Kia Hyundai P2088 Fault Code Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid

What does P2088 code mean on a Kia or Hyundai? 

P2088 fault code means the “A" camshaft position actuator control circuit low bank 1 is faulty.  This means your Kia or Hyundai utilizes a variable timing system so that the timing of the camshaft can be adjusted in relation to the crankshaft. This improves fuel economy and increases perforamnce.  

Symptoms

• Rough engine idle
• Poor engine performance
• Increased fuel consumption
• Service soon light is on
• Check engine light stays on
• Engine misfire
• Misfire fault codes presents

A faulty camshaft position sensor may cause the engine to P0300 P0301 P0302 P0303 P0304

Common Causes

In our case, the problem was a faulty camshaft position actuator. Keep in mind that P2088 may come on for a number of reasons. Common problems that can trigger the P2088 fault code include: 

• Worn timing belt
• Stretched timing chain
• Defective camshaft variable timing solenoid
• Faulty variable valve timing actuator
• Engine oil level is too low
• Oil light stays on
• Blown fuse or fuse-able link in some cases
• Misalignment of timing components
• Corroded or damaged connector
• Faulty or damaged wiring
• Bad engine control module (ECM)

What you will need

• Camshaft Position Actuator Control
• OBD-II Scanner
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Mechanic Toolset Metric
  • 4mm Hex Bit Socket

Procedure

1. Connect the OBD-II scanner into the OBD-II port under the vehicle's dashboard.
2. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the accessories ON position. Dashboard lights will be on. Do not start the engine. 

    

3. Go to the diagnostic menu on the scanner and select read codes.

    

   
4. Check the stored codes, the scanner will show P2088 -  “A" camshaft position actuator (solenoid) control circuit low bank.

    

5. Turn off the ignition switch.
6. Open the hood. Pull the hood release under the dashboard and go to the vehicle's front.

    

7. Press the tab to the left to unlock the hood latch.

    

8. Pull the hood up and set the hood strut to keep the hood open.

    

9. Locate the camshaft position actuator control on the left side of the vehicle's engine.

    

10. Follow the cable of the camshaft position actuator and disconnect its electrical connector. Press on the clip and pull the connector out to disconnect.

     

11. Remove the electrical connector of the camshaft position actuator from the bracket attached to it. Use a pick tool to pull the cable out in necessary.

     

12. Detach the cable from the metal clip by pulling it out using a pick tool.

     

13. Remove the two 4mm hex bolts by turning them counterclockwise using a hex bit socket.

     

    
14. Remove the camshaft position actuator by pulling it out or prying it out using a flathead screwdriver.

     

    
15. Line up the new camshaft position actuator and press it in to set it into place.

     

16. Reinstall the two 4mm hex bolts of the camshaft position actuator.

     

17. Place the actuator's cable back to the clip and metal plate.

     

18. Reconnect the electrical connector of the camshaft position actuator.

     

19. Restart the engine a few times. 
20. Leave the ignition on but turn the engine off. Go back to the diagnostic menu on the scanner and select erase codes.

     

    
21. Press the enter button on the scanner to erase the stored codes.

     

22. Start the vehicle a few times and check to ensure the check engine light doesn't come back on.