P0023 code: Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2, Exhaust)
P0023 means camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2, Exhaust). The code says where to look, not what failed — the fix depends on which cause your car actually has.
What P0023 means
P0023 is a CIRCUIT code for the exhaust camshaft actuator on Bank 2 — the computer detected an electrical fault (open, short, or wrong resistance) when driving that bank's exhaust-cam oil-control solenoid. Because Bank 2 only exists on V-type and flat engines, this points to the solenoid on the bank opposite cylinder 1. The usual causes are the solenoid winding itself or its wiring and connector; it is not a report that the cam is out of position (that would be P0024/P0025). Low or dirty oil is the classic aggravator — sludge can bind the solenoid plunger — so verify oil level and condition before condemning parts. With the circuit down the computer holds that cam at base timing, so the engine runs with a rougher idle and slightly reduced economy.
P0023 symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Rough or unstable idle
- Slightly reduced power and fuel economy
- Possible emissions-test failure
What it costs to fix P0023
Typical range: $80–$450 · about ~0.3–1.5 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Bank 2 exhaust-cam VVT/VCT solenoid | $30–$150 | ~0.3–1.5 hrs |
| Wiring / connector repair | $10–$120 | ~0.5–1.5 hrs |
The solenoid is cheap; the variable is access. On some V-type engines the Bank 2 solenoid sits toward the firewall or under intake plumbing, which adds labor compared with the easy-to-reach front bank.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0023 for my exact vehicle →
How to fix P0023
Moderate — doable at home with common tools and patience
- Check the oil and compare actuator circuit codes
Glance at the dipstick first — sludge from neglected oil binds solenoid plungers and needs fixing regardless. Then look at the other codes: if P0020 (the Bank 2 intake circuit) set as well, both solenoids on that head often share a harness branch or connector worth checking first, while P0023 by itself keeps the focus on the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid.
- Reach the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid and inspect the pigtail
Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, and its exhaust solenoid is usually on or near the exhaust side of that head — if that is the rear bank on your engine, it can sit tight against the firewall or cowl. Check the connector for oil seeping up the wires, green corrosion, and insulation cooked by the rear manifold before you start testing.
- Compare its resistance with a working twin
Unplug the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid and measure across its pins, then measure a solenoid the computer isn't complaining about, such as the Bank 1 exhaust unit where they share a part number. The readings should be close to each other and to the manual's spec; an open, a near-zero reading, or a big mismatch identifies the bad one without guessing.
- Test the harness for opens and shorts to ground
If the solenoid reads good, disconnect the battery and the computer connector, then check each solenoid wire for continuity end to end and for any continuity to engine ground. Wiggle the loom where it crosses the back of the engine while you measure — a control wire that opens or grounds only with movement is a wiring repair, not a new part.
- Replace, clear, and confirm with the solenoid commanded
Fit the new solenoid with a clean, lightly oiled O-ring, clear the code, and either toggle it with a bidirectional scanner or drive until the computer starts moving the exhaust cam. The circuit is monitored while it's being driven, so a code that stays away through a couple of fully warmed-up drives means the repair took.
DIY or shop? On paper this is a cheap electrical repair, and a multimeter covers the whole diagnosis. The catch is Bank 2 access: the exhaust solenoid on the rear or far bank can need a cowl panel, intake plenum, or other parts moved out of the way, and harness tests at the computer connector call for a wiring diagram and care not to spread terminals. If the solenoid is reachable, it's a good DIY job; if the fault is buried in the harness or reaching it means intake removal, a shop is the sensible call.
Tools for the DIY steps: Digital multimeter · Wiring diagram · Socket set with swivel and long extensions · Back-probe pins and test leads · Bidirectional scan tool (optional)
Not sure which step applies to your car? Get the likely cause for your exact vehicle before buying anything for P0023.
Start a case with P0023 and your car. Redline weighs these causes against what your car shows, and names the check that would settle it before you buy parts.
Can I drive with P0023?
Redline can’t determine from a symptom or code alone whether your car is safe to drive.
P0023: common questions
What does Bank 2 mean on my engine?
Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1, so this code only appears on V-type or flat engines. On an inline engine there is no Bank 2 — the equivalent exhaust-cam circuit code would be P0013.
Is P0023 an electrical problem or a timing problem?
Electrical. The computer found a fault in the solenoid's circuit — wiring, connector, or the solenoid winding. If the cam were physically out of position you'd see a timing-performance code like P0024 or P0025 instead, though a badly stuck solenoid can eventually cause both.
Can an oil change fix P0023?
Sometimes — sludge from old or low oil can jam the solenoid plunger and trip the circuit fault. If the oil is overdue, change it with the correct grade first; if the code returns, test the solenoid resistance and inspect the wiring.
How much does it cost to fix P0023?
Typically modest — the solenoid is an inexpensive part, and most replacements take well under two hours. On engines where the Bank 2 solenoid is tucked against the firewall, expect somewhat more labor.
Related trouble codes
Don’t have a scanner yet? A ~$25 Bluetooth adapter reads codes like P0023 from your phone. See our guide to the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters. Run a repair shop? See Redline for shops.
Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies. Confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection. Cost ranges are reference ranges, not quotes.
Seeing P0023 on your car?
Every problem becomes a Case. Tell Redline what the car is doing: it shows what the evidence supports, what’s still missing, and what to check next, before you approve a repair.
“Inner pad ~1 mm. Outer pad 3 mm.”
Next: check the slide pins move freely before buying parts.