P0023 Code: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes & Fix

Overview

Symptoms

• rough running or misfire
• hard start when cold
• loss of power at mid/high RPM

Common causes

• Open circuit in wiring affecting exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit / open (bank 2)
• Disconnected or loose connector
• Connector pin damage/corrosion or harness stress near related components

How to diagnose P0023

1. Confirm P0023 and capture freeze-frame data with a professional scan tool.
2. Inspect wiring, connectors, and grounds related to exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit / open (bank 2) for obvious defects.
3. Use a continuity test from module pin to component to identify opens/high resistance.
4. Check for related DTCs to identify the root-cause chain before replacing parts.
5. After repair, clear codes and confirm readiness monitors complete without recurrence.

Severity of code P0023

Moderate: This code is moderate severity: the vehicle may still operate, but fault progression can increase repair cost over time.

Can you drive with P0023?

Most vehicles can be driven short-term with P0023, but postpone heavy load/highway driving until repaired.

If the warning lamp is flashing or drivability/safety is affected, avoid driving and diagnose immediately.

How to fix it (step-by-step)

1. Repair obvious wiring/connector faults first to prevent repeat parts replacement.
2. Address the root fault mode (open) in the exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit / open (bank 2) circuit/system.
3. Apply the required relearn/adaptation procedure if specified by service information.
4. Road-test and verify P0023 remains cleared under the conditions that originally set the code.

Fix options

• Clear corrosion and protect terminals.
• Repair open circuit and secure connector lock.
• Clear DTCs and verify with live data and completed drive cycle.

Typical repair cost

$300-$1400

Common mistakes when diagnosing P0023

• Replacing parts without verifying voltage, ground, and signal integrity first.
• Ignoring related stored/pending codes that indicate upstream faults.
• Skipping post-repair verification drive cycle and readiness checks.

P0023 in common vehicles

P0023 appears across makes such as Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet. Failure patterns differ by platform: wiring routes, software calibration, and component supplier revisions can change root cause.

Frequently asked questions

What causes P0023?

P0023 is commonly set by open faults affecting exhaust camshaft position actuator circuit / open (bank 2).

How much does it cost to fix P0023?

For P0023, repair costs are typically $300-$1400 depending on exact root cause, labor rates, and part quality.

Can I clear P0023 without repair?

You can clear P0023 temporarily, but the code usually returns until the underlying fault is corrected.

Helpful tools

• Estimate repair cost
• Decode your VIN
• Calculate fuel cost