P0086 – Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2

P0086 is an OBD-II trouble code that points to a problem with the exhaust side of your engine’s variable valve timing system. It’s officially defined as “Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2).” In simple terms, your ECU is seeing higher-than-expected voltage or signal in the control circuit for the exhaust cam timing solenoid on the second bank of cylinders. This can affect performance, fuel economy, and emissions. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0086 means, common symptoms, causes, and how you or your mechanic can fix it.

What Does P0086 Mean?

P0086 is a generic powertrain code that indicates the ECU has detected an electrical issue in the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit on Bank 2. “Circuit High” means the ECU sees a voltage or signal level that is higher than the calibrated range, often due to wiring faults, poor connections, or an internally shorted solenoid.

Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1 on V6, V8, or boxer engines. On inline engines, some manufacturers still use the Bank 2 designation for a particular camshaft or sensor group. When this circuit doesn’t behave correctly, your variable valve timing (VVT) system can’t properly adjust exhaust cam timing, which can lead to drivability issues.

Quick Reference

• Code: P0086
• Definition: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)
• System: Variable Valve Timing (VVT) / Camshaft Control
• Severity: Moderate – can become serious if ignored
• Typical Fixes: Wiring repair, solenoid replacement, connector cleaning, oil service

Real-World Example / Field Notes

In the shop, I see P0086 most often on higher-mileage V6 and V8 engines where the owner has stretched oil changes. A common scenario: the vehicle comes in with a check engine light and mild hesitation on acceleration. Scan shows P0086, sometimes with a companion cam timing code. A quick inspection reveals brittle wiring to the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid and old, dark engine oil. After repairing the harness, cleaning or replacing the solenoid, and performing a proper oil service with the correct viscosity, the code stays gone and throttle response improves noticeably.

Symptoms of P0086

• Check engine light on: The MIL/SES light will almost always be illuminated when P0086 sets.
• Rough idle: You may notice the engine idling unevenly, especially when warm.
• Reduced power: Acceleration can feel flat or sluggish because exhaust cam timing isn’t being controlled correctly.
• Poor fuel economy: Incorrect valve timing can cause increased fuel consumption over time.
• Hesitation or stumble: You might feel a brief hesitation when you step on the gas, particularly at low to mid RPM.
• Engine noise changes: In some cases, you may hear slightly harsher or “off” engine sound due to timing not matching load.
• Failed emissions test: If your state checks readiness monitors, an active P0086 can cause a failed inspection.

Common Causes of P0086

Most Common Causes

• Damaged wiring to the exhaust VVT solenoid (Bank 2): Chafed, corroded, or broken wires can cause high circuit voltage readings.
• Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2): An internal short or failure can cause the ECU to see a high signal.
• Poor electrical connection: Loose, corroded, or oil-soaked connectors at the solenoid or harness can skew voltage.
• Incorrect or dirty engine oil: While more often linked to performance of the solenoid than pure electrical faults, sludge and varnish can cause abnormal current draw that triggers circuit codes.
• Previous wiring repairs done poorly: Twisted-and-taped splices or wrong gauge wire can cause resistance and voltage issues.

Less Common Causes

• ECU/PCM internal fault: Rare, but a failing driver circuit inside the ECU can misread the solenoid circuit as “high.”
• Short to voltage in the harness: The solenoid circuit rubbing against a 12V feed or another circuit can force voltage high.
• Aftermarket remote start or alarm wiring: Poorly installed accessories sometimes tap into engine harness wires and create electrical noise or shorts.
• Water intrusion: Moisture entering connectors or harness junctions can cause corrosion and abnormal readings.
• Incorrect solenoid part installed: Using the wrong part number or a low-quality aftermarket solenoid can cause out-of-spec current draw.

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

To properly diagnose P0086, you’ll want at least a basic scan tool that can read live data, a digital multimeter, and access to wiring diagrams for your specific vehicle. A lab scope and OEM-level scan tool with Mode $06 data are a bonus but not mandatory for most DIYers.

