What Does P002A Mean?
The ECM has detected an open circuit condition in the 'B' camshaft profile control solenoid circuit on Bank 1. This solenoid controls variable valve timing or lift on the exhaust camshaft. The driver may notice reduced engine performance, rough idle, poor fuel economy, or a noticeable lack of power at certain RPM ranges. The Check Engine Light will be illuminated.
Common Causes
35%
Faulty 'B' camshaft profile control solenoid (open coil winding)
30%
Damaged, broken, or corroded wiring in the solenoid circuit
20%
Poor electrical connection at the solenoid connector
10%
ECM driver circuit failure
5%
Oil contamination causing solenoid sticking or electrical degradation
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check freeze frame data to note engine RPM, load, and coolant temp at the time of failure. Monitor the camshaft profile control solenoid duty cycle with live data — it should respond to ECM commands.
2
Locate the 'B' camshaft profile control solenoid on Bank 1 (exhaust camshaft). Disconnect the solenoid connector and measure resistance across the solenoid coil terminals — expect 7–13 ohms depending on manufacturer. An open-line (OL) reading confirms a failed solenoid.
3
With the solenoid disconnected, check for battery voltage on the power supply wire with the key on. Use a DVOM to verify the ECM ground control wire has continuity back to the ECM connector — resistance should be under 1 ohm.
4
Inspect the wiring harness for chafing, broken wires, or corrosion, paying close attention to areas near heat sources and engine movement points. Wiggle-test the harness while monitoring resistance.
5
If the solenoid and wiring test good, backprobe the ECM connector and command the solenoid on/off with a scan tool. If the ECM does not toggle the ground, the ECM driver may be faulty.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected an open circuit condition in the 'B' camshaft profile control solenoid circuit on Bank 1. This solenoid controls variable valve timing or lift on the exhaust camshaft. The driver may notice reduced engine performance, rough idle, poor fuel economy, or a noticeable lack of power ...
The most common cause of P002A ("B" Camshaft Profile Control Circuit/Open Bank 1) is: Faulty 'B' camshaft profile control solenoid (open coil winding)
Typical repair costs for P002A range from $100 to $450, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Generally safe to drive short distances. The engine will default to a fixed cam profile, which may cause reduced power and slightly higher emissions. Avoid sustained high-RPM driving until repaired, as timing cannot adapt to load conditions.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P002A to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Variable Valve Timing
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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