Failed variable valve timing solenoid B, either open circuit, shorted winding, or mechanically stuck; Damaged or corroded wiring and connector pins at the solenoid or along the harness; Oil sludge or debris blocking the solenoid screen or the oil passage to the phaser; Low engine oil level or degraded oil that cannot build the required pressure; Faulty engine control module driver for the solenoid circuit, though this is less common; A short to ground or short to power in the solenoid control wire

DTC codes / Jaguar codes / P1396

P1396 · JaguarVariable Valve Timing Solenoid B Circuit

Q: What does code P1396 mean?

Variable Valve Timing Solenoid B Circuit. P1396 on a Jaguar means the engine control module has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for variable valve timing solenoid B, which is the solenoid that controls oil flow to one of the camshaft phasers. The computer monitors the solenoid's command signal and the resulting circuit behavior, and it sets this code when the expected current or voltage feedback does not match what it commanded.

P1396 on a Jaguar means the engine control module has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for variable valve timing solenoid B, which is the solenoid that controls oil flow to one of the camshaft phasers. The computer monitors the solenoid's command signal and the resulting circuit behavior, and it sets this code when the expected current or voltage feedback does not match what it commanded.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeJaguar specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other symptoms besides the warning light
Rough idle or unstable engine speed at a stop
Reduced engine performance and sluggish acceleration, especially at low rpm
Poor fuel economy or increased exhaust emissions
Occasional stalling or hesitation when coming to a stop
A slight rattle or tapping noise from the front of the engine if the phaser is not being controlled properly

Common causes, most likely first

Failed variable valve timing solenoid B, either open circuit, shorted winding, or mechanically stuck
Damaged or corroded wiring and connector pins at the solenoid or along the harness
Oil sludge or debris blocking the solenoid screen or the oil passage to the phaser
Low engine oil level or degraded oil that cannot build the required pressure
Faulty engine control module driver for the solenoid circuit, though this is less common
A short to ground or short to power in the solenoid control wire

How to diagnose and fix it

Check engine oil level and condition, and top up or change oil if it is low or dirty
Inspect the solenoid B electrical connector for corrosion, loose pins, or damaged wiring
Measure the resistance of the solenoid B coil and compare it to the manufacturer's specification
Test the control circuit for power and ground with a multimeter or test light while commanding the solenoid with a scan tool
Remove the solenoid and check for sludge or debris on the screen, cleaning or replacing it as needed
If the circuit and solenoid test good, check oil pressure to the phaser and inspect the phaser for mechanical wear
Clear the code and verify the repair with a road test, confirming the solenoid command and feedback match

What a VVT solenoid code really tells you

A P1396 is often set by dirty oil or a clogged solenoid screen rather than a failed solenoid, so an oil and filter change with a solenoid clean can cure it without parts replacement.
The code can be intermittent and may only appear after the engine is fully warm, so a cold-engine test may miss a failing solenoid.
Jaguar VVT solenoids are sensitive to voltage drops, so a weak battery or charging system can trigger this code even when the solenoid itself is healthy.
Do not replace the solenoid B without first checking the oil pressure and the condition of the oil passages, because a blocked passage will destroy a new solenoid quickly.
This code can be stored alongside camshaft position codes, and a misdiagnosed cam sensor replacement will not fix the underlying VVT circuit fault.

Can I keep driving with P1396?

You can usually drive the car with this code, but avoid hard acceleration and prolonged high-speed driving until it is repaired. If the engine runs rough, stalls, or the check engine light flashes, stop driving and have it diagnosed promptly.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Jaguar vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.