P2090
B Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Low Bank 1
Variable valve timing (VVT)
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2090 means the PCM sees a low-voltage (often short-to-ground) condition in the control circuit for the bank 1 "B" (exhaust) camshaft position actuator — the oil-control solenoid that adjusts variable valve timing. It's usually a wiring, solenoid, or oil-supply fault. The cam simply defaults to a fixed position, so the engine still runs, typically with a rough idle and reduced power.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Driveable; the cam timing defaults to a fixed position, so expect rougher idle and reduced power rather than a no-start.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Rough idle
- Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
- Drop in fuel economy
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty B (exhaust) camshaft actuator / oil-control solenoid on bank 1Likely
- Short-to-ground or open in the actuator control wiringCommon
- Corroded or loose connector at the solenoidCommon
- Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operationLess often
- Faulty powertrain control module (PCM)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Check the engine oil level and condition first; low or sludgy oil can disable the cam actuator.
- Inspect the actuator/solenoid wiring and connector for shorts-to-ground, opens, or corrosion.
- Measure the solenoid's resistance against spec and replace it if out of range.
- If wiring, oil, and solenoid check out, have the PCM diagnosed last.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2090?+
Short-term yes. The camshaft simply holds a default timing position, so the engine still runs but with a rough idle and less power. Repair it to restore performance and economy.
Can I just clear P2090?+
It will return until the circuit, solenoid, or oil issue is fixed — this is an electrical control-circuit fault, not a glitch.
Related codes
Often seen with P2090
Read & clear P2090 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX