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P0027 Code Explained: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1 Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

OBD-II scanner displaying P0027 beside a Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid, exhaust camshaft actuator, wiring connector and illuminated Check Engine Light

If your OBD-II scanner displays P0027, your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit or exhaust camshaft control system is not operating within its expected range.

The generic description for P0027 is:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1

Depending on the manufacturer, the affected component may also be called the:

P0027 is a range/performance code. That means the ECM may still be able to communicate with or energize the solenoid, but the exhaust valve-control system does not respond as expected.

The problem may be electrical, hydraulic or mechanical.

Common causes include:

P0027 should be diagnosed promptly. Some vehicles may continue running with only a Check Engine Light, but the ECM may disable exhaust variable valve timing or valve-lift operation. This can cause rough idle, poor acceleration, reduced fuel economy, increased emissions and possible timing-system damage.

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P0027 Quick Facts

ItemInformation
OBD-II codeP0027
Official descriptionExhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
CategoryPowertrain
SystemExhaust valve, variable valve timing or variable valve-lift control
Code typeGeneric SAE powertrain code
Affected bankBank 1
SeverityModerate to high
Safe to drive?Usually for a limited distance; diagnose promptly
Most common causesDirty oil, sticking solenoid, wiring fault, failed actuator
Typical repair cost$60–$2,500+

What Does the P0027 Code Mean?

P0027 means the ECM has detected that the Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid or related exhaust camshaft-control system is operating outside its expected electrical or mechanical range.

A range/performance code differs from a straightforward open-circuit or short-circuit code.

The ECM may detect that:

P0027 may therefore indicate:

Related trouble codes include:

What Does Bank 1 Mean?

Bank 1 is the side of the engine containing cylinder number one.

On an inline engine, the engine normally has only one cylinder bank, so that entire engine is Bank 1.

On engines with two cylinder banks, such as a V6 or V8:

Bank 1 may be on either side of the vehicle depending on the engine design.

Confirm Bank 1 using:

Do not assume Bank 1 is always the driver side.

What Is an Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid?

The exhaust valve control solenoid is an electronically controlled actuator used to change some aspect of exhaust-valve or exhaust-camshaft operation.

Depending on the engine, it may control:

The component is commonly controlled by the ECM with a pulse-width-modulated electrical signal.

On a hydraulic VVT system, the solenoid directs pressurized engine oil into specific passages within the exhaust camshaft phaser.

On a variable valve-lift system, it may direct oil pressure to rocker arms, locking pins or another valve-control mechanism.

Manufacturer terminology varies, so the exact component must be identified before testing or replacement.

Is P0027 a VVT Code?

P0027 is often related to variable valve timing, but not on every engine.

On many vehicles, the exhaust valve control solenoid is effectively the exhaust VVT oil-control valve.

On other engines, P0027 may relate to:

This distinction matters because a replacement part labeled “VVT solenoid” may not be the correct component for every vehicle that stores P0027.

How the Exhaust Valve Control System Works

A typical hydraulic exhaust camshaft-control system includes:

The system generally operates as follows:

  1. The ECM calculates the desired exhaust camshaft or valve-control position.
  2. The ECM sends a duty-cycle command to the exhaust valve control solenoid.
  3. The solenoid redirects pressurized engine oil.
  4. Oil pressure moves the exhaust camshaft phaser or valve-control mechanism.
  5. A position sensor reports actual operation.
  6. The ECM compares commanded and actual values.
  7. The ECM adjusts the solenoid command as operating conditions change.

If the system does not move correctly or its electrical characteristics fall outside the expected range, the ECM stores P0027.

How the ECM Detects P0027

The exact monitoring strategy varies by manufacturer.

The ECM may monitor:

P0027 may be stored when:

The code may set during:

Symptoms of the P0027 Code

Symptoms vary depending on the vehicle and the type of exhaust valve-control system.

Common symptoms include:

Some vehicles may show no noticeable symptoms beyond the Check Engine Light.

The ECM may disable exhaust VVT or valve-lift control and operate the engine in a default position.

Common Causes of P0027

1. Dirty Engine Oil

Dirty engine oil is one of the most common causes of hydraulic valve-control problems.

Contaminated oil can create:

Exhaust valve-control systems often depend on narrow oil passages and precise pressure.

Contamination may prevent the actuator from reaching its commanded position.

2. Incorrect Oil Viscosity

Oil that is too thick or too thin can interfere with exhaust actuator operation.

Oil that is too thick may:

Oil that is too thin may:

Use the manufacturer-specified oil viscosity and oil standard.

3. Low Engine-Oil Level

Low engine oil reduces the hydraulic reserve available to the exhaust valve-control system.

Possible causes include:

Always check the oil level before replacing electrical components.

4. Low Engine-Oil Pressure

The crankcase may contain the correct amount of oil while pressure remains too low.

