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P0027

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/performance

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Is the P0027 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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The P0027 code is set when the bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid in the variable valve lift (VVL) either takes too long to respond or doesn’t respond at all. The variable control lift is one of the exhaust valve’s camshafts that’s in charge of enhancing performance. The camshaft has a sleeve adorned with a short lobe and a tall lobe. When activated by the solenoid, the short lobe opens the valve to let gas flow out of the engine while under short loads. When the engine is working harder and needs to release more exhaust gas, the tall lobe opens the valve even wider. The P0027 code means the solenoid doesn’t manage the bank 1 sleeves based on engine performance.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P0027 Code?

The most common symptom of a P0027 code is a check engine light. The variable valve lift improves fuel efficiency, so another common issue associated with this code is increased fuel consumption. This component also enhances overall performance, so you may notice that you have trouble accelerating or that your engine lacks power while you drive at certain speeds. Some more serious symptoms include engine misfiring and a rough idle.

What Are Some Causes of a P0027 Code?

A common cause of a P0027 code is a short or open wiring between the exhaust solenoid and the engine control module (ECM), which is the component that manages the engine’s circuitry. Another issue that can cause this code is a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM), the transmission control unit that manages engine function. Low engine oil levels and dirty engine oil also cause this problem, as well as loss of ground contact due to a faulty connector.

How Serious Is the P0027 Code?

This code is a moderately serious problem because it affects your engine’s functionality. It can cause your engine to stutter or stall while driving, especially if you’re on a road where you need to accelerate and decelerate often. If the code was issued because of faulty wiring, your engine may not start at all. It’s highly recommended that you don’t drive your car while this P0027 code is active since it will affect the amount of control you have over your car while it’s on.

Can I Still Drive with a P0027 Code?

Driving may still be possible with a P0027 code depending on the severity of the problem. However, your engine will run rough and driving can become a risk. As time goes on, the problem may affect other parts of the engine, causing costly damage. The more you drive your car while it has a P0027 code, the more likely it is to develop further issues you can’t ignore.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0027 Code?

Diagnosing a P0027 code is easy if you have expert knowledge. There are too many codes that are similar to P0027, so people confuse them all the time. The code can also be caused by two problems at once, so you may think you’ve diagnosed one issue while the other goes undetected. Getting professional help is a lot better than guessing what the issue might be.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0027 Code?

Inspecting a P0027 code can be just as troublesome as diagnosing it. The solenoid that controls the camshaft’s sleeve isn’t the only component you have to worry about with a P0027 code. You would also need to know how to inspect the powertrain control module, engine control module, and camshaft, among other things. These are all things that can affect the exhaust valve control system. This is why many prefer to hire a professional to inspect this code.

Need Additional Help with Your P0027 Code?

Having any kind of engine problem can increase your fuel consumption and cease engine function. This is why it’s important to take your vehicle to a professional as soon as you get a P0027 code.

Your first step should be to use Kelley to find a service center in your area. Local, trustworthy professionals will take a look at your car and give you a reliable inspection. Finding a service center closest to you will also help you cut down on costs in case you need to hire a tow truck.

If you’re seeing a P0027 code, you may also want to check out similar car codes. Take a look at the OBD-II database to understand more about these codes and what they mean for your car.

P0027 Q&A

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