the vehicle
• Codes took longer to set after each test drive, and eventually did not return after a final test drive
• Customer advised to monitor oil level and drive the vehicle for a few days to observe any recurrence of the issue

Case #3: GMC P0024

Vehicle information 2018 GMC Canyon SLE 3.6L

Issue + repair history

• MIL lamp on intermittently
• Codes P0019 and P0024: Bank 2 exhaust cam sensor and crank sensor out of sync, Exhaust B cam position timing over advanced
• Bank 2 exhaust cam sensor replaced previously
• No driveability issues or engine noise observed
• Oil changed recently, proper maintenance upheld with 32,000 miles on the vehicle

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P0019: Bank 2 exhaust cam sensor and crank sensor out of sync
• P0024: Exhaust B cam position timing over advanced

Mechanic suggestions

• Consider using Marvel Mystery Oil to clean the engine and see if the problem corrects itself
• Check if the vehicle is still under factory powertrain warranty and consider taking it to a dealer for inspection
• Replace the cam actuator, which might be causing the issue; suggested it’s an easy replacement
• Verify if the correct oil and filter were used for the recent oil change
• Consider adding a quart of transmission fluid to the engine oil and see if the code disappears
• Note that the GMC 3.6L engines are known for stretched timing chains, which may require a complex repair
• List potential causes for the issue, including issues with the timing chain, faulty sensors, circuit issues, worn tensioners or guides, failed VVT actuator solenoid, low oil level, or faulty PCM
• Mention the need for scoping the synch to ascertain the actual problem, but acknowledge the limitation of not having the necessary tools
• Suggest considering older vehicles as a solution to the issue, given the complexity of modern engine systems

Final fix

• Ran the vehicle with Marvel Mystery Oil for about 200 miles, then changed the oil and filter with full synthetic dexos oil
• Drove the vehicle for many miles without any codes recurring, indicating the issue might be resolved

Diagnostic Step	Explanation
Check oil level and viscosity	Confirm the oil is within specifications for proper VVT operation.
Inspect camshaft timing components	Look for wear, damage, or incorrect installation of timing components.
Test camshaft actuator solenoid	Ensure the solenoid operates correctly and matches resistance specifications.
Examine electrical connections	Check wiring and connectors for damage or poor contact.
Perform active tests and log data	Observe the camshaft’s response to ECM commands during operation.