Possible causes include:

Low oil pressure may affect:

A mechanical oil-pressure test may be required.

5. Sticking Bank 1 Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid

The solenoid may stick because of:

A sticking solenoid may move slowly, remain trapped in one position or fail to direct enough oil to the actuator.

It may still pass an electrical resistance test.

6. Failed Solenoid Coil

The solenoid contains an electrical coil that moves its internal valve.

The coil may fail because of:

A partially failed coil may continue operating while drawing current outside the ECM’s expected range.

7. Clogged Solenoid Filter Screen

Some exhaust-control solenoids contain a fine filter screen.

The screen may become restricted by:

A clogged screen may reduce oil flow and slow actuator movement.

8. Restricted Oil Passages

Oil galleries in the cylinder head, camshaft bearing cap or actuator housing may become restricted.

Possible causes include:

A restricted passage may prevent the actuator from reaching its requested position.

9. Damaged Wiring Harness

The Bank 1 exhaust solenoid wiring may be damaged by:

Common trouble areas include:

Intermittent faults may appear only when the engine is hot or moving.

10. Loose or Corroded Connector

A poor connector connection may create excessive resistance or intermittent operation.

Inspect for:

A connector may appear attached while its terminals fail to make reliable contact.

11. Oil Inside the Connector

Engine oil may enter the solenoid connector through:

Oil contamination can interfere with terminal contact and attract dirt.

Repair the source of the oil leak instead of cleaning the connector alone.

12. Short to Ground or Voltage

The control circuit may become shorted because of:

A short may cause:

13. Excessive Circuit Resistance

The circuit may remain connected but have too much resistance under load.

Possible causes include:

Voltage-drop testing is more useful than a simple continuity test for finding high resistance.

14. Failed Exhaust Camshaft Phaser

A failed exhaust camshaft phaser may cause the system to operate outside its expected range.

Possible failures include:

The ECM may correctly command the solenoid while the phaser fails to move.

15. Mechanical Timing Problem

P0027 may occur when the exhaust camshaft cannot reach its expected position because of:

Related symptoms may include:

16. Incorrect Mechanical Timing After Repair

If P0027 appears after engine work, possible causes include:

Verify mechanical timing before replacing additional parts.

17. Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor

Some systems determine actuator performance by monitoring the exhaust camshaft position sensor.

A faulty sensor may produce:

However, the sensor may be correctly reporting a real actuator or timing problem.

Do not replace it based on P0027 alone.

18. Faulty Valve-Control Position Sensor

Some variable valve-lift systems include a separate position sensor.

The sensor may fail because of:

The ECM may set P0027 when actual actuator position does not match the command.

19. Damaged Rocker-Arm or Valve-Lift Mechanism

On engines with variable valve lift, the problem may involve:

Diagnosis may require valve-cover removal or partial cylinder-head disassembly.

20. Faulty ECM or PCM

ECM failure is uncommon but possible.

A failed internal driver may:

Before replacing the ECM, verify:

21. Incorrect Replacement Component

An incorrect or poor-quality replacement part may cause P0027.

Examples include:

A component may physically fit while having the wrong resistance, oil-flow characteristics or mechanical travel.

Is P0027 an Electrical or Mechanical Code?

P0027 is a range/performance code, so the cause may be electrical, hydraulic or mechanical.

Electrical causes include:

Hydraulic causes include:

Mechanical causes include:

A resistance test alone is not enough to rule out the solenoid or actuator.

How Serious Is the P0027 Code?

P0027 is generally considered moderately serious, but it can become severe when caused by a mechanical timing or camshaft-actuator failure.

Possible consequences include:

The problem is more urgent if accompanied by:

Can You Drive With P0027?

Limited driving may be possible if:

Continued driving is not recommended until the cause is identified.

Stop driving if:

A mechanical actuator or timing-system failure can become much more expensive if ignored.

How to Diagnose P0027

Step 1: Scan for Additional Codes

Use a capable OBD-II scanner to check for related codes.

Look for:

Record:

Do not clear the codes before saving this information.

Step 2: Identify the Exact System

Determine what “exhaust valve control solenoid” means for the specific vehicle.

Use service information to identify:

This step prevents replacing the wrong component.

Step 3: Check the Engine-Oil Level

Check the oil according to manufacturer instructions.

Look for:

Correct the level before further diagnosis.

An overfilled crankcase may aerate the oil and cause unstable actuator operation.

Step 4: Inspect Oil Condition and Viscosity

Determine whether the oil is:

Perform an oil and filter change when necessary.

Use the exact manufacturer-specified viscosity and oil standard.

Step 5: Review Maintenance and Repair History

Determine:

Recent work may point toward incorrect installation or mechanical timing.

Step 6: Perform a Visual Inspection

Inspect the Bank 1 exhaust valve-control system for:

Move the harness gently while monitoring live data to identify intermittent faults.

