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DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P0080

P0080Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 1)

P0080 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormally high voltage on the control circuit for the exhaust valve control solenoid on bank 1. The PCM commands the solenoid to change exhaust flow, but the circuit voltage stays above the expected range, suggesting a short to power, an open circuit, or a faulty solenoid.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Reduced engine performance or power, especially at higher RPMs
  • Poor fuel economy due to improper exhaust flow
  • Rough idle or hesitation during acceleration
  • In some cases, a noticeable change in exhaust sound or increased backpressure

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (internal short or open coil)
  2. Short to power in the control circuit wiring (e.g., chafed wire touching a power source)
  3. Open circuit in the ground or control wire, causing the PCM to see high voltage
  4. Corroded or damaged electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM
  5. PCM internal fault (rare, but possible)
  6. Exhaust valve mechanically stuck, causing the solenoid to overheat and fail

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Use a scan tool to verify the code and check for any related pending or stored codes; clear the code and test-drive to see if it returns.
  2. Visually inspect the solenoid and its connector for corrosion, damage, or loose pins; repair or replace as needed.
  3. Disconnect the solenoid and measure resistance across its terminals; compare to the manufacturer's specification to check for an open or shorted coil.
  4. With the solenoid disconnected and the key on, measure voltage on the control circuit from the PCM; it should be near zero volts when not commanded, and battery voltage when commanded. If voltage is high when not commanded, check for a short to power.
  5. Check the ground circuit for continuity to ground; repair any open or high-resistance ground.
  6. If the wiring and solenoid test good, suspect a faulty PCM; perform a thorough circuit test before replacing the PCM.
  7. Replace the exhaust valve control solenoid if it fails electrical tests, clear the code, and verify the repair with a test drive.

Don't overlook the exhaust valve itself

  • A mechanically stuck exhaust valve can cause the solenoid to draw excessive current and eventually fail, so always check for free movement of the valve before replacing the solenoid.
  • The code can set intermittently due to a wiring harness that rubs against a metal surface only during certain engine movements, so a wiggle test of the harness while monitoring live data is often necessary.
  • A short to power in the control circuit may not blow a fuse because the PCM limits current, so the fault can be missed if you only check fuses.
  • On some vehicles, the exhaust valve control solenoid is part of the variable valve timing system, and a fault here can affect camshaft timing and set related codes.
  • Replacing the solenoid without addressing a shorted wire will cause the new solenoid to fail quickly, so always repair the root cause of the high voltage.

Can I keep driving with P0080?

You can usually drive the vehicle with this code, but avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy loads because the exhaust valve may not function correctly, which can reduce performance and fuel economy. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent potential damage to the solenoid or catalytic converter.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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