Faulty bank 2 intake valve control solenoid (open or shorted coil, or mechanically stuck); Wiring harness damage (open, short to ground, or short to power) between the PCM and the solenoid; Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the solenoid or PCM; Low or contaminated engine oil, or oil sludge blocking the solenoid's oil passages; Restricted oil screen or filter in the solenoid oil supply; PCM internal fault (rare); Mechanical issue with the bank 2 intake camshaft phaser or timing chain

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P0028

P0028Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2)

P0028 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormal condition in the electrical circuit for the bank 2 intake valve control solenoid, which is part of the variable valve timing (VVT) system. The PCM monitors the solenoid's command signal and the resulting camshaft response, and it sets this code when the circuit's performance falls outside the expected range, such as when the solenoid does not move the camshaft to the commanded position within a specified time or when the electrical current draw is out of specification.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or engine misfire, especially when the engine is cold
Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration
Decreased fuel economy
Engine may stall or hesitate during acceleration
Unusual engine noises, such as ticking or rattling from the valve train

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty bank 2 intake valve control solenoid (open or shorted coil, or mechanically stuck)
Wiring harness damage (open, short to ground, or short to power) between the PCM and the solenoid
Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the solenoid or PCM
Low or contaminated engine oil, or oil sludge blocking the solenoid's oil passages
Restricted oil screen or filter in the solenoid oil supply
PCM internal fault (rare)
Mechanical issue with the bank 2 intake camshaft phaser or timing chain

How to diagnose and fix it

Check engine oil level and condition; top off or change oil if contaminated or low
Perform a visual inspection of the solenoid and its wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose connections
Use a scan tool to command the solenoid on and off and observe the camshaft position response to verify operation
Measure the resistance of the solenoid with a multimeter and compare to manufacturer specifications
Check for voltage and ground signals at the solenoid connector with a multimeter or oscilloscope
Remove and inspect the solenoid for debris or sludge; clean or replace if necessary
If electrical and oil checks pass, inspect the camshaft phaser and timing components for mechanical wear

Oil quality and wiring faults often misdiagnosed

A common oversight is ignoring the engine oil condition; degraded oil or sludge can clog the solenoid's fine oil passages and cause performance issues without any electrical fault.
The code can be set by a mechanically stuck solenoid that still passes a resistance test, so functional testing with a scan tool is more reliable than a simple ohm check.
Wiring harness damage near hot exhaust components or at flex points is a frequent cause that can be missed if only the solenoid is replaced.
On some vehicles, a failing camshaft phaser or a stretched timing chain can mimic a solenoid circuit fault, leading to unnecessary solenoid replacement.
Always check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle, as some models have known issues with solenoid connectors or PCM software.

Can I keep driving with P0028?

You can generally continue driving with this code, but avoid aggressive acceleration and high engine speeds until the fault is repaired. Prolonged driving with a faulty VVT system may lead to reduced fuel economy, increased emissions, or potential engine damage in severe cases.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.