P0020 fault code: 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit

P0020 means “'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit” — a fuel and air metering fault in the powertrain.

Can I DIY?

Professional-only boundary. Do not unplug the Bank 2 A-cam actuator to force an open-circuit test.

Do not DIYReviewed page boundary
ToolsSpecialist equipment

This is the conservative boundary from the reviewed code record. This page has no frozen site-wide safety grade, so it does not publish a repair route.

What to tell the garage about P0020

Do not drive until checked. The actuator circuit for camshaft A on the P002x bank is invalid. This is the electrical command path for cam A, not a stored over-advanced or over-retarded angle.

Take these reviewed, code-specific details with you. They help the garage confirm the fault without turning this page into a repair procedure.

  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Registration number
  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Exact code P0020 and any companion codes from the same scan
  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Whether the engine management light is steady or flashing
  • 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit: Whether P0021 or P0022 (angle) codes are also stored
P00xxFuel and air metering
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0020 mean?

P0020 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P00xx block, which covers fuel and air metering. The stored description is “'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0020 fail an MOT?

A lit engine management light is a Major MOT defect until repaired. P0020 is a Bank 2 cam-A actuator circuit, not the timing-angle codes P0021 or P0022.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe.
P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High P0005Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit/Open P0006Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit Low P0007Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit High P0008Engine Position System Performance

P0020 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0020?

Do not drive until checked. We have no verified driving guidance for P0020. Treat as do not drive until checked. Do not swap the Bank 2 A-cam actuator on a hot cam cover.

Will P0020 fail my MOT?

A lit engine management light is a Major MOT defect until repaired. P0020 is a Bank 2 cam-A actuator circuit, not the timing-angle codes P0021 or P0022.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.