Step 7: Inspect the Solenoid Connector

Disconnect the connector with the ignition off.

Inspect for:

Repair connector faults before replacing the solenoid.

Step 8: Measure Solenoid Resistance

Use a digital multimeter to measure resistance across the solenoid terminals.

Compare the result with manufacturer specifications.

Possible results include:

A solenoid may pass a resistance test and still stick mechanically.

Step 9: Verify Power and Ground

Check the circuit for:

Use the exact wiring diagram.

Do not apply battery voltage directly to an ECM control terminal.

Step 10: Perform Voltage-Drop Testing

A wire may pass a continuity test while failing under load.

Perform voltage-drop tests across:

Excessive voltage drop indicates hidden resistance.

Step 11: Command the Solenoid With a Scan Tool

Use a bidirectional scan tool when supported.

Command the exhaust valve-control system on and off or through its operating range.

Monitor:

Possible results include:

Step 12: Remove and Inspect the Solenoid

Remove the Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid according to the service procedure.

Inspect for:

Clean or replace the component as appropriate.

Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage seals or internal coatings.

Step 13: Compare Similar Solenoids

If the engine uses an identical solenoid elsewhere, compare:

Only swap components when:

If the fault follows the solenoid, the component is likely defective.

Step 14: Check Engine-Oil Pressure

Install a mechanical oil-pressure gauge if hydraulic performance is questionable.

Measure pressure at:

Compare readings with factory specifications.

Do not assume pressure is normal because the dashboard warning light remains off.

Step 15: Monitor Camshaft or Actuator Position Data

Compare:

Compare Bank 1 data with manufacturer specifications or a known-good bank when available.

Step 16: Test the Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor

Depending on sensor design, test:

An oscilloscope can identify:

Step 17: Inspect the Exhaust Camshaft Actuator or Valve-Lift Mechanism

If electrical and oil-pressure tests pass, inspect the mechanical system.

Look for:

Mechanical inspection may require valve-cover or timing-cover removal.

Step 18: Verify Mechanical Timing

If correlation data or mechanical noise suggests a timing problem, verify:

Use the manufacturer’s required locking tools and timing procedure.

Step 19: Check Technical Service Bulletins

Search for service bulletins covering:

A vehicle-specific bulletin may identify a known failure pattern and prevent unnecessary parts replacement.

Step 20: Verify the Repair

After completing repairs:

  1. Clear all stored codes.
  2. Start the engine from cold.
  3. Listen for timing or camshaft noise.
  4. Monitor commanded and actual actuator data.
  5. Command the system with a scan tool.
  6. Check for oil leaks.
  7. Complete the required drive cycle.
  8. Rescan for pending codes.

A successful repair should restore proper Bank 1 exhaust valve or camshaft control and prevent P0027 from returning.

Common P0027 Repairs and Costs

RepairEstimated cost
Diagnostic inspection$100–$300
Engine oil and filter change$60–$180
Clean solenoid or filter screen$100–$250
Repair electrical connector$75–$300
Repair wiring harness$100–$600
Replace exhaust valve control solenoid$150–$600
Replace exhaust camshaft position sensor$150–$450
Clean restricted oil passages$200–$900
Repair variable valve-lift mechanism$500–$2,000+
Replace exhaust camshaft actuator or phaser$600–$2,000
Replace camshaft sprocket$700–$2,500
Replace timing chain, guides and tensioner$1,200–$4,000
ECM software update$100–$300
Replace and program ECM$1,000–$2,500+

Repair costs vary according to:

Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Assuming P0027 Always Means a Basic VVT Solenoid

P0027 may involve a conventional exhaust VVT system, a variable valve-lift mechanism or another manufacturer-specific design.

Identify the system before ordering parts.

Replacing the Solenoid Without Checking the Oil

Dirty, low or incorrect oil may prevent the actuator from responding correctly.

Always inspect the oil level, condition and viscosity first.

Relying Only on Resistance Testing

A solenoid may have correct resistance but still:

Dynamic command testing may still be necessary.

Confusing P0027 With P0013

P0013 primarily indicates an electrical fault in the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft actuator circuit.

P0027 is a range/performance code and may involve electrical, hydraulic or mechanical operation.

Confusing the Intake and Exhaust Solenoids

P0026 relates to the Bank 1 intake valve-control system.

P0027 relates to the Bank 1 exhaust valve-control system.

Testing the wrong solenoid wastes time and may introduce new faults.

Replacing the Camshaft Position Sensor First

The sensor may be correctly reporting a real actuator or timing problem.

Test the complete system before replacing it.

Ignoring Timing or Camshaft Noise

Rattling may indicate:

A replacement solenoid will not repair a mechanical failure.

Skipping Oil-Pressure Testing

The oil level may be correct while pressure remains too low to operate the system.

