P0086
Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 0
- AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
- 86
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0086 is the generic code for a high signal in the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit on bank 2. This solenoid is usually the oil control valve for variable exhaust valve timing or lift, though the exact design depends on the engine. The engine control unit sets the code when it sees a higher voltage or current state on the solenoid circuit than expected for the commanded state, such as a short to voltage or a fault in the driver.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Loss of power or flat acceleration
- Poor fuel economy
- Rattling or ticking from the valve timing system on start-up
- Engine may run in a reduced-performance mode
Possible causes
- Wiring fault on the bank 2 exhaust solenoid circuit, such as a short to voltage or chafed insulationlikely
- Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (internal short or failed coil)likely
- Corroded, loose or contaminated solenoid connector or terminalslikely
- Oil leaking into the solenoid connector or harness, damaging the wiringpossible
- Low or degraded engine oil, or blocked oil passages affecting solenoid operation and feedbackpossible
- Faulty engine control unit driver circuitrare
- Outdated control unit software where the manufacturer has issued a known fix for this faultrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including engine temperature, load and speed when the fault set.
- Check the engine oil level and condition, and look for a recent service or oil type that does not match the specification.
- Inspect the bank 2 exhaust solenoid, its connector and the harness for oil contamination, damage, chafing, melted insulation or corrosion.
- Disconnect the connector and check the terminals for tightness, corrosion and bent pins.
- Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification for that engine.
- Check the supply and control wires for short to voltage, short to earth and open circuit with the ignition off, then check for voltage on the circuit with the connector unplugged.
- Use a scan tool to command the solenoid on and off where supported, and watch the response and any change in cam timing data.
- Check for applicable control unit software updates or technical bulletins for the model and engine before considering the control unit itself.
How to fix
- Repair or replace damaged wiring and fix any short to voltage on the solenoid circuit.
- Clean or replace corroded or damaged connector terminals and the connector housing.
- Replace the bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid if its resistance or operation is out of specification.
- Fix any oil leak into the harness and replace the contaminated wiring or connector.
- Correct the engine oil level or change the oil and filter to the specified grade if oil condition is a factor.
- Update the control unit software only if a known fault applies, or replace the control unit if the driver is proven faulty.
Can I keep driving?
The car can usually be driven for a short time, but have it checked soon, as poor valve timing can reduce power and economy and may cause other faults. Avoid heavy loads and long journeys, and stop if the engine runs very roughly or makes unusual noises.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.