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P0029 Code Explained: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2 Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

OBD-II scanner displaying P0029 beside a Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid, exhaust camshaft actuator, wiring connector and illuminated Check Engine Light

If your OBD-II scanner displays P0029, your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit or exhaust camshaft-control system is not operating within its expected range.

The generic description for P0029 is:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2

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

P0029 is a range/performance code. This means the ECM may still be able to energize the solenoid, but the Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system does not respond correctly or operates outside its calibrated limits.

The underlying problem may be:

Common P0029 causes include:

P0029 should be diagnosed promptly. Some vehicles may continue running with only an illuminated Check Engine Light, but the ECM may disable Bank 2 exhaust variable valve timing or valve-lift operation.

This can cause:

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P0029 Quick Facts

ItemInformation
OBD-II codeP0029
Official descriptionExhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2
CategoryPowertrain
SystemExhaust valve, variable valve timing or variable valve-lift control
Code typeGeneric SAE powertrain code
Affected bankBank 2
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 P0029 Code Mean?

P0029 means the ECM has detected that the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid or related exhaust camshaft-control system is operating outside its expected electrical, hydraulic or mechanical range.

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

The circuit may still be complete, but the ECM determines that the system is not behaving as commanded.

The ECM may detect that:

P0029 may therefore indicate:

Related trouble codes include:

What Does Bank 2 Mean?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one.

Bank 2 is found on engines with more than one cylinder bank, including:

On these engines:

Inline engines generally have only one cylinder bank and should not store a true Bank 2 exhaust valve-control code.

Bank 2 may be located on either side of the vehicle depending on the engine design.

Confirm Bank 2 using:

Do not assume Bank 2 is always the driver side or passenger side.

Testing the wrong bank can lead to unnecessary parts replacement and leave the actual fault untouched.

What Is an Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid?

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

Depending on the engine, it may control:

The ECM commonly controls the solenoid using a pulse-width-modulated electrical signal.

Rather than simply switching the solenoid fully on or off, the ECM may rapidly cycle the control circuit to regulate oil flow precisely.

On a hydraulic variable valve timing system, the solenoid redirects pressurized engine oil into different chambers within the exhaust camshaft phaser.

On a variable valve-lift system, it may direct oil pressure to:

Manufacturer terminology varies, so identify the exact system before testing or ordering replacement parts.

Is P0029 a VVT Code?

P0029 is frequently related to variable valve timing, but not on every engine.

On many vehicles, the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid is effectively the exhaust VVT oil-control valve.

On other vehicles, P0029 may relate to:

This distinction matters because a replacement part advertised as a generic VVT solenoid may not be the correct component for every vehicle storing P0029.

Use vehicle-specific service information to confirm:

How the Bank 2 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 Bank 2 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 camshaft or actuator position sensor reports actual operation.
  6. The ECM compares commanded and actual values.
  7. The ECM adjusts the solenoid command as engine conditions change.

If the mechanism does not move correctly, responds too slowly or operates outside its electrical limits, the ECM may store P0029.

Why Exhaust Valve Control Matters

Changing exhaust valve timing or lift allows the engine to improve:

When the Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system fails, one side of the engine may operate differently from the other.

This can create:

How the ECM Detects P0029

The exact P0029 detection strategy varies by manufacturer.

The ECM may monitor:

P0029 may be stored when:

The code may set during:

Symptoms of the P0029 Code

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

Common P0029 symptoms include:

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

The ECM may disable Bank 2 exhaust VVT or valve-lift control and operate the engine using a fixed default position.

Common Causes of P0029

1. Dirty Engine Oil

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

Contaminated oil can create:

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

Contamination may prevent the Bank 2 actuator from reaching its commanded position.

2. Incorrect Engine-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 Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system.

Possible causes include:

Always check the engine-oil level before replacing electrical components.

4. Overfilled Engine Oil

An overfilled crankcase may allow the crankshaft to whip air into the engine oil.

Aerated oil may cause:

Correct an overfilled crankcase before continuing diagnosis.

5. Low Engine-Oil Pressure

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

Possible causes include:

Low oil pressure may affect:

A mechanical oil-pressure test may be required.

6. Sticking Bank 2 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 exhaust camshaft actuator.

It may still pass a basic electrical resistance test.

7. 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.

This can trigger a range/performance code without setting a straightforward circuit-open code.

8. Clogged Solenoid Filter Screen

Some exhaust valve-control solenoids contain a fine filter screen.

The screen may become restricted by:

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

9. 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 Bank 2 exhaust actuator from reaching its requested position.

10. Damaged Wiring Harness

The Bank 2 exhaust solenoid wiring may be damaged by:

Common trouble areas include:

Intermittent wiring faults may appear only when the engine is hot, vibrating or moving under load.

11. 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 maintain reliable contact.

