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P0085 Code Explained: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2 Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

P0085 code displayed on an OBD-II scanner with the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid, low circuit voltage, grounded wiring and exhaust camshaft actuator highlighted.

If your OBD-II scanner displays P0085, your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a lower-than-expected electrical signal in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

The generic OBD-II definition for P0085 is:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2

Depending on the manufacturer or scan tool, the description may appear as:

P0085 is the circuit-low member of the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid code group:

The code means the PCM has detected voltage, current, or output-driver feedback below the expected range in the Bank 2 exhaust-solenoid circuit. The exact electrical threshold and test strategy vary by manufacturer.

The exhaust valve control solenoid is part of the engine’s variable valve timing system, commonly abbreviated VVT. It controls pressurized engine oil flowing to the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator or cam phaser.

P0085 is primarily an electrical circuit code. Common causes include:

Possible symptoms include:

P0085 is generally considered a moderate-severity code. The vehicle may remain drivable, but the PCM may disable Bank 2 exhaust camshaft adjustment and hold the camshaft in a default position until the circuit fault is repaired.

For more diagnostic information, visit:

P0085 Quick Facts

ItemInformation
OBD-II CodeP0085
DescriptionExhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2
CategoryPowertrain
SystemVariable Valve Timing
Main ComponentExhaust Valve Control Solenoid
Affected SideBank 2
Fault TypeLow Circuit Voltage or Driver Feedback
Common Electrical CauseShort to Ground
SeverityModerate
Safe to Drive?Sometimes, for a short distance
Typical Repair Cost$100–700

What Does P0085 Mean?

P0085 means the PCM has detected an electrical value below its calibrated operating range in the circuit controlling the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid.

The affected circuit may include:

Depending on circuit design, a circuit-low condition may be caused by:

Generic diagnostic references describe P0085 as a low-voltage condition in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

P0085 should be diagnosed electrically before replacing:

Mechanical VVT problems can create similar symptoms, but P0085 specifically tells you that the PCM sees an electrical circuit problem.

What Is Bank 2?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number 1.

Bank 2 exists only on engines with more than one cylinder bank, such as:

Inline four-cylinder and inline six-cylinder engines normally have only one cylinder bank.

Bank 2 is not automatically:

Its location depends on the engine’s cylinder-numbering system.

Use:

to identify Bank 2 correctly.

Replacing the solenoid on the side that looks more convenient is not an approved method of identifying cylinder banks, although it remains surprisingly popular.

What Is an Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid?

The exhaust valve control solenoid is an electrically operated oil-control valve used by the engine’s variable valve timing system.

Depending on the manufacturer, it may also be called:

The solenoid regulates engine oil flowing to the exhaust camshaft actuator.

By changing oil flow, the PCM can advance or retard exhaust camshaft timing according to:

Variable exhaust camshaft timing can influence:

The exhaust valve control solenoid combines an electrical coil with a hydