P0027 code meaning
Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0027 means
A solenoid valve routes engine oil to a valve control element on the exhaust side of bank 1. Depending on the manufacturer this is a valve lift changeover or a camshaft phaser. P0027 is a plausibility fault: the electrical control is in order, but the expected effect does not occur or comes too late. The control module recognises this from feedback such as an oil pressure switch or the camshaft sensor. Pure circuit faults of the same solenoid have their own codes. The engine usually remains drivable, but with less power and higher consumption.
P0027 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0027
- Check engine light on
- Loss of power, no extra pull at higher engine speed
- Higher fuel consumption
- Rough idle possible if a phaser is affected
Common causes of P0027
- Most likelyOil level too low, wrong viscosity or sludged oil
- Most likelyFeedback oil pressure switch faulty or leaking (systems with switch)
- PossibleScreen in front of the solenoid clogged, or solenoid sticking
- PossibleMechanical fault in the valve train, e.g. locking pin or phaser sticking
- Less likelyContact resistance in wiring or connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Valve control solenoid exhaust bank1Engine oilOil pressure switchValve train
What each part of P0027 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 27 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0027 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0027
What does P0027 mean?
P0027 means "Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)". A solenoid valve routes engine oil to a valve control element on the exhaust side of bank 1. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0027?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0027 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0027 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0027 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0027 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.