OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0086 Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2
Exhaust valve solenoid bank 2 control voltage above expected range. Short to power or open ground. 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 P0086?
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 battery
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelySupply wire pinched against B+ source
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
- P0080Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 1
- P0083Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2
- P0084Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2
- P0085Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2
- P0087Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low
- P0088Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too High
- P0089Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Performance
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.