P0029 medium Severity

P0029: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2

May cause reduced engine performance, rough idle, decreased fuel economy, and increased emissions

Overview

P0029 is a generic OBD-II code indicating that the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit on engine bank 2 is operating outside of the expected range or performance parameters, often linked to VVT system issues

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illumination
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Reduced engine power or hesitation
  • Increased fuel consumption

Most Common Causes

Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (VVT solenoid) on bank 2 high

Solenoid failure or internal binding can cause circuit performance errors

Low or contaminated engine oil affecting variable valve timing high

Dirty oil or incorrect viscosity can impede hydraulic control of VVT system

Wiring issues in the solenoid control circuit (open, short, corrosion) medium

Circuit interruptions can mimic solenoid faults

Faulty camshaft actuator or mechanical timing issue medium

Mechanical failure in the actuator system can reflect as solenoid circuit out-of-range

ECM/PCM malfunction or software calibration issue low

Rare but possible misinterpretation of solenoid performance due to control module issues

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Verify DTC P0029 using a professional OBD-II scanner and note any related codes
    Expected: P0029 stored in ECM with or without related VVT codes
    Interpretation: Confirms initial detection and checks for additional context
  2. Check engine oil level and condition; change oil if low or contaminated
    Expected: Oil within manufacturer spec and clean
    Interpretation: Ensures proper hydraulic control for VVT operation
  3. Visually inspect wiring and connectors to exhaust VVT solenoid on bank 2
    Expected: No open, shorted, or corroded connections
    Interpretation: Rules out electrical faults in control circuit
  4. Test solenoid electrical resistance and activation with multimeter/scan tool
    Expected: Solenoid resistance within OEM spec and proper actuation when commanded
    Interpretation: Validates solenoid functionality
  5. If solenoid tests good, assess camshaft actuator operation and timing components
    Expected: Actuator moves freely and timing components intact
    Interpretation: Checks mechanical integrity of VVT system
  6. Evaluate ECM/PCM for software updates or internal faults
    Expected: No firmware or control module errors
    Interpretation: Eliminates control unit issues

Repair Solutions

Change engine oil and filter to correct level and quality easy
Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Often resolves issues caused by oil contamination or low pressure

Replace faulty exhaust valve control solenoid on bank 2 medium
Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Typical repair when solenoid tests out of spec

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors in solenoid circuit medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $250

Depends on wiring harness accessibility and damage extent

Replace camshaft actuator or correct timing component issues hard
Estimated Cost: $400 - $1200

Requires deeper engine work; costs vary widely

ECM/PCM reprogram or replacement if module fault confirmed hard
Estimated Cost: $300 - $1500

Rare; ensure diagnostics confirm module issue

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Replacing the solenoid without checking engine oil condition or wiring integrity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you explain the meaning of P0029?

The P0029 code stands for Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2. This generally indicates an issue with the Engine Mechanical system.

How serious is the P0029 code?

This is a medium priority issue. May cause reduced engine performance, rough idle, decreased fuel economy, and increased emissions

Symptoms associated with DTC P0029

You may experience the following: Check Engine Light (MIL) illumination, Rough or unstable idle, Reduced engine power or hesitation.

Why is my car throwing a P0029 code?

It can be caused by several factors, most notably: Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (VVT solenoid) on bank 2, Low or contaminated engine oil affecting variable valve timing, Wiring issues in the solenoid control circuit (open, short, corrosion).

Is P0029 expensive to fix?

Expect to pay around $120 if the issue is a Change engine oil and filter to correct level and quality, but up to $1500 if the ECM/PCM reprogram or replacement if module fault confirmed needs replacement.

What cars are affected by the P0029 code?

P0029 is not specific to any one brand. It can appear on Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and other vehicles.

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or ask a question about this code.

Be the first to share your experience with P0029!