Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
The P0027 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $150 - $450 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Loss of engine power
- Rough idle or misfires
- Increased exhaust emissions
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid Very High
- Dirty or low engine oil restricting solenoid operation High
- Damaged wiring or corroded connector at solenoid Moderate
- Stuck or clogged oil passages to solenoid Moderate
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0027 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2017 GM 3.6L V6 LFX/LLT (Camaro, CTS, Traverse, Acadia) hard DIY
Bank 2 exhaust cam is over-retarded -- replace the cam actuator (phaser) AND solenoid, and inspect timing chain stretch. GM timing chains on LLT stretch badly; if chain guides have worn grooves, do full chain kit. Set to TDC and replace chain/guides/tensioners + phasers in one job.
Labor: 6-8 hours2007-2015 Hyundai/Kia 3.3L/3.5L Lambda V6 moderate DIY
Replace Bank 2 OCV solenoid (rear cylinder head on transverse applications). Hyundai/Kia OCV fail from oil starvation during short trips. Also verify oil pressure with a manual gauge -- these engines wear oil pump at 100k+ miles which mimics cam-actuator fault.
Labor: 1 hour2003-2010 Toyota 4Runner/Tacoma/FJ 4.0L 1GR-FE easy DIY
Inspect and clean the Bank 2 (passenger) VVT-i oil control valve. Toyota VVT filter is a small plastic piece inside the oil passage -- remove, clean with brake parts cleaner, reinstall with new crush washer. If OCV is mechanically damaged, replace. Use only Toyota 0W-20 on 1GR-FE.
Labor: 30 minFrequently Asked Questions
What does P0027 mean?
P0027 means the exhaust valve control solenoid on Bank 1 is not performing within its expected range, which can affect engine timing and emissions.
Is P0027 serious?
It is moderately serious. Continued driving may cause increased emissions and reduced performance. Prompt diagnosis is recommended.
What is the most common fix for P0027?
The most common fix is replacing the exhaust valve control solenoid or performing an oil change if the oil is dirty and clogging the solenoid.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Scan for codes and review freeze frame data for P0027
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Check engine oil level, condition, and viscosity
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Inspect exhaust valve control solenoid wiring and connector on Bank 1
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Test solenoid operation using a scan tool bidirectional control
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2007-2016 BMW 328i
- 2010-2018 BMW X5
- 2009-2017 BMW 535i
- 2011-2019 Mini Cooper S
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