P0022 on 2018-2024 Lexus LC 500 5.0L V8: Over-Retarded Cam Timing Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2024 Lexus LC 500

The Lexus 2UR-GSE 5.0L V8 features a sophisticated dual Variable Valve Timing system co-developed with Yamaha. It uses an electric motor-driven system (VVT-iE) to control the intake camshafts and traditional oil pressure (VVT-i) for the exhaust camshafts. Since P0022 relates to the intake cam, diagnosis must include not only the typical oil-related components (OCV, filters, phaser) but also the VVT-iE electric motor, its controller, and wiring, which is a key distinction for this high-performance engine.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine hesitates or stumbles on acceleration
• Rough idle, car may shake
• Reduced engine power or performance (limp mode)
• Decreased fuel economy
• Engine is hard to start or hesitates before turning over
• Stalling when coming to a stop
• Engine bogging or stuttering shortly after startup

Most Likely Causes

1. Low, Incorrect, or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VVT system is highly dependent on oil pressure and cleanliness to function. Sludge or contaminants from extended oil change intervals can clog the small passages in the Oil Control Valve (OCV) and its filter, leading to a stuck or slow response.
   How to confirm: Check the oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If it's low, dark, or sludgy, it needs to be changed. This is the first and most crucial step.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using the manufacturer-specified oil (e.g., 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic) and a quality OEM filter (e.g., Toyota P/N 04152-YZZA4). In many cases, simply changing the oil can resolve 🎬 Watch: Two simple DIY methods to fix the P0022 code the issue if it was caused by contamination.
   Est. part cost: $70-$120
2. Faulty Camshaft Timing Oil Control Valve (OCV) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid The OCV is a solenoid that can become clogged with debris from the oil or fail electrically over time, preventing it from properly directing oil flow to the VVT components. It's a common failure point on many Toyota/Lexus VVT systems.
   How to confirm: A mechanic can command the solenoid on and off with a scan tool to check its response. It can also be removed and tested for resistance (typically 6.9-7.9 ohms at 68°F/20°C) or by applying 12V to see if it actuates. Swapping the Bank 2 OCV with the Bank 1 OCV and seeing if the code changes to P0012 is a common and effective diagnostic trick.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 intake oil control valve. The OEM part is recommended.
   Est. part cost: $100-$190
3. Clogged Oil Control Valve Filter Screen 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid There is a small, fine mesh filter screen that protects the OCV from debris. This screen can become clogged with sludge, starving the VVT system of oil pressure even if the OCV itself is functional.
   How to confirm: The filter is typically located in the cylinder head, underneath the OCV. It must be removed and visually inspected for blockage.
   Typical fix: Clean or replace the small filter screen. It is often recommended to replace it as it is inexpensive and can be difficult to clean perfectly.
   Est. part cost: $5-$20
4. Failed Camshaft Phaser (VVT Actuator) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft The mechanical phaser on the end of the camshaft can fail internally or get stuck due to sludge or wear, preventing it from changing the cam timing as commanded.
   How to confirm: This is typically diagnosed after all other possibilities (oil, OCV, filter, VVT-iE motor) have been ruled out. It requires significant labor to access and inspect.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 intake camshaft phaser assembly. This is a labor-intensive job.
   Est. part cost: $300-$500

