A failed exhaust valve control solenoid with an open internal coil; Damaged or disconnected wiring between the solenoid and the powertrain control module; Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the solenoid or module; A short to voltage on the solenoid control circuit; A faulty powertrain control module driver for the solenoid circuit; Engine oil contamination or sludge blocking the solenoid and causing it to overheat and fail

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P0086

P0086Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)

Q: What does code P0086 mean?

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2). P0086 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit for bank 2, which is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The computer expects the solenoid to draw current within a specific range, and a high-voltage reading tells it that the circuit is open, shorted to power, or that the solenoid coil has failed.

P0086 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit for bank 2, which is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The computer expects the solenoid to draw current within a specific range, and a high-voltage reading tells it that the circuit is open, shorted to power, or that the solenoid coil has failed.

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 a noticeable lack of power under acceleration
Rough idle or engine misfire, particularly when the exhaust valve timing is affected
Poor fuel economy due to incorrect exhaust valve operation
An audible change in exhaust note or increased engine noise
In some cases, the engine may enter limp mode to protect the valvetrain

Common causes, most likely first

A failed exhaust valve control solenoid with an open internal coil
Damaged or disconnected wiring between the solenoid and the powertrain control module
Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the solenoid or module
A short to voltage on the solenoid control circuit
A faulty powertrain control module driver for the solenoid circuit
Engine oil contamination or sludge blocking the solenoid and causing it to overheat and fail

How to diagnose and fix it

Use a scan tool to verify P0086 is active and check for any related codes that might indicate a shared circuit fault
Visually inspect the solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins
Measure the resistance of the exhaust valve control solenoid with a multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's specification
Check for battery voltage on the solenoid supply circuit with the key on and engine off
Perform a voltage drop test on the ground circuit and the control wire to isolate an open or high-resistance connection
If the circuit tests good, command the solenoid on with a scan tool and listen for an audible click to confirm function
Replace the exhaust valve control solenoid if it fails electrical or functional testing, then clear the code and verify the repair

What a high-voltage solenoid code really means

A high-voltage code on a solenoid circuit almost always indicates an open circuit rather than a short, so the fault often lies in a broken wire or a failed coil rather than a pinched harness.
Technicians frequently replace the solenoid only to find the real problem is a corroded connector pin that creates resistance and drives the voltage high under load.
Engine oil sludge can prevent the solenoid from moving freely, causing it to overheat and fail electrically, so always check oil condition and maintenance history on high-mileage engines.
The powertrain control module may set this code intermittently if the solenoid winding is breaking down only when hot, so a cold resistance check can pass while the fault is still present.
A failing exhaust valve control solenoid can mimic a variable valve timing fault, so do not assume a cam phaser or timing chain issue until the solenoid circuit is ruled out.

Can I keep driving with P0086?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration and sustained high speeds because incorrect exhaust valve operation can affect engine breathing and emissions. If the engine runs roughly or enters limp mode, stop driving and have the vehicle towed to prevent further damage.

Tools that help

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