12. Oil Inside the Electrical 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 and pretending the problem has developed manners.

13. Short to Ground or Voltage

The control circuit may become shorted because of:

A short may cause:

14. Excessive Circuit Resistance

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

Possible causes include:

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

15. Failed Bank 2 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.

16. Failed Variable Valve-Lift Mechanism

On engines using variable exhaust valve lift, the problem may involve:

Diagnosis may require removing the valve cover or partially disassembling the cylinder head.

17. Mechanical Timing Problem

P0029 may occur when the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft cannot reach its expected position because of:

Related symptoms may include:

18. Incorrect Mechanical Timing After Repair

If P0029 appears after engine work, possible causes include:

Verify mechanical timing before replacing additional parts.

19. Faulty Bank 2 Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor

Some systems determine actuator performance by monitoring the Bank 2 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 P0029 alone.

20. Faulty Valve-Control Position Sensor

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

The sensor may fail because of:

The ECM may store P0029 when actual actuator position does not match the commanded position.

21. Shifted Camshaft Reluctor Wheel

The camshaft position sensor reads a reluctor or trigger wheel attached to the camshaft or phaser.

The reluctor may become:

A shifted reluctor may make the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft appear to be in the wrong position even when mechanical timing is correct.

22. Weak Battery or Charging-System Voltage

Low system voltage may interfere with solenoid control and ECM monitoring.

Possible causes include:

Check system voltage if several actuator, communication or voltage-related codes appear together.

23. Faulty ECM or PCM

ECM failure is uncommon but possible.

A failed internal driver may:

Before replacing the ECM, verify:

24. Incorrect Replacement Component

An incorrect or poor-quality replacement part may cause P0029.

Examples include:

A component may physically fit while having the wrong:

Is P0029 an Electrical or Mechanical Code?

P0029 is a range/performance code, so its cause may be electrical, hydraulic or mechanical.

Electrical causes include:

Hydraulic causes include:

Mechanical causes include:

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

How Serious Is the P0029 Code?

P0029 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 P0029?

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 considerably more expensive if ignored.

How to Diagnose P0029

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 testing or replacing the wrong component.

Step 3: Confirm Bank 2

Verify which side of the engine contains cylinder number one.

Bank 2 is the opposite cylinder bank.

Do not identify the bank solely by standing in front of the vehicle and guessing.

Use:

Step 4: Check the Engine-Oil Level

Check the oil according to manufacturer instructions.

Look for:

Correct the oil level before further diagnosis.

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

Step 5: 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 6: Review Maintenance and Repair History

Determine:

Recent engine work may point toward incorrect installation, damaged wiring or incorrect mechanical timing.

Step 7: Perform a Visual Inspection

Inspect the Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system for:

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

Step 8: Inspect the Solenoid Connector

Disconnect the connector with the ignition off.

Inspect for:

Repair connector faults before replacing the solenoid.

Step 9: 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 10: Verify Power and ECM Control

Check the circuit for:

Use the exact wiring diagram for the vehicle.

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

Step 11: 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 circuit resistance.

Step 12: Command the Solenoid With a Scan Tool

Use a bidirectional scan tool when supported.

Command the Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system on and off or through its operating range.

Monitor:

Possible results include:

Step 13: Remove and Inspect the Solenoid

Remove the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid according to the service procedure.

Inspect for:

Clean or replace the component as appropriate.

Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage internal seals or protective coatings.

Step 14: Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 Solenoids

If the Bank 1 and Bank 2 exhaust-control solenoids are identical, compare:

Only swap components when:

If the fault moves to Bank 1 and becomes P0027, the solenoid is likely defective.

Step 15: Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 Scan Data

Monitor:

If Bank 1 responds correctly while Bank 2 does not, suspect a Bank 2-specific problem.

Possible causes include:

If both banks respond poorly, investigate:

Step 16: Check Engine-Oil Pressure

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

Measure pressure at:

Compare the readings with factory specifications.

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

Step 17: Test the Bank 2 Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor

Depending on sensor design, test:

An oscilloscope can identify:

Step 18: Compare Camshaft and Crankshaft Waveforms

Use an oscilloscope to compare:

Compare the waveform with known-good data.

This may reveal:

Step 19: 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 removing the valve cover or timing cover.

Step 20: Verify Mechanical Timing

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

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

Do not rotate an interference engine carelessly if the timing system may have jumped.

Step 21: 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 22: 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. Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 response.
  7. Check for oil leaks.
  8. Complete the manufacturer’s drive cycle.
  9. Rescan for pending codes.

A successful repair should restore proper Bank 2 exhaust valve or camshaft control and prevent P0029 from returning.