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed VVT-iE Electric Motor: Unique to the 2UR-GSE's intake cams, the electric motor that drives the VVT-iE system can fail. A common diagnostic on the related IS F platform is to remove the motor and attempt to spin the gear by hand. A new, healthy motor spins freely, while a failing one will be very stiff or seized. This is a known failure point on high-mileage 2UR-GSE engines.
• Stretched Timing Chain or Worn Guides: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While the 2UR-GSE uses a robust timing chain, significant wear over very high mileage could affect the base timing enough to trigger a VVT code. This is usually accompanied by rattling noises.
• Faulty ECM (Engine Control Module): In very rare cases, the computer itself can be the source of the problem, failing to properly control or read the VVT system. This should be the last consideration after all other components and wiring have been verified.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the engine oil level is correct and the oil is clean. If in doubt, perform an oil and filter change with manufacturer-recommended 0W-20 or 5W-30 oil. Clear codes and test drive.
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to view live data. Observe the commanded vs. actual intake camshaft position for Bank 2. A significant, persistent difference confirms the issue.
3. Listen for any unusual engine noises like clicking or rattling that could indicate a timing chain or phaser problem.
4. Inspect the wiring and connector for the Bank 2 intake Oil Control Valve (OCV) for any damage or corrosion.
5. Swap the Bank 2 (driver's side) intake OCV with the Bank 1 (passenger's side) intake OCV. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code returns as P0012 (Bank 1), the OCV is faulty and needs to be replaced.
6. If the code remains P0022, inspect and clean or replace the small OCV filter screen located in the cylinder head.
7. If the OCV and filter are good, inspect the VVT-iE motor for Bank 2. On related platforms, a known test is to remove the motor and check if it spins freely. A seized or very stiff motor is faulty and needs replacement.
8. If all other components are verified to be working, the issue may lie with the cam phaser itself or the timing chain. These are more complex repairs and may require professional diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Timing Oil Control Valve (OCV) (OEM #15330-0S010 (supersedes 15330-38010)) — This solenoid is a frequent failure point. It gets clogged with oil sludge or fails electrically, preventing it from controlling cam timing correctly. This part is shared across many Lexus V8 engines.
  Trusted brands: Lexus (Genuine), Aisin, Denso
  OEM price range: $120-$190
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$120
• Oil Control Valve Filter (OEM #15678-46020 or 15678-37010) — This small screen protects the OCV and can become clogged with debris, restricting oil flow and causing timing issues. It's a cheap and easy part to replace during diagnosis.
  Trusted brands: Lexus (Genuine)
  OEM price range: $5-$20
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15
• Engine Oil Filter (OEM #04152-YZZA4) — A fresh, high-quality oil filter is essential when addressing any oil-pressure related fault code. A clogged or poor-quality filter can cause or contribute to the problem.
  Trusted brands: Toyota (Genuine)
  OEM price range: $10-$20
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300, P0302, P0304, P0306, P0308 — These are misfire codes for the random (P0300) or specific cylinders on Bank 2. If the intake cam timing is severely retarded, it disrupts the air/fuel mixture and ignition timing for that bank, leading to incomplete combustion and misfires. An owner of a '22 LC500 reported P0022 along with misfires on all Bank 2 cylinders.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A recall (NHTSA Campaign ID: 18V021000) was issued for some 2018 LC 500 models related to the high-pressure fuel pumps, which are also part of the 2UR-GSE engine. While not directly related to the VVT system, it's a known issue for this engine and worth being aware of.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Timing Oil Control Valve (OCV) Resistance — expected: 6.9 - 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Failure: No reading or a reading outside the specified range indicates a faulty solenoid coil.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Toyota Techstream: Active Test: Control the VVT-iE Linear (Bank 2) — This command allows a technician to directly order the VVT-iE motor to change the intake cam angle while the engine is running (e.g., at 1500 rpm). By observing the 'VVT-iE Aim Angle' vs. the 'VVT-iE Change Angle' live data, a technician can confirm if the motor and phaser are responding to commands, helping to isolate a non-responsive component.
• Toyota Techstream: Active Test: Control the VVT System (Bank 2) — This is the equivalent test for the oil-pressure-driven exhaust camshafts, but can be useful to run for comparison. It directly commands the Oil Control Valve (OCV) to operate. A change in engine idle or speed when activated indicates the OCV and phaser are likely functioning.
• Toyota Techstream: Utility: All Readiness — After a repair, instead of performing a full drive cycle, a technician can use this utility to check if the specific monitor for DTC P0022 has completed its self-test and passed, confirming the fix more quickly.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G68(B) — Connector for the Bank 2 (Left Hand) VVT-iE Camshaft Timing Control Motor.. This is the primary electrical connector for the component that controls the intake camshaft on Bank 2. Any damage, corrosion, or poor connection at this specific connector or its pins (VTP2, VTS2, VTD2, VTM2) can cause P0022.
• Engine/Chassis Ground — A primary ground point for jump-starting is located on the right strut tower bolt under the hood. Other main engine grounds run from the lower firewall to the back of the engine block.. While not a direct cause, a poor engine ground can create a host of electrical issues and unpredictable sensor readings. Verifying the main engine-to-chassis ground straps are clean and tight is a fundamental step in any complex electrical diagnosis.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• ClubLexus Forum User 'Rainheart' (2008 Lexus IS F (2UR-GSE engine)) — Check Engine Light with code P0022, appearing at idle in a parking lot. No other noticeable symptoms like rough idle or hesitation initially.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Clearing the code (it returned)., Performing an engine oil and filter change (code returned again).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user planned to swap the Bank 2 VVT-iE motor with the Bank 1 motor to see if the code followed, strongly suspecting the motor was the issue after the oil change did not work. This aligns with another user's confirmed fix where a seized VVT-iE motor was the ultimate cause.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 15330-38010 → 15330-0S010 — Standard part revision and consolidation across multiple Toyota/Lexus V8 platforms.
  Heads up: The new part number (15330-0S010) is the correct and current replacement for the original. They are fully interchangeable.
• 13090-38011 → 13090-38012 — Part revision for the Bank 2 (RH/Passenger Side for P0012) VVT-iE motor.
  Heads up: 13090-38012 is the current replacement. Note that Bank 1 and Bank 2 motors have different part numbers and are not interchangeable. The corresponding Bank 1 (LH/Driver Side for P0022) motor is P/N 130A0-38011, superseded by 130A0-38012.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For purely mechanical components like engine covers, brackets, or potentially the main camshaft phaser if it's from a verified low-mileage engine. Given the high cost of a new VVT-iE motor, a used one from a reputable dismantler with a warranty and known donor mileage can be a calculated risk to save significant money.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a VVT-iE motor, ask the seller to perform the 'spin test' if possible. The gear should spin freely.
• Check for any signs of external damage, corrosion on connectors, or leaking seals.
• Obtain the VIN of the donor vehicle to verify its year and check for any reported accident history that could have damaged engine components.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Camshaft Position Sensor
• Engine Oil Filter
• Timing Chain and Tensioners

