Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 1)
The engine control module detected an abnormally high voltage signal on the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit (Bank 1). This indicates a wiring or solenoid fault that prevents proper variable valve timing operation and triggers the check engine light.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light illuminated
- Poor acceleration and reduced power
- Decreased fuel economy
- Rough idle or unstable engine operation
- Potential rough running on startup
Most Common Causes
- 1
Wiring harness issues
Disconnected, loose, corroded, or damaged wires between the solenoid and PCM causing intermittent or open circuit conditions. Check all connectors for poor connections.
- 2
Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid
The solenoid itself has failed internally with an open circuit or is shorted to power, preventing the ECM from controlling it properly.
- 3
Short to power in wiring
The solenoid control circuit has shorted to the positive 12V supply, causing the voltage reading to remain high regardless of solenoid command signals.
- 4
Faulty engine control module (ECM)
The PCM/ECM solenoid driver circuit has failed or become defective, unable to properly control the solenoid output voltage.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Wiring harness issues — Disconnected, loose, corroded, or damaged wires between the solenoid and PCM causing intermittent or open circuit conditions. Check all connectors for poor connections.
- 2
Check Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid — The solenoid itself has failed internally with an open circuit or is shorted to power, preventing the ECM from controlling it properly.
- 3
Check Short to power in wiring — The solenoid control circuit has shorted to the positive 12V supply, causing the voltage reading to remain high regardless of solenoid command signals.
- 4
Check Faulty engine control module (ECM) — The PCM/ECM solenoid driver circuit has failed or become defective, unable to properly control the solenoid output voltage.
How to Fix It
- 1
Inspect and repair wiring harness
Locate the solenoid and PCM connectors using a wiring diagram. Check for unplugged harness connections, corrosion, loose pins, or damaged wires. Repair or replace damaged harness sections as needed.
- 2
Test and replace exhaust valve solenoid
Unplug the solenoid connector and test for proper resistance and continuity per specifications. If testing shows open circuit or resistance out of range, replace the solenoid.
- 3
Verify wiring at PCM connector
Unplug the PCM harness and inspect the solenoid control wire terminals for corrosion, damage, or short to power. Test continuity and voltage to ground with the key on.
- 4
Replace PCM if necessary
If wiring and solenoid test good but the fault persists, the ECM solenoid driver circuit has likely failed. Replace or reprogram the PCM as a last resort.
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