07 S60 2.5t code P0027 [ Bad quality aftermarket vvvt solenoid]

Idamon · Post by **Idamon** » 15 Jan 2019, 19:10

Hi all: been dealing with code P0027 lately. Searching this forum I followed the suggestion to replace the exhaust VVT solenoid. I have replaced it and the gasket, cleared the code but it keeps returning. Oil always changed regularly, timing belt replaced by me 10,000 m ago. I checked the timing yesterday, all marks are aligned as they are supposed to be. Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 16 Jan 2019, 06:15

It means the VVT is too slow or the signal is faulty.

Possible sources:
1. Low oil pressure
2. Poor oil quality
3. Dirty electrical connector or fault in wiring.
4. Dirty reset valve (VVT solenoid)
5. Plugged oil channels.
6. Damaged reset valve (VVT solenoid)
7. Mechanical fault in the variable valve timing (VVT) unit.

Post by **chrism** » 16 Jan 2019, 11:43

I read where loose cam sprocket bolts can cause that fault code. Don't know if that's true or not.

But here's a question: While the solenoid is removed from the engine is it OK to crank the starter over several revolutions to push the old thick oil out of the passage way? I've always questioned how much fresh oil is really circulated in and out of the solenoids or does it just keep pushing the same old dirty oil in and out?

Post by **mrbrian200** » 16 Jan 2019, 12:27

Cranking or running the engine with the solenoid removed sounds messy. If you're worried about this I would recommend sucking the passage out with a shop vac.

Someone else can key in with regard to whether a return passage exists. There would need to be some provision to purge the air out of a newly installed right out of the blue box VVT hub.

EngineeringBloke · Post by **EngineeringBloke** » 16 Jan 2019, 14:34

When I had a P0027, I took off my exhaust solenoid unit and cleaned it. Replaced the paper gasket with a new one, reinstalled the solenoid and the code did not return. While I had it off the engine, I could see the solenoid does not directly move the VVT, but instead it controls the flow of oil.

As the solenoid moves to a new position, it changes the flow of oil to work in a similar fashion to a clutch. Here is a diagram and a description, but I am still working to understand the description. Anyway, oil should be flowing continuously through the solenoid - it is not reused. I imagine it flows under significant pressure. If you try running the engine without the solenoid in place, please take a video

.

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/88 ... f-the-s80/

Given this, why is the P0027 reported, and why is it sometimes cured with a clean of the solenoid? Perhaps the solenoid is sticky and the cleaning frees it up? I did not find any blockage within the solenoid oil paths, perhaps it is an electrical connection issue and unplugging and reconnecting fixes that?

Idamon, you replaced the solenoid with a new one? Was it a Volvo part? And you still see the issue? That suggests a cause outside of the solenoid unit.

Idamon · Post by **Idamon** » 16 Jan 2019, 18:18

Thanks for the replies. The code had been popping up occasionally over the last 8 months or so. Took the solenoid off a couple of times, tested and cleaned it. But over the last month each time I reset the code it came back within 10 km or so. I recently changed the oil filter and used Quaker State Ultimate Durability full synthetic oil. I removed the thing again and tested it on the bench and it no longer worked. The new solenoid is not stamped “Volvo”, but “Professional Parts Sweden”. I did test it before installation and it worked properly. The electrical connections are clean but I haven't traced the wires back to the ECU yet. Is there a way to check the control signal without an oscilloscope? And thanks for that link, Engineering Bloke. I now have a better (or somewhat less vague) understanding of how the VVT works!

Post by **abscate** » 16 Jan 2019, 19:41

That's an aftermarket replacement part and quality of most of those are suspect.

Post by **chrism** » 17 Jan 2019, 07:53

abscate wrote: ↑16 Jan 2019, 19:41 That's an aftermarket replacement part and quality of most of those are suspect.

Or hit the Pick-n-Pull and grab two or three OE Volvo solenoids for a fraction of the price. Chance are at least one will work.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 17 Jan 2019, 17:17

chrism wrote: ↑17 Jan 2019, 07:53 Or hit the Pick-n-Pull and grab two or three OE Volvo solenoids for a fraction of the price. Chance are at least one will work.

Grab three more for a total of six in hope the two that work will sum and last as long as an OEM. Devalue your time and labor so you can say you came out ahead.

Idamon · Post by **Idamon** » 29 Mar 2019, 17:49

Been away for a couple of months and just attempted to solve this P0027 code problem. Installed a working used solenoid but the code persists. The shop where I buy parts has gone out of business but I talked to their mechanic who suggested loosening the timing belt and moving the exhaust cam one tooth either way to see if that solves the issue. Does anyone agree with that approach? Thanks!