Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)
P0086 indicates the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit on Bank 2 is detecting a voltage level that is too high. This occurs when the PCM cannot properly control the solenoid due to wiring issues, a shorted circuit, or a faulty solenoid that prevents normal current flow.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light illuminated
- Poor acceleration and reduced engine performance
- Decreased fuel economy
- Rough idle or hesitation during acceleration
- Possible variable valve timing malfunction on Bank 2
Most Common Causes
- 1
Wiring harness issues
Poor connections, corrosion, loose connectors, or disconnected wires in the solenoid circuit harness prevent proper voltage control and cause high voltage readings at the PCM.
- 2
Control solenoid open circuit
An internal open circuit in the exhaust valve control solenoid itself prevents current flow and results in the circuit reading high voltage to the ECM.
- 3
Short to power in wiring
A short to positive voltage in the solenoid control circuit wire causes abnormally high voltage that the PCM detects as a fault condition.
- 4
Faulty PCM or ECM
A defective engine control module may incorrectly interpret normal solenoid voltage as high or fail to properly control the solenoid circuit.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Wiring harness issues — Poor connections, corrosion, loose connectors, or disconnected wires in the solenoid circuit harness prevent proper voltage control and cause high voltage readings at the PCM.
- 2
Check Control solenoid open circuit — An internal open circuit in the exhaust valve control solenoid itself prevents current flow and results in the circuit reading high voltage to the ECM.
- 3
Check Short to power in wiring — A short to positive voltage in the solenoid control circuit wire causes abnormally high voltage that the PCM detects as a fault condition.
- 4
Check Faulty PCM or ECM — A defective engine control module may incorrectly interpret normal solenoid voltage as high or fail to properly control the solenoid circuit.
How to Fix It
- 1
Inspect and repair wiring harness
Locate the solenoid connector and PCM connector using a wiring diagram. Check for unplugged connectors, corrosion, loose pins, and damaged insulation. Clean corrosion with electrical contact cleaner, reseat loose connections, and repair or replace damaged wiring.
- 2
Test solenoid resistance
Disconnect the solenoid connector and measure the resistance across the solenoid terminals with an ohmmeter. Compare to manufacturer specifications; if resistance is infinite or extremely high, the solenoid has an open circuit and requires replacement.
- 3
Check for voltage shorts
Using a multimeter, test for continuity between the solenoid control wire and ground or power sources where it should not exist. Locate and repair any unintended shorts in the wiring, particularly where the harness passes through tight areas or near sharp edges.
- 4
Replace PCM if all else fails
If wiring and solenoid test normal but the code persists, the PCM may be faulty and unable to properly regulate solenoid voltage. Verify with a dealer or specialized technician before replacement due to reprogramming requirements.
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