P002B: B Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit Low Bank 1

A camshaft profile actuator switches the exhaust camshaft (camshaft B) on bank 1 between two or more fixed cam profiles with different valve lift and duration, for example by shifting a cam piece axially or by locking rocker arms or tappets with oil pressure. Unlike a camshaft phaser it does not shift the timing continuously. The second letter "A" in the title numbers the actuator on this camshaft. This code is set when the control circuit reads too low, typically because the control wire is shorted to ground. The engine usually stays on one profile, typically the base profile with low lift. Some manufacturers report these faults with their own codes instead.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.

Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Inline engines only have this bank.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Less power at high engine speed because the profile does not switch
Higher consumption or uneven part-load running, depending on the profile
Engine speed may be limited

Most likely causes

Control wire chafed through and shorted to ground
Connector corroded or contaminated with oil
Shorted turns in the actuator coil
Output driver in the engine control module faulty

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check the oil level and condition before anything else
With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
Check the solenoid valve's connector
Compare commanded and actual angles in live data
Test the solenoid valve and its filter, if it has one
Check the engine timing if there is chain noise

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P002B means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
0: Subsystem depends on the code range
2B: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P002B?

Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.

What causes code P002B?

The most common causes are: control wire chafed through and shorted to ground; connector corroded or contaminated with oil; shorted turns in the actuator coil.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.