Use a mechanical pressure gauge when necessary.

Assuming an Oil Change Repairs Mechanical Damage

Fresh oil may help a contaminated solenoid.

It cannot repair:

Replacing the ECM Too Early

ECM failure is uncommon compared with:

Verify the complete system before replacing the module.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0027

P0027 may appear on vehicles using variable exhaust camshaft timing or variable exhaust-valve control.

Potentially affected manufacturers include:

The meaning and repair procedure may differ among manufacturers.

One vehicle may use P0027 for a conventional exhaust oil-control solenoid, while another may associate it with a variable valve-lift or camshaft actuator mechanism.

Diagnosis must be based on the exact:

How to Prevent P0027

Helpful preventive measures include:

Clean oil and early attention to valvetrain or timing noise can prevent many exhaust valve-control problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About P0027

What does code P0027 mean?

P0027 means the Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid or related actuator system is operating outside its expected range or performance limits.

What is an exhaust valve control solenoid?

It is an ECM-controlled solenoid used to regulate exhaust camshaft timing, exhaust valve lift or another exhaust-valve-control function.

Is P0027 a VVT code?

Often, but not always.

Some manufacturers use P0027 for a variable camshaft timing system, while others may use it for a variable valve-lift or exhaust-actuator system.

Which side is Bank 1?

Bank 1 is the side of the engine containing cylinder number one.

An inline engine normally has only Bank 1.

Is P0027 an electrical code?

It is a range/performance code.

The cause may be electrical, hydraulic or mechanical.

Can dirty oil cause P0027?

Yes. Dirty oil may clog the solenoid, filter screen, oil passages or actuator.

Can low oil cause P0027?

Yes. Low oil may reduce the hydraulic pressure required for proper operation.

Can the wrong oil viscosity cause P0027?

Yes. Incorrect viscosity can slow or destabilize actuator movement.

Can a bad VVT solenoid cause P0027?

Yes, on vehicles where the exhaust valve control solenoid is part of the VVT system.

Can damaged wiring cause P0027?

Yes. Broken wires, shorts, connector corrosion and excessive resistance can trigger the code.

Can a bad exhaust camshaft phaser cause P0027?

Yes. A stuck, worn or internally leaking phaser may prevent the system from operating within range.

Can a stretched timing chain cause P0027?

Yes. Timing-chain wear may prevent the exhaust camshaft from reaching its expected position.

Can a bad camshaft sensor cause P0027?

Yes, but it is not always the most likely cause.

The sensor may be correctly reporting an actuator problem.

Can P0027 cause rough idle?

Yes. Incorrect exhaust camshaft timing or valve operation may cause rough idle, misfires and unstable combustion.

Can P0027 cause poor acceleration?

Yes. The engine may lose low-speed torque, high-RPM power or throttle response.

Can P0027 affect turbocharger response?

Yes. Incorrect exhaust camshaft timing can reduce exhaust energy available to the turbocharger on some engines.

Can P0027 cause hard starting?

Yes. Incorrect exhaust valve or camshaft operation may cause extended cranking or hard starting.

Can P0027 cause engine damage?

Potentially.

A simple circuit or solenoid problem may not cause immediate damage, but a failed phaser, sprocket or timing system can become serious.

Can I drive with P0027?

Limited driving may be possible if the engine runs smoothly and makes no unusual noise.

Prompt diagnosis is recommended.

Will an oil change fix P0027?

It may help if the problem is caused by dirty or incorrect oil.

It will not repair damaged wiring, a failed solenoid coil, broken actuator or mechanical timing problem.

How much does it cost to fix P0027?

An oil service may cost under $200.

A solenoid replacement commonly costs $150 to $600.

Mechanical camshaft-actuator or timing repairs may cost $600 to $4,000 or more.

Will clearing P0027 fix the vehicle?

No. Clearing the code only removes the warning temporarily.

The code will return if the underlying problem remains.

Will P0027 fail an emissions test?

Yes. An active Check Engine Light or emissions-related powertrain code will generally cause an OBD-based emissions inspection failure.

Final Thoughts

The P0027 code means the Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid or related exhaust actuator system is operating outside its expected range.

The most common causes include:

Begin diagnosis by identifying exactly which system the manufacturer calls the exhaust valve control solenoid.

Check the oil level, condition and viscosity before testing the electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring and connector, verify solenoid resistance, test power and control circuits and command the actuator with a bidirectional scan tool when possible.

If the electrical circuit works but the actuator does not move correctly, inspect oil pressure, oil passages, the camshaft phaser, valve-lift mechanism and mechanical timing.

P0027 may be caused by something as simple as contaminated oil or as serious as a damaged camshaft actuator. Testing the system properly is much cheaper than repeatedly replacing parts and hoping one of them gets lucky.

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