P0020: How to Diagnose & Fix — Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
2 vehicles · 2 makes · $700-$4,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0020: 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 Transit · 2015–2018
The first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost (the 2011-2016 engine generation) used in the 2015-2018 Ford Transit 350/350 HD with the twin-turbocharged V6 is known for premature timing chain stretch. The design uses one long primary chain driving two secondary cam chains, and the long primary chain stretches as the links wear individually, causing the chain to effectively grow longer. A stretched chain causes VCT timing correlation codes, cold-start rattling, rough idle, and eventual jumped timing. Ford moved F-150 and other trucks to a second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost with a dual primary chain system in 2017, but the Transit kept the first-generation engine with revised timing components. Transit vans used for commercial/fleet service with high-idle hours accumulate chain wear faster than typical passenger vehicles.
Common Symptoms
- Cold-start rattle from engine (first 2-5 seconds on startup)
- Check engine light with P0016, P0017, P0020, P0021 (cam-crank timing correlation)
- Rough idle, especially when cold
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine hesitation or stumble
- Loss of power under acceleration
- Drivability issues that worsen over time
How to Fix
Complete timing chain replacement required: the primary chain, both secondary chains, all guides, and tensioners must be replaced simultaneously. Later Transits retained the first-generation engine with revised timing components, which are commonly used as the replacement parts. Remanufactured short block or long block replacement is an option for high-mileage engines if chain guides have also failed. Use only 5W-30 full synthetic and change every 5,000-7,500 miles. Labor: 10-14 hours on Transit due to engine mount complexity.
Sources for this issue (1)
Mercedes-Benz GLE · 2016–2018
The W166 GLE 350 and GLE 400 (2016-2018, M276 3.0L/3.5L V6) share the well-known M276 camshaft-adjuster problem. The variable-valve-timing camshaft adjusters and their magnets/solenoids wear, allowing the cams to fall out of time. Symptoms include a 2-3 second rattle on cold start, rough running, and check-engine codes such as P0010-style adjuster faults; owners report codes like P002177 with cams found advanced/out of time. Left unaddressed, a worn adjuster can cause poor timing control and driveability problems.
Common Symptoms
- 2-3 second rattle on cold start
- rough idle
- check engine light
- rough running / hesitation
- cam timing fault codes
How to Fix
Read the cam-correlation/adjuster DTCs and inspect the intake and exhaust camshaft adjusters and adjuster magnets. Replace worn camshaft adjusters (often with an updated timing chain kit and tensioner) and the adjuster solenoids on the affected bank, then re-verify cam timing. Using correct-spec oil and timely oil changes helps prevent adjuster sludging.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- FCP/Febi M276 bank-1 intake camshaft-adjuster repair kit 176728OEMFCP 176728
Mechanically confirmed bank-1 intake adjuster failure on the cataloged 2016-2018 GLE350 M276.955 branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S.
- OE-supplier camshaft-adjuster magnet/solenoid 2761560790OEMOE Supplier 2761560790
Electrically or leak-confirmed external adjuster magnet on the cataloged GLE350 branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S.
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 (2)
Find P0020 by make
Browse every documented model and issue for your make.
P0020 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 P0020 mean?
P0020 stands for "Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)." P0020 is a generic powertrain code indicating a fault in the camshaft position (intake/'A') actuator circuit on bank 2 — the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The engine computer controls a variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid to advance or retard camshaft timing for efficiency and power; this code sets when it detects an electrical problem in that solenoid's control circuit. The result can be reduced performance, rough running, or poor fuel economy. It is usually not an immediate breakdown risk but should be diagnosed to prevent driveability and timing issues.
What are the most common causes of P0020?
The most common causes of P0020 are: Faulty bank 2 camshaft (VVT/oil control) solenoid, Wiring or connector damage to the VVT solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Clogged VVT solenoid screen/oil passage, Open or short in the actuator control circuit, Failed PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0020?
Repair costs for P0020 range from $700 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0020?
Au7o has documented P0020 across 2 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Ford, Mercedes-Benz.
Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.