Guide To P0086 OBD Error Code Solutions

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Is your Check Engine Light illuminated on the car’s dashboard? Are you experiencing sudden drop in the fuel economy with stalling of the engine? Or is there any smoke coming from the exhaust pipe? Then, there might be a possibility of an issue with the Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit of the car, thus indicating OBD Code P0086 error.

OBD Code P0086 error is set when high voltage is found in the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit bank 2. The fault is triggered when the ECU tries to control the solenoid and finds the voltage to be out of range with high voltage present, this triggers a Check Engine Light to be set on the dashboard. Once this light is set the vehicle is put into a failsafe mode to prevent damage and disabling variable valve timing.

What causes the problem of Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)?

• Control Solenoid Open/Broken Circuit
• Bank 2 Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid fault/failure
• Corroded, broken or loose electrical wiring or connectors in the VVT electrical circuit
• Open/Shorted Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Harness
• Failed Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
• Low Engine Oil level

1. Engine Control Module - Faulty ECM will affect the engine output and performance. Replace faulty ECM components immediately.
2. Variable Valve Timing - Faulty/damaged VVT will reduce the performance, and fuel economy. Thus, it is important to replace faulty VVT immediately.
3. Intake Manifold Solenoid - If the solenoid is faulty, it can affect the air intake system and also the engine combustion process. So, it is important to replace it now!
4. Diagnostic Tools - Factory grade diagnostic and scan tools are necessary to treat the OBD Code P0086 error correctly.

• Poor acceleration and reduced fuel economy
• Check Engine Light On
• Defaulted Variable Valve Timing which may decrease fuel economy
• Poor engine performance
• Engine stalling and not starting
• Engine running on “limp home” mode

• Disconnect the battery and gain access to the module.
• Disconnect the engine control module connections and remove the module. Install and secure the new module and connect the electrical connections.
• Reconnect the battery and connect a charger to maintain battery charge if needed. Reinstall any removed access or trim panels.
• Program the engine control module to work with the vehicle for operation with an approved scan tool or methods.
• Disconnect the charger and the vehicle is road tested for proper operation. 

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• Visually inspect all wiring and connectors for any faults and damages.
• Inspect for shorted or burned wiring and replace circuitry related to the solenoid and connectors, as required.
• If the system wiring, connectors and components appear to be in normal working order, use a scan tool to check for any codes present and connect it to diagnostic connector and record all stored trouble codes.
• All of the freeze frame data associated with each code will be checked to notify about the conditions in which the code was triggered under.
• The codes have to be cleared and the vehicle has to be taken on a test drive under similar conditions as the freeze frame data.
• If the code is seen again on the test drive, a visual inspection will be performed to look for any damage, loose connections, or shorted wiring. It is the intermittent conditions which can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose.
• The scan tool will then be used to monitor live solenoid operation and if the solenoid passes all tests, then the ECU needs to be tested by manufacturer specific testing procedures. And check all timing components for being properly aligned and that engine oil level and engine oil pressure are within acceptable specifications.
• Next, test the system components and voltage/resistance using manufacturer’s reference voltage and resistance figures to diagnose the OBD Code P0086 properly. If everything checks out to be fine, then test for the fault in the PCM. Repair/reprogram and replace as per the requirement of the situation.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0086 Code

Any quality mechanic will own a scan tool capable of reading live sensor data. It is important to check for wiring and connection problems, PCM problems and solenoid circuit problems to resolve the OBD error. Every step is important and can’t be missed. Thus, proper checks are mandatory to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.

• Most commonly mistakes are made when steps are not followed or are skipped entirely.
• Test the solenoid operation before directly replacing it, even though it is normally the cause of P0086.