1. Confirm the code and check for companions. Use a scan tool to read all stored and pending codes. Look for related VVT or camshaft position codes (like P0014, P0024, etc.) that can help narrow down the issue.
2. Inspect freeze-frame data. Note engine speed, load, coolant temp, and vehicle speed when P0086 set. This helps you reproduce the conditions where the fault occurs.
3. Perform a visual inspection. Locate the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid. Inspect the harness for rubbing, oil saturation, broken insulation, or rodent damage. Check connectors for green corrosion, bent pins, or loose locking tabs.
4. Check engine oil condition and level. Verify the oil is clean, at the proper level, and the correct viscosity. If it’s thick, dirty, or low, plan an oil and filter change as part of the repair.
5. Test solenoid resistance. With the connector unplugged and key off, measure resistance across the solenoid terminals using a multimeter. Compare to the spec in your service manual. A shorted or open solenoid is a clear failure.
6. Check for short to voltage. With the connector unplugged and key on, back-probe the harness side. You should see reference voltage or duty-cycle control per the wiring diagram, not constant battery voltage on the control wire. If you do, suspect a short to power.
7. Wiggle test the harness. While monitoring live data or the voltage on your meter, gently move the harness and connector. If the reading jumps or the code resets quickly, you likely have an intermittent wiring issue.
8. Command the solenoid on/off (if possible). With an advanced scan tool, run an active test to command the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid. Watch for a change in engine idle or cam timing data. No response suggests a bad solenoid or wiring.
9. Check Mode $06 data. Some vehicles store detailed test results for VVT circuits in Mode $06. Reviewing this can show borderline failures before they become constant.
10. Evaluate ECU as last resort. Only after verifying power, ground, signal integrity, and a known-good solenoid should you suspect a faulty ECU.

Pro Tip: Always compare Bank 2 readings and behavior to Bank 1. If Bank 1 operates normally, it gives you a known-good pattern to follow for voltage, resistance, and live data values.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Most P0086 repairs focus on restoring proper electrical control to the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid. Depending on what you find during diagnosis, you might be looking at simple wiring repairs or a solenoid replacement.

• Repair or replace damaged wiring/connector: Fixing a chafed harness or corroded connector typically runs $100–$300 at a shop, depending on access and how much harness needs to be replaced.
• Replace exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2): Parts usually cost $60–$200, with labor adding $80–$250 depending on engine layout. Total is often in the $150–$450 range.
• Oil and filter change with correct viscosity: Around $50–$120, and often done alongside other repairs to protect the VVT system.
• ECU replacement or reprogramming: Rare, but if needed, expect $500–$1,200 or more including programming.

Overall, typical repair costs for P0086 fall between $150 and $600. Final price depends on vehicle make, labor rates in your area, how buried the solenoid is, and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts.

Can I Still Drive With P0086?

In many cases, you can still drive with P0086 for a short period, especially if the only noticeable symptom is a check engine light and mild performance loss. However, it’s not something you should ignore for long. Incorrect exhaust cam timing can increase engine stress, fuel consumption, and emissions. If you notice severe loss of power, rough running, or the engine feels like it may stall, avoid highway trips and heavy loads and get it inspected as soon as possible.

What Happens If You Ignore P0086?

Ignoring P0086 can lead to long-term issues like accelerated wear on timing components, catalytic converter damage from poor combustion, and carbon buildup in the engine. Over time, the VVT system can become sluggish or inoperative, leading to more expensive repairs. You also risk failing emissions testing and driving with reduced performance and fuel economy.

Last updated: February 13, 2026

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0086

P0086 shows up most often on vehicles with dual overhead cam (DOHC) engines and advanced VVT systems. In the real world, you’ll commonly see this code on:

• GM / Chevrolet / GMC: V6 and V8 engines with VVT, such as some Silverado, Sierra, Traverse, and Camaro models.
• Toyota / Lexus: V6 and V8 VVT-i engines found in SUVs, sedans, and trucks.
• Nissan / Infiniti: VQ-series V6 and some V8 engines with variable valve timing.
• Hyundai / Kia: GDI and MPI engines using electronically controlled VVT on intake and exhaust cams.
• European brands (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW): Various multi-bank engines with sophisticated cam phasing systems.

That said, any OBD-II vehicle with a Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid can potentially set P0086 if the circuit develops a fault.