P1387

Code

Other P — Powertrain

Variable Cam Timing Solenoid #2 Circuit Malfunction

Brand: Other

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 29 EN: 77 RU: 35

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or short in the VCT solenoid #2 wiring harness
Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the solenoid
Failed/stuck VCT (camshaft) solenoid/actuator
Clogged oil passages or contaminated engine oil preventing solenoid operation
Low engine oil level or very dirty oil
Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying the VCT circuit

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
Rough idle, hesitation or misfire-like behavior
Reduced engine power or limp-home mode on some vehicles
Poor fuel economy and higher emissions
Noise from timing area (in some mechanical failures)
Hard starting or extended cranking (if timing is significantly off)

What to check

Read freeze frame and stored data with a scan tool; confirm P1387 and note conditions (engine RPM, coolant/temp, oil temp)
Scan for other related camshaft or oil control valve (OCV) codes (P0010-P0023 etc.)
Visually inspect wiring and connector for solenoid #2; look for pin corrosion, broken wires, chafing and poor ground
Check engine oil level and condition; inspect for sludge or metal debris
Backprobe the solenoid connector with key ON / engine OFF to verify reference voltage and ground presence
Measure VCT solenoid coil resistance with a multimeter (engine off)

Signal parameters

Typical coil resistance: ~5–30 ohms (vehicle-dependent) — consult OEM spec for exact value
Supply voltage (key ON): near battery voltage (11–14 V) on the power feed to the solenoid
Control signal: ECU usually drives solenoid with a PWM ground or supply — duty cycle varies 0–100% depending on commanded timing
PWM frequency: low to mid-Hz to mid-hundreds Hz (varies by manufacturer)
Typical operating current: a fraction to a few amps when energized (vehicle-dependent)

Diagnostic algorithm

Verify code and obtain freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Note engine temp, RPM and oil temperature when the code set.
Visually inspect harness and connector for damage, corrosion, or loose pins at the solenoid and at the PCM. Repair any obvious damage.
Check engine oil level and condition; correct low oil and change dirty oil before further testing.
With ignition ON (engine OFF) backprobe the connector: confirm battery voltage on the power feed pin and a switching control on the control pin when the PCM commands the solenoid (use scan tool to actuate OCV if available).
Measure solenoid coil resistance with an ohmmeter (engine off). Compare to OEM spec. An open or shorted coil indicates solenoid replacement.
If coil resistance is within spec but no operation, check for continuity and shorts between solenoid and PCM pins; repair wiring as needed.
Use a lab scope or multimeter to observe PWM duty cycle while commanding the solenoid. Verify the PCM is providing a proper switching waveform and not stuck open/short.
Bench-test the removed solenoid by applying the correct voltage (and ground) to confirm it moves or changes flow. Do not exceed manufacturer voltage/current or run it for long durations.
If wiring and solenoid test good, inspect cam phaser for mechanical seizure and oil passages for blockage. Repair or replace phaser if mechanically failed.
Check related fuses/relays and replace if faulty. If PCM driver output is faulty after wiring and solenoid are confirmed good, consider PCM diagnosis/repair or reflash.
Clear codes, test drive and confirm the code does not return. If intermittent, monitor with live data to catch transient issues.

Likely causes

Wiring harness damage or connector corrosion at solenoid #2
Failed or electrically shorted VCT solenoid #2
Restricted oil feed or dirty oil preventing solenoid movement
Blown fuse or poor power/ground to the circuit

Fault status

⚠️ Status

P1387 — Variable Cam Timing Solenoid #2 Circuit Malfunction: PCM detected an electrical or control fault in the camshaft timing solenoid/OCV circuit for solenoid #2. Check wiring, connector, power/ground, oil condition, and solenoid operation.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-3.0 hours