Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2088 "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Low (Bank 1)

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P2088 concerns the control line of the oil control valve that moves the intake cam phaser (actuator A) on bank 1. On GM engines the ECM feeds the solenoid through a high-side driver; while the output is switched on, a voltage that falls below the controller window means the line has a path to ground (equivalent to less than 0.5 ohms). GM samples every 250 ms and sets the code after 20 failures in 25 samples, as a Type B fault on the 5.3 L L84 (19OBDG03B). GM bulletins PIP5553 (2018) and PIP5724 (2020) link P2088 and P2089 on V8 and V6 trucks and the Camaro to a jumper harness chafed or pinched at connector X154 on the lower left of the front cover. On many Fords open and shorted phaser circuits all land in P0010. The phaser then stays locked in its rest position.

Likely causes

Control wire chafed through to ground, e.g. GM jumper harness at connector X154
Oil control valve coil shorted internally
Engine oil wicked into the valve connector
Damaged output driver in the ECM

Symptoms

  • Engine warning lamp on
  • Less pull and higher consumption with cam timing fixed
  • Rough idle on some engines

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€30–350
Time0.3–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

oil control valve intake bank1oil control valve wiringengine control module

Related codes

P2089P2090P2092P0010P0011P0012

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, newtonnet.co.uk.