Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2
Code P0029 means the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid is not performing within expected range. This is the Bank 2 exhaust cam performance counterpart to P0027. The Bank 2 exhaust cam VVT system is receiving correct commands but producing out-of-range results. Low oil, a clogged solenoid screen, or a worn phaser are the primary suspects.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Reduced power
- Poor fuel economy
Most Common Causes
- 1
Low or dirty engine oil
Insufficient clean oil causes the Bank 2 exhaust VVT system to operate outside performance range.
- 2
Stuck or sluggish Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid
Sludge causes slow solenoid movement, taking the Bank 2 exhaust cam outside its performance window.
- 3
Clogged Bank 2 exhaust solenoid screen
Partially blocked screen restricts oil flow to the phaser.
- 4
Worn Bank 2 exhaust cam phaser
A worn phaser cannot maintain commanded timing, triggering the performance fault.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Low or dirty engine oil — Insufficient clean oil causes the Bank 2 exhaust VVT system to operate outside performance range.
- 2
Check Stuck or sluggish Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid — Sludge causes slow solenoid movement, taking the Bank 2 exhaust cam outside its performance window.
- 3
Check Clogged Bank 2 exhaust solenoid screen — Partially blocked screen restricts oil flow to the phaser.
- 4
Check Worn Bank 2 exhaust cam phaser — A worn phaser cannot maintain commanded timing, triggering the performance fault.
How to Fix It
- 1
Change engine oil and filter
Always start with fresh oil for VVT performance codes.
- 2
Clean Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid screen
Remove solenoid, clean screen, reinstall.
- 3
Test solenoid operation
Replace if plunger is sluggish or stuck.
- 4
Inspect Bank 2 exhaust cam phaser
Replace if phaser is worn and cannot hold commanded positions.
- 5
Clear and verify
Confirm the code does not return after a drive cycle.
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