P0024: How to Diagnose & Fix — Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 2)
7 vehicles · 5 makes · $50-$2,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0024: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford F-350 · 2011–2016
The 6.2L gas V8 in the F-350 develops cam phaser rattle on startup as the phaser locking pins wear. Additionally, the exhaust manifold studs break due to thermal cycling, causing an exhaust leak. Both issues worsen progressively.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle on cold startup lasting 1-5 seconds
- Ticking from exhaust manifold area
- Exhaust smell in cab
- Rough idle when cold
- Power loss at low RPM
- Exhaust leak sound worse when cold
How to Fix
For cam phasers: replace both phasers, timing chains, and solenoids. For exhaust manifold studs: extract broken studs and install upgraded stainless steel studs. Both jobs are labor-intensive due to engine bay size.
Sources for this issue (1)
Dodge Grand Caravan · 2011–2020
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 in later Grand Caravans develops oil sludge and varnish buildup, particularly when oil changes are not performed at 5,000-mile intervals or when conventional oil is used. Sludge clogs the oil passages feeding the variable valve timing (VVT) system, causing camshaft actuator codes and rough running. The Pentastar is sensitive to oil quality and change intervals due to its VVT system and tight oil passages.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with VVT solenoid or cam actuator codes
- Engine ticking or tapping noise on cold start
- Rough idle that smooths out once warmed up
- Reduced fuel economy
- Dark sludgy deposits visible on oil cap or dipstick
How to Fix
Switch to full synthetic 5W-20 oil (Pennzoil Platinum or Mobil 1 recommended) and change every 5,000 miles. For existing sludge, perform two consecutive oil changes at 1,000-mile intervals using a quality synthetic to flush deposits. In severe cases, an engine flush product like Liqui Moly Pro-Line Engine Flush can help, but use with caution on high-mileage engines. Replace VVT solenoids if cam actuator codes persist after oil change.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Mobil 1 full-synthetic SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Short-interval oil-and-filter service branch after checking mechanical oil pressure and sludge severity Fitment: Use only when the exact model-year owner's manual specifies 5W-20 and the current product meets its required API/Chrysler sp…
- Mopar 5184150AF VVT oil-control valve
Replace only if cam-actuator diagnosis persists after verified oil pressure, clean oil and circuit testing Fitment: Applicable 3.6L Pentastar subset; confirm bank/position and VIN Live Mopar direct product page when checked
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Sources for this issue (1)
Nissan Altima · 2007–2018
P0016 is one of the most well-documented Altima powertrain failures and is a hallmark of the 2.5L QR25DE (it also affects the 3.5L V6). The ECM sets P0016 when the camshaft (Bank 1, Sensor A) and crankshaft signals fall out of their expected relationship. On the Altima this is most often caused by a physically stretched timing chain combined with worn plastic timing-chain guide rails and a failing chain tensioner: as the chain slackens, cam timing drifts and the correlation code sets. A contributing root cause is sludge building up behind the primary drive gear, which starves the tensioner of oil pressure and lets the chain slap. The classic early warning is a rattle from the front of the engine on cold start that worsens over time. Related VVT/correlation codes (P0011/P0021/P0024) often accompany it. If ignored, a jumped chain can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle/tapping from front of engine on cold start
- Check engine light
- Rough idle and hesitation
- Hard starting
- Reduced power and fuel economy
How to Fix
Verify oil level/condition and rule out a sludged tensioner or bad camshaft position sensor first. The accepted repair is a full timing chain service: replace the timing chain, both guide rails, the tensioner, and the VVT/oil-control components as needed, and clean sludge from behind the drive gear. Use correct-viscosity oil and proper change intervals afterward to prevent recurrence.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Cloyes 9-4212SC QR25DE timing-chain kit
2007-2009 Altima 2.5L QR25DE including listed sedan/coupe trims; verify VIN and production date.
- A-Premium APTCK187 eight-piece QR25DE timing-chain kit
2014-2018 Altima 2.5L QR25DE and listed trims; verify VIN/production date and kit contents.
- Melling 3-730SHWP VQ35DE timing-chain kit with water pump
2007-2014 Altima 3.5L VQ35DE; verify VIN, production date and included components.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (4)
Kia Sorento · 2011–2020
Ford F-250 · 2011–2025
Find P0024 by make
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P0024 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0024 mean?
P0024 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 2)." This code means the exhaust camshaft on Bank 2 is timed more advanced (earlier) than the computer commanded. The variable valve timing system uses an oil-pressure-driven cam phaser and a control solenoid to set camshaft position; the computer compares the commanded position to the actual measured position. When the exhaust cam on Bank 2 reads too far advanced, P0024 sets. Bank 2 is the side of the engine not containing cylinder number one. Symptoms can include rough idle, reduced power, and poor fuel economy.
What are the most common causes of P0024?
The most common causes of P0024 are: Stuck-open or clogged variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil, Failed exhaust camshaft phaser/actuator (Bank 2), Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Stretched or worn timing chain, Wiring or connector fault at the VVT solenoid, Incorrect cam timing from prior service, Faulty PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0024?
Repair costs for P0024 range from $50 to $2,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0024?
Au7o has documented P0024 across 7 vehicle models from 5 manufacturers: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Kia, Nissan.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.