Engine light

Troubleshooting for the P0022

P0022 Camshaft Position "A" - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)

Good info on what sets the code. I just skip all of that and get right to the procedure and go back if I need to reference something.

 

If I took my truck to you with any code and you didn’t say anything about the broken gas cap it would be the last time I took it to you so you wouldn’t have to worry. Doesn’t matter if it’s the cause of the code or not good mechanics don’t let that stuff slide.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Your welcome to your opinion but I don't know of any legit technician that is gona go and check the gas cap unless they have a reason to, such as an EVAP code or other complaint related to the gas cap.

When I have to deal with EVAP codes the reality is 95% of the time it's not the gas cap even though that is typically the first thing people replace for some reason.

I do data driven diagnostics, I'm not replacing parts unless I can prove them bad or it's a best guess after exhausting my other diagnostic options.
That's alot of the problem with our industry is so many shops, techs, and vehicle owners just fire parts at problems instead of actually diagnosing it, I get to deal with the aftermath of this all the time and it sucks because I usually have to fix a bunch of "built in" problems before I can find and fix the original problem.

 

I know of a tech that does just that. He'll see a code for whatever and will immediately order parts. This almost always bites him in the ass. Just today he put a part on a car (steering pad switch), did it fix it? No. Now he ordered a clock spring.

 

Oh it happens all the time at several of the shops around here, it's one thing for an uninformed vehicle owner to throw parts at a problem but there's absolutely no reason a legitimate shop/tech to fire parts at a problem (often on the customer's dime) without proper diagnosis. If you don't have the tools/ability to diagnose/fix something properly don't take the job.

It doesn't help that the parts stores (and some code reader manufacturers that advertise on TV) have the general public conditioned with the thought that one can plug a scanner in, read a code, and replace parts. Doesn't work like that most of the time.

 

Occasionally the tech or other techs will ask me my opinion and then do the exact opposite. I don't help them anymore. One newer tech that we do have learned very quickly that the CEL is only a starting point.

 

In order to diagnose cars you have to understand exactly how the systems work and you have to understand how the computer tries to diagnose itself.
I started with 2 years of tech school and I'm very glad I did. Sitting in a classroom learning about electricity, engine performance, emissions control, a/c systems, etc has been invaluable to me throughout my career.
I've worked with journeyman level guys (older than me) that still didn't know how a 3-way catalyst works.. I would cringe listening to them talk to customers on the phone

 

There's only 3 of us, the other two guys would rather do the nuts and bolts stuff so I get the majority of diag stuff unless it's something simple.

That is the truth, some of it can be inferred by studying wiring diagrams and learning what good looks like but more and more if you don't have good description and operation you aren't getting very far in diagnosing a modern vehicle system.

I have no formal schooling in automotive but always had an interest in electronics and mechanical things so knew the basics when I started, I admit I was not great at diagnostics the first 7 or so years but then I found Paul Danner and started watching his classes. That opened up a whole new level to me.

Yea my boss is like that, listening to him try to explain a code to a customer sometimes is cringeworthy.

 

There’s 11 of us. I had a year of tech school after high school. Still learning to this day.

 

Never stop learning

If you run into any headscratchers or something that's interesting/unique feel free to shoot me a DM, I love a good diagnostic challenge/discussion. As long as it's not Euro, that's another language lol.

 

I'll keep that in mind.

 

I’m sorry I should have explained the “snapped off gas cap” better! I’m sorry for the confusion!
It was actually the gas cap DOOR that has snapped off.
Thank you all for your help!
I think I’m going to take vssmans and call the dealership and see what they say!

 

Yeah I was confused. A broken gas cap should be took care of immediately regardless of if the code is related or not. It’s a very integral part of the operation of the vehicle.