Low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil, or oil that is overdue for a change; Sticking or clogged intake camshaft timing solenoid (oil control valve) on bank 2, or a blocked screen; Wiring or connector fault in the solenoid circuit, such as corrosion, chafing or high resistance; Worn or sticking camshaft phaser (actuator) on bank 2; Stretched timing chain or incorrect cam-to-crank timing; Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor giving a poor signal; Low oil pressure from a worn oil pump or worn bearings.

P0028

Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2.

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
28: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0028 is the generic code for an intake valve control solenoid circuit range or performance fault on bank 2. The engine control unit has seen the intake camshaft on that bank fail to reach, or hold, the position it commanded through the variable valve timing system. It compares actual cam position with target and sets the code when the difference is outside limits for too long.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Rough or unstable idle
Hesitation or reduced power, especially at low revs
Poor fuel economy
Occasional stalling or hard starting
Rattling or ticking from the front of the engine on start-up

Possible causes

Low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil, or oil that is overdue for a changelikely
Sticking or clogged intake camshaft timing solenoid (oil control valve) on bank 2, or a blocked screenlikely
Wiring or connector fault in the solenoid circuit, such as corrosion, chafing or high resistancepossible
Worn or sticking camshaft phaser (actuator) on bank 2possible
Stretched timing chain or incorrect cam-to-crank timingpossible
Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor giving a poor signalpossible
Low oil pressure from a worn oil pump or worn bearingsrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine speed, load and temperature when the fault set, and check for related cam, crank or oil pressure codes
Check the oil level and condition, and confirm the grade matches the manufacturer's specification
Inspect the bank 2 solenoid connector and wiring for damage, oil contamination, corrosion and poor pin tension
Measure the solenoid resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification, then check the supply, earth and control signal at the connector
Use a scan tool's live data and actuator tests to compare commanded and actual cam angle on bank 2, and operate the solenoid if the vehicle supports it
Remove the solenoid and inspect it and its oil screen for sludge, debris and a sticking plunger
Check cam and crank sensor signals and timing correlation, and measure oil pressure if the fault persists, following model-specific procedures
Inspect for timing chain stretch or phaser rattle, as the method depends on the engine

How to fix

Change the oil and filter using the correct grade, and correct the oil level
Replace the faulty bank 2 intake timing solenoid and clean or replace its screen
Repair the wiring or connector fault in the solenoid circuit
Replace the worn camshaft phaser on bank 2
Replace the stretched timing chain, guides and tensioner, and reset the timing correctly
Replace the faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

Short, gentle trips are usually possible, but get it checked soon because poor oil supply or worn timing parts can cause engine damage. Stop driving and seek help if you hear loud rattling, the oil pressure warning comes on or the engine runs very badly.

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