Code
P0021
LAND ROVER
P — Powertrain
Camshaft position timing admission - advanced (bank 2)
Views:
UK: 14
EN: 28
RU: 27
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Stuck, clogged or failed oil control valve (VVT solenoid) for bank 2 intake
- Contaminated, low or incorrect engine oil reducing VVT oil flow
- Wiring, connector or power/ground fault to the VVT solenoid or camshaft sensor
- Faulty camshaft phaser (mechanical failure)
- Timing chain/drive wear, stretch, or jumped tooth causing incorrect cam timing
- Faulty camshaft position sensor or intermittent sensor signal
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
- Rough idle or unstable idle
- Reduced power, hesitation or poor acceleration
- Increased engine noise (ticking) from the timing area
- Reduced fuel economy and higher emissions
- Possible limp-home mode on some vehicles
What to check
- Read and record DTCs and freeze frame data. Note engine temperature and load when code set.
- Check engine oil level, condition and service history; verify correct oil grade.
- Scan live data: commanded vs actual camshaft angle/position for bank 2 intake, VVT solenoid duty or command.
- Inspect VVT solenoid wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, or poor pin fit.
- Measure supply voltage and ground at the VVT solenoid connector with ignition on.
- Check resistance of the VVT solenoid and compare to spec.
Signal parameters
- Target camshaft intake angle (bank 2) vs actual camshaft angle
- VVT solenoid command (PWM duty cycle or ON/OFF)
- VVT solenoid coil resistance (ohms)
- Supply voltage to VVT solenoid (V)
- Camshaft position sensor waveform / frequency
- Engine oil pressure (psi/bar) and oil temperature
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify code and freeze frame. Clear codes and perform a test drive to see if P0021 returns.
- Check oil: level, condition, and correct viscosity. If very dirty or low, change oil and filter, then re-test.
- Using a scan tool, monitor commanded vs actual intake cam angle for bank 2 while commanding VVT activity; note discrepancies.
- Visually inspect wiring and connector to the bank 2 intake VVT solenoid. Repair any damaged wiring or poor connections.
- Test VVT solenoid electrical operation: check for proper supply voltage and ground, measure coil resistance and apply a controlled PWM command to observe solenoid response.
- If solenoid fails electrical tests or does not actuate correctly, replace VVT oil control valve and retest.
- If solenoid tests good, perform cam/crank correlation with an oscilloscope or scan tool. Look for signs of chain stretch, jumped tooth or phaser slippage.
- If mechanical timing or phaser position is incorrect, remove valve cover(s) and inspect cam phaser, chain, tensioner and guides. Repair or replace worn components and correct timing.
- After repairs, clear codes and confirm proper operation with a road test and live-data verification (target vs actual cam timing converges).
- Consider PCM reflash/updates if manufacturer TSB or calibration is known to affect VVT control after verifying mechanical and electrical systems are good.
Likely causes
- Clogged oil passages or dirty oil causing VVT solenoid to stick
- Failed oil control valve on bank 2 intake
- Low oil pressure (oil pump or severe contamination)
- Mechanical phaser or timing chain fault allowing over-advance
- Electrical fault to the VVT actuator or cam sensor
Fault status
Status
Camshaft position timing — intake bank 2 over‑advanced (VVT/phasor control). Check VVT oil control, oil condition, wiring and cam timing.
Repair difficulty: Hard
Diagnostic time: 2-6 hours
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