OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0079 Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 1
Exhaust valve solenoid bank 1 control voltage below expected range. The exhaust control valve modulates exhaust backpressure or routing (EGR feed, sound, regen support); a malfunction shifts torque mapping and may trigger limp mode.
Is it safe to drive with P0079?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyWiring shorted to ground
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelyHarness chafing through insulation
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–3 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Exhaust Valve Solenoid, Solenoid Wiring
Related codes
- P0085Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2
- P0076Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 1
- P0077Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 1
- P0078Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 1
- P007ACharge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Bank 1
- P007BCharge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
- P007CCharge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.