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P1396

Variable Valve Timing Solenoid B Circuit.

  • Jaguar
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
3
AreaIgnition system or misfire
96
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On Jaguar, P1396 means the engine control module has found a fault in the circuit for variable valve timing solenoid B. It sets when the commanded solenoid state does not match the electrical feedback, for example an open circuit, a short to earth or to voltage, or a solenoid with abnormal resistance. Which bank or camshaft 'B' refers to depends on the engine, so confirm this against the model-specific data.

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Loss of power or flat response under acceleration
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Occasional hesitation or stalling at low speed
  • Engine may enter a reduced performance mode

Possible causes

  • Faulty variable valve timing solenoid B (internal open or short circuit)likely
  • Damaged, chafed or oil-soaked wiring to the solenoidlikely
  • Corroded, loose or oil-contaminated connector at the solenoidlikely
  • Low, dirty or incorrect engine oil causing poor valve timing control and solenoid problemspossible
  • Poor power supply or earth to the solenoid circuitpossible
  • Fault in the engine control module driver circuitrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting engine temperature, load and speed when the fault set, and check for any camshaft position or timing related codes
  2. Check engine oil level, condition and grade against the specification for the engine
  3. Inspect the solenoid wiring and connector for oil ingress, chafing, melted insulation, corrosion and bent or pushed-back pins
  4. Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare it with the figure for that engine in the workshop data
  5. Check the supply voltage and earth at the solenoid connector with the ignition on, and check for shorts to earth or voltage on the control wire
  6. Wiggle test the harness while monitoring the solenoid command and feedback on live data
  7. Command the solenoid with a bidirectional test if available and check it operates and that valve timing responds
  8. If wiring and solenoid are sound, check the control module connector and driver circuit as per the model-specific wiring diagram

How to fix

  • Replace the faulty variable valve timing solenoid B
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and terminals, and secure the harness away from heat and rubbing
  • Clean or replace a corroded or oil-contaminated connector, and cure the source of the oil leak
  • Change the engine oil and filter to the correct grade, and correct the oil level
  • Repair the power supply or earth fault found in the circuit
  • Repair or replace the engine control module only after all other causes are ruled out

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven short distances, but have it checked soon as poor valve timing can cause rough running, reduced power and higher fuel use. Avoid heavy loads and long journeys, and stop if the engine runs very roughly or the oil pressure warning appears.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

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