VVT solenoid electrical fault on bank 2.
P0020 — also written POO2O, P 0020, 0020 — is the OBD-II code for 'a' camshaft position actuator circuit (bank 2). Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
This is an electrical moan from the engine's brain saying it can't talk to the oil control valve on the second bank of cylinders. Usually hits V6 Vauxhalls, Jags, and Range Rovers when the solenoid packs up or the oil's turned to sludge.
P0020 is a engine fault code, typically costing £80–£450 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0020 actually feels like to drive
- Engine feels 'flat' and lacks punch when you're trying to overtake on the A9.
- A rough, hunt-y idle that feels like the car is about to stall at the traffic lights.
- Fuel economy drops off a cliff—you'll notice you're getting 5-8mpg less than usual.
- Tapping or rattling noise from the top of the engine that sounds like a sewing machine.
- The car might 'kangaroo' slightly when you're cruising at 30mph in third gear.
What causes P0020?
- Solenoid failure
- Wiring
- Oil supply
UK vehicles that throw P0020 most often
- Vauxhall Insignia 2.8 V6 Turbo (A28NET) 2008-2013
- Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 Petrol 2008-2015
- Range Rover Sport 4.2 / 4.4 V8 2005-2009
- Audi A6 2.4 / 3.2 FSI (BDW/AUK engines) 2004-2011
- Volkswagen Touareg 3.2 V6 2003-2007
- BMW 530i / 540i (E60) with the N52/N62 engines 2005-2010
How P0020 is fixed
- Solenoid replacement
- Oil service
The P0020 misdiagnosis that wastes money
I see folks throwing new camshaft sensors at this all day long. Listen, P0020 is a circuit code for the *actuator* (the solenoid), not the sensor. People waste £60 on a sensor, fit it, and the light's back on before they've cleared the ramp. Most of the time, the solenoid internal coil has gone open circuit, or on those older JLR engines, the loom has rubbed through near the back of the head. Don't buy a sensor; test the solenoid resistance first.
What a UK garage should charge for P0020
A basic diagnostic plug-in should cost you £50 to £80 at a decent indie. If it’s just the solenoid, a quality OE part like Pierburg or Denso will be £90 to £160 plus an hour's labour (£70-£100). If we have to flush the engine and do a fresh oil service because it's gunked up, expect to add another £120 for Shell Helix and a Mann filter. Main dealers will easily double these prices, charging £180+ just to look at the car.
P0020 repair cost in the UK
Most P0020 repairs land between £80–£450 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0020
If a garage tells you that you need a new timing chain just because of this code, get your keys and run. Insist they do a 'resistance test' on the Bank 2 VVT solenoid and check the 'duty cycle' with a proper scan tool. A genuine Bosch or Pierburg solenoid is usually under £120. If they can't show you the solenoid is electrically dead, they haven't found the fault yet. Also, check your oil level on the dipstick before you even book it in – low or filthy oil is the silent killer for these VVT systems.
Can you drive with P0020?
Drivable.
Urgency: medium.