Common P0029 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 Bank 2 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 Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator or phaser$600–$2,000
Replace camshaft sprocket$700–$2,500
Replace timing chain, guides and tensioner$1,200–$4,000
Repair internal engine damage$2,500–$7,000+
ECM software update$100–$300
Replace and program ECM$1,000–$2,500+

Repair costs vary according to:

Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Assuming P0029 Always Means a Basic VVT Solenoid

P0029 may involve a conventional exhaust VVT system, a variable valve-lift mechanism or another manufacturer-specific design.

Identify the exact system before ordering parts.

Testing the Wrong Bank

P0029 applies to Bank 2.

Bank 2 is the side opposite cylinder number one.

Do not guess based on which side of the engine is easier to access.

Confusing P0029 With P0027

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

P0029 applies to the Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system.

Confusing P0029 With P0023

P0023 primarily identifies an electrical fault in the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator circuit.

P0029 is a range/performance code and may involve electrical, hydraulic or mechanical operation.

Replacing the Solenoid Without Checking the Oil

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

Always inspect:

Relying Only on Resistance Testing

A solenoid may have correct electrical resistance but still:

Dynamic command testing may still be required.

Replacing the Camshaft Position Sensor First

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

Test the complete system before replacing it.

Ignoring Bank-to-Bank Comparison

Comparing Bank 1 and Bank 2 can reveal whether the fault is localized.

If both exhaust systems respond poorly, investigate:

Ignoring Timing or Camshaft Noise

Rattling may indicate:

A replacement solenoid will not repair mechanical damage.

Skipping Oil-Pressure Testing

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

Use a mechanical oil-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 entire system before replacing the control module.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0029

P0029 may appear on vehicles using variable Bank 2 exhaust camshaft timing or exhaust-valve control.

Potentially affected manufacturers include:

P0029 generally applies to engines with two cylinder banks, such as:

The precise meaning and repair procedure may differ among manufacturers.

One vehicle may use P0029 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 P0029

Helpful preventive measures include:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About P0029

What does code P0029 mean?

P0029 means the Bank 2 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 P0029 a VVT code?

Often, but not always.

Some manufacturers use P0029 for a variable camshaft timing system, while others may use it for a variable valve-lift or exhaust-actuator system.

Which side is Bank 2?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one.

Its physical location varies by engine.

Is P0029 an electrical code?

P0029 is a range/performance code.

The underlying cause may be electrical, hydraulic or mechanical.

What is the difference between P0029 and P0027?

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

P0029 applies to the Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system.

What is the difference between P0029 and P0023?

P0023 primarily indicates an electrical circuit fault affecting the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator.

P0029 indicates that the Bank 2 exhaust valve-control system is operating outside its expected range or performance limits.

Can dirty oil cause P0029?

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

Can low oil cause P0029?

Yes. Low engine oil may reduce the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the exhaust valve-control system.

Can overfilled oil cause P0029?

Potentially.

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

Can the wrong oil viscosity cause P0029?

Yes. Incorrect oil viscosity can slow, weaken or destabilize actuator movement.

Can a bad VVT solenoid cause P0029?

Yes, on vehicles where the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid is part of the VVT system.

Can damaged wiring cause P0029?

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

Can a bad exhaust camshaft phaser cause P0029?

Yes. A stuck, worn or internally leaking Bank 2 exhaust phaser may prevent the system from operating within range.

Can a stretched timing chain cause P0029?

Yes. Timing-chain wear may prevent the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft from reaching its expected position.

Can a bad camshaft sensor cause P0029?

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

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

Can P0029 cause rough idle?

Yes. Incorrect Bank 2 exhaust camshaft timing or valve operation may cause rough idle, misfires and uneven combustion.

Can P0029 cause poor acceleration?

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

Can P0029 affect turbocharger response?

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

Can P0029 cause fuel-trim problems?

Yes. If Bank 2 breathes differently from Bank 1, the two banks may develop different fuel-trim readings.

Can P0029 cause hard starting?

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

Can P0029 cause engine damage?

Potentially.

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

Can I drive with P0029?

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

Prompt diagnosis is recommended.

Will an oil change fix P0029?

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

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

How much does it cost to fix P0029?

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 P0029 fix the vehicle?

No. Clearing the code only removes the warning temporarily.

The code will return if the underlying problem remains.

Will P0029 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 P0029 code means the Bank 2 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 component the manufacturer calls the exhaust valve control solenoid and confirming the physical location of Bank 2.

Check the engine-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.

Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 operation whenever live data is available. A properly functioning Bank 1 system can provide an excellent reference for identifying a Bank 2-specific failure.

If the electrical circuit functions correctly but the actuator does not move as commanded, inspect:

P0029 may be caused by something as simple as contaminated oil or as serious as a damaged camshaft actuator or timing chain. Proper testing is cheaper than replacing every solenoid near the valve cover and hoping one of them persuades the Check Engine Light to leave.

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