What Does P0025 Mean?
P0025 indicates that the 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) on Bank 2 is over-retarded beyond the ECM's commanded position. The ECM detects that the actual exhaust cam position lags behind the desired advance target, meaning the cam is stuck or moving too far toward the retard position. This reduces exhaust valve overlap, which can cause reduced performance at higher RPMs, sluggish acceleration, and potentially increased emissions.
Common Causes
30%
Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid stuck in the retard position or not responding to advance commands
25%
Worn exhaust cam phaser on Bank 2 defaulting to the retard/park position due to internal seal leakage
20%
Low oil pressure or incorrect oil viscosity preventing the VVT system from advancing the cam against the return spring
15%
Clogged oil passages to the Bank 2 exhaust VVT actuator preventing adequate hydraulic pressure for cam advance
10%
Timing chain stretch on Bank 2 causing the exhaust cam position to read as overly retarded relative to the crankshaft
Diagnostic Steps
1
Monitor Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actual vs. desired position in live data — if the actual position is consistently more retarded than commanded (3+ degrees behind), the VVT system cannot advance the cam.
2
Remove and inspect the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid. Test by applying 12V to verify the plunger moves smoothly and the solenoid transitions between advance and retard ports.
3
Check engine oil level and condition. An oil change with the correct viscosity may resolve the issue if degraded oil is causing sluggish VVT response.
4
Command the VVT solenoid to 100% duty cycle (full advance) and monitor cam position response. If the cam does not advance at all, suspect a stuck phaser or blocked oil passage.
5
Perform an oil pressure test — compare to manufacturer minimum specs at idle and 2,500 RPM. If pressure is low, address the oil supply system before replacing VVT components.
6
Check for timing chain noise from the Bank 2 side and compare the crank-to-cam offset with VVT disabled to evaluate chain stretch.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $2,000
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
P0025 indicates that the 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) on Bank 2 is over-retarded beyond the ECM's commanded position. The ECM detects that the actual exhaust cam position lags behind the desired advance target, meaning the cam is stuck or moving too far toward the retard position. T...
The most common cause of P0025 ("B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2) - See Trouble Code P0022) is: Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid stuck in the retard position or not responding to advance commands
Typical repair costs for P0025 range from $150 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle can be driven with reduced performance. An over-retarded exhaust cam is less concerning than an over-advanced one for idle quality, but high-RPM power will be noticeably reduced. If timing chain noise is present, avoid driving to prevent potential engine damage.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0025 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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