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Aisin (Often the OEM supplier for Toyota/Lexus VVT components)
• Denso (Often the OEM supplier for Toyota/Lexus electronics and sensors)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or 'white-box' electronic parts from online marketplaces. For critical engine timing components like the OCV or VVT-iE motor, the risk of premature failure from a no-name brand is high and can lead to repeated, costly repairs.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0012 — Intake 'A' Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1). This is the direct equivalent of P0022 for the opposite engine bank. It will appear if a faulty Bank 2 OCV is swapped to Bank 1 for diagnostic purposes.
• P0302 — Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. Since P0022 affects the timing for all of Bank 2, it can directly cause misfires on the individual cylinders of that bank, such as cylinder 2.
• P0304 — Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. A timing issue on Bank 2 caused by P0022 can lead to incomplete combustion and misfires on cylinder 4.
• P0306 — Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected. This is another specific misfire code for a cylinder on Bank 2, which is directly impacted by the over-retarded timing condition of P0022.
• P0308 — Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected. The incorrect camshaft timing on Bank 2 can cause misfires on any of its cylinders, including cylinder 8.
• P0021 — Intake 'A' Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 2). This code relates to the same hardware (OCV, phaser) as P0022 but indicates the opposite timing error. A malfunctioning component could potentially fail in a way that causes either code.

Frequently Asked Questions