Low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil, or oil at the wrong level, affecting solenoid and actuator operation; Sticking or clogged exhaust valve control solenoid or its oil screen; Damaged wiring, poor connector contact or corrosion in the solenoid circuit; Worn or faulty camshaft phaser or actuator that cannot reach the commanded position; Low oil pressure from a worn oil pump or restricted oil passages; Stretched timing chain or incorrect cam timing; Faulty camshaft position sensor or reluctor signal giving a false timing reading.

P0027

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0: AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
27: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0027 is the generic code for an exhaust valve control solenoid circuit range or performance fault on Bank 1. The engine control unit has seen the exhaust camshaft (valve timing or lift) actuator fail to achieve the commanded position, or the solenoid's response did not match what was requested. The exact system involved, such as variable cam phasing or switchable valve lift, depends on the engine.

Symptoms

Engine warning light on
Rough or unstable idle
Reduced power or hesitation under load
Poor fuel economy
Engine running in a limp or restricted mode on some models
Rattling or ticking from the top of the engine on start-up

Possible causes

Low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil, or oil at the wrong level, affecting solenoid and actuator operationlikely
Sticking or clogged exhaust valve control solenoid or its oil screenlikely
Damaged wiring, poor connector contact or corrosion in the solenoid circuitpossible
Worn or faulty camshaft phaser or actuator that cannot reach the commanded positionpossible
Low oil pressure from a worn oil pump or restricted oil passagespossible
Stretched timing chain or incorrect cam timingpossible
Faulty camshaft position sensor or reluctor signal giving a false timing readingrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including engine temperature, load and rpm when the fault set
Check the engine oil level, condition and grade against the manufacturer's specification, and look for signs of sludge or fuel dilution
Inspect the solenoid wiring and connector on Bank 1 for chafing, oil contamination, corrosion and loose pins
Check the solenoid resistance and its supply and control signals against the manufacturer's data for your engine
Use a scan tool's actuator test and live data to compare commanded and actual exhaust cam position
Remove the solenoid and inspect it and its oil screen for debris and free movement, following the model-specific procedure
Check oil pressure with a gauge if the solenoid and wiring are good
Check timing chain stretch and cam correlation using live data, and inspect the camshaft position sensor signal if needed

How to fix

Correct the oil level and change the oil and filter using the specified grade if it is dirty or wrong
Clean or replace the faulty exhaust valve control solenoid and its screen
Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors in the solenoid circuit
Replace the camshaft phaser or actuator if it is worn or not responding
Repair the cause of low oil pressure, such as the oil pump or blocked passages
Replace the timing chain and related components if stretch or incorrect timing is confirmed

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

Short, gentle journeys are usually possible, but get it checked soon as poor oil supply or timing faults can cause further engine wear. Avoid hard driving, and stop if the oil pressure warning light comes on or there are loud engine noises.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.