P0086🔧 Variable valve timing (exhaust camshaft oil control solenoid)Stop and fix promptly

P0086: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0086 means

On engines with variable valve timing, the engine computer (ECM/PCM) moves the camshaft by sending engine oil through a control solenoid. OBD-Codes.com explains that the computer drives this solenoid with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal and watches that signal; if the voltage is above specification, it sets P0086 and turns on the check engine light. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not have cylinder number 1 (verify for your engine), so P0086 only applies to V-type and other engines with two cylinder banks. The exhaust valve control solenoid is usually on the exhaust manifold side of the cylinder head. It is a generic code that applies to all makes from 1996 on, though repair steps vary by model. OBD-Codes.com names it Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2); RepairPal uses the same name without the bank. RepairPal describes a solenoid that uses oil pressure to let the PCM adjust exhaust valve timing, with the code set when the PCM finds an issue with the solenoid's signal. The sources differ on causes: OBD-Codes.com lists only electrical faults (bad connections, an open solenoid, a short to power or a failed computer), while RepairPal adds engine oil problems and lists an oil and filter change as the common repair. RepairPal's severity (Urgent) and its 'engine may not start' symptom are stronger than anything OBD-Codes.com lists. OBD-Codes.com says this code is similar to P0084 and P0085 and may be accompanied by P0029; it is the bank 2 match for P0080.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it checked soon and avoid hard driving until then. RepairPal rates P0086 Urgent, meaning immediate action is needed, and lists decreased engine performance, higher fuel use and, in some cases, an engine that may not start. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating and lists milder symptoms: the check engine light, poor acceleration and lower fuel economy. Check your engine oil level right away, since RepairPal lists low or wrong-spec oil among the causes.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. Poor or disconnected wiring harness connections (OBD-Codes.com), or another wiring issue (RepairPal)
  2. Exhaust valve control solenoid open circuit or failed (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)
  3. Solenoid control wire shorted to power (OBD-Codes.com only)
  4. Engine oil level too low (RepairPal only)
  5. Engine oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's requirements (RepairPal only)
  6. Faulty engine computer (ECM/PCM) (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Check the engine oil level and make sure the oil matches your owner's manual spec; RepairPal lists low or wrong oil as common causes and an oil and filter change as the common repair.
  2. Find the bank 2 exhaust valve timing control solenoid, usually on the exhaust side of the head on the bank without cylinder 1, and look for unplugged connectors, corrosion or loose wires.
  3. OBD-Codes.com notes the solenoid can be switched on its power side or its ground side depending on the vehicle, so check a factory wiring diagram first. With the solenoid and computer unplugged, measure resistance end to end on each wire; an over-limit reading means an open wire, loose connection or bad terminal.
  4. Measure resistance across the solenoid's own terminals and compare with the factory spec or a known good part. OBD-Codes.com says an over-limit or very low reading means the solenoid is likely faulty.
  5. With the computer unplugged, put the meter's negative lead on ground and the positive lead on each solenoid wire; OBD-Codes.com says voltage present suggests a short to power, which you can trace by unplugging connectors back toward the solenoid.
  6. If wiring and solenoid test good, OBD-Codes.com suggests comparing the duty cycle commanded on an advanced scan tool with the actual signal at the solenoid using an oscilloscope or graphing multimeter at different engine speeds and loads. A signal that is constantly on may mean a computer fault.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The engine won't start or runs poorly along with the code
  • You don't have a wiring diagram, multimeter or a scan tool that shows solenoid duty cycle
  • The code returns after an oil change and a wiring repair or new solenoid
  • Other camshaft timing codes such as P0029, P0084 or P0085 are also set

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0086?

Only carefully and for a short time. RepairPal rates it Urgent and says the engine may lose performance or even fail to start, while OBD-Codes.com lists poor acceleration and lower fuel economy. Check the oil level first and get it diagnosed soon.

What does 'circuit high' mean in P0086?

OBD-Codes.com says the engine computer saw the solenoid control signal voltage above specification, and it lists bad connections, an open solenoid and a short to power as the usual electrical causes.

What's the difference between P0084, P0085 and P0086?

OBD-Codes.com groups them as similar bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit codes. P0084 is the general circuit code, P0085 is the low-voltage version and P0086 is the high-voltage version.

How much does it cost to fix P0086?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0086. It can be as simple as an oil change or a loose connector, or it may need a new solenoid, so diagnose it before buying parts.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0086 Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)
  2. RepairPal: P0086 Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.