Guide To P0028 OBD Error Code Solutions

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A sudden failure in the exhaust valve control solenoid and the engine oil is not meeting the requirements of the manufacturer’s and Timing chain/belt may be loose or incorrectly adjusted may be an indication of problem with the intake valve control solenoid circuit, thus indicating OBD Code P0028.

This error code is defined as Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/ Performance (Bank 2). This error code would start indicating when it has been determined by the engine control module that the variable valve lift for the intake valves for bank 2 will not engage.

What causes this problem with the Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit?

• There might be some failure in the exhaust valve control solenoid
• The engine oil does not meet the requirements of the manufacturer’s
• Timing chain/belt may be loose or incorrectly adjusted
• The engine oil level would be low or the oil can be contaminated
• Faults in the intake valve control solenoid
• Intake valve control solenoid harness may be opened or shorted
• The electrical connectors can be corroded

1. Camshaft Timing Solenoid - The P0028 code can also arise due to some issues in the Camshaft Timing Solenoid. So, it is advised to replace them as soon as possible.
2. Engine Control Module - A lot of issues can arise do to defective Engine Control Module. Did you just see P0028 code flashing? Now you know the reason why it is appearing. Get it inspected and replaced on time.
3. Powertrain Control Module - It is an important auto part which needs full care. A faulty Powertrain Control Module can be a reason behind the flashing up of P0028 code.
4. Engine Oil - Are you facing OBD Error Code P0028? Don’t worry as you can fix this issue replacing the engine oil.
5. Timing Chain - Common cause behind this P0028 error code can be some fault in timing chain. So, it will be a good decision to replace them now.
6. Timing Belt - Sometimes P0028 error code can come because of damaged timing belt. So it would be a nice decision to replace it now.
7. Engine Connector - Do you remember when was the last time you got your car engine connector replaced? A damaged engine connector can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0028 code.
8. Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid - Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0028 code may start flashing.

Although the symptoms of code P0028 are much the same on all vehicles, the severity of one or more symptoms may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Below are some common symptoms of this code-

Common Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp may start illuminating
• The can be lack of power in the engine if the valve lift fails in a position that is not optimal for operation
• Faults in the intake valve control solenoid
• Increase in the amount of overall fuel consumption
• There can be engine misfiring at some engine speeds
• Hard starting when jammed/damaged actuators do not allow valve timing to return to base settings
• The overall engine power may start reducing significantly at some engine speeds
• Engine may experience roughness at idle, choppy acceleration as well as substandard fuel efficiency

Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0028

• Verifying the failure and replacing the variable valve lift solenoid after testing
• Testing the solenoid installed will verify if the valves work or will not shift, indicating a clogged passage in the solenoid
• Repairing or replacing the wiring and connections to the variable valve intake lift solenoid
• Repairing ECM connector or replacing the ECM

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• Control solenoid - A Digital volt/ohm meter (DVOM can be used to check the continuity of the control solenoid for the camshaft using the ohms function, by unplugging the solenoid wiring harness connector and then you can check the resistance of the solenoid with the (+) and (-) leads of the DVOM on each terminal. Make sure that the internal resistance is within manufacturers specifications. The control solenoid should be removed if the resistance is within the specifications to verify it is not contaminated, or if there is damage to the sealing O rings to cause a loss of oil pressure
• All the wiring and connections for damage should be inspected
• The car engine oil may not meet the requirements of the manufactures
• If the wiring/connectors are repaired, then the code should be cleared up, operate the vehicle, and you can always rescan to check if the code still exists. If the code is appearing, there can be some intermittent fault present, and you may have to allow it to worsen before right diagnosis can be made
• It can be quite challenging to diagnose the intermittent conditions and in some extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made to it
• The PCM may not detect the desired response to one or more electronic commands and a code has been set
• A test solenoid should be used to verify that the valves can change from a low to high lift
• ECM/PCM - The ECM/PCM commands the control solenoid by using a Pulse width modulated signal (PWM) so that it can regulate the amount of on/off time, resulting in a control of the pressure used to move the camshaft actuator. A multi meter or an oscilloscope tool is needed to view the PWM signal to ensure proper operation of the ECM/PCM. If you want to check the PWM signal, the positive (+) lead is tapped into the ground side of the control solenoid (if supplied by constant voltage, ground controlled) or the powered side of the control solenoid (if permanently grounded, positive control) and the negative (-) lead is attached to a good known ground. There can be a problem with the ECM/PCM if the PWM signal is not consistent with changes happening in engine RPM

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0028 Code

• Here are some ways with which you can prevent mistakes:
• The failure can only be isolated by following the pinpoint tests, step by step
• The parts as directed by the pinpoint or visual test should only replaced
• You can check the failure by clearing up the code and seeing if the problem is still existing
• A test solenoid is a special tool which can be used to attempt the diagnosis