Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1)
The engine control module detected a low voltage condition in the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit B. This solenoid controls variable valve timing operation, and the fault indicates an electrical problem preventing proper solenoid activation.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light illuminated
- Poor acceleration or hesitation
- Decreased fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Reduced engine performance
Most Common Causes
- 1
Wire harness shorted to ground
The wiring circuit to the solenoid is damaged or corroded, creating an unwanted ground connection that prevents proper voltage from reaching the solenoid coil.
- 2
Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid
The solenoid itself is shorted internally to ground or has failed, preventing it from receiving or responding to the control signal properly.
- 3
Faulty ECM or PCM
The engine control module has failed or developed internal circuit faults that prevent it from properly driving the solenoid circuit with adequate voltage.
- 4
Poor electrical connections or corroded connectors
Corroded, loose, or damaged connector pins at the solenoid or PCM reduce voltage delivery to the solenoid circuit.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Wire harness shorted to ground — The wiring circuit to the solenoid is damaged or corroded, creating an unwanted ground connection that prevents proper voltage from reaching the solenoid coil.
- 2
Check Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid — The solenoid itself is shorted internally to ground or has failed, preventing it from receiving or responding to the control signal properly.
- 3
Check Faulty ECM or PCM — The engine control module has failed or developed internal circuit faults that prevent it from properly driving the solenoid circuit with adequate voltage.
- 4
Check Poor electrical connections or corroded connectors — Corroded, loose, or damaged connector pins at the solenoid or PCM reduce voltage delivery to the solenoid circuit.
How to Fix It
- 1
Inspect and repair wiring harness
Unplug connectors from the PCM/ECM and inspect the solenoid circuit wiring for damage, corrosion, or shorts to ground. Repair or replace any damaged wire segments and ensure all connectors are clean and fully seated.
- 2
Replace exhaust valve control solenoid
Test the solenoid with a multimeter and replace if resistance measurements are out of specification or if internal shorts are detected. Verify correct part number for your specific engine and bank.
- 3
Check PCM/ECM ground connections
Verify all engine ground straps and PCM ground connections are clean, corrosion-free, and properly torqued. Poor grounding can cause low voltage issues in control circuits.
- 4
Replace PCM/ECM if other repairs unsuccessful
If wiring and solenoid test good but code persists, the PCM/ECM driver circuit may be faulty. Have the module tested or replaced by a qualified technician, and perform a reprogram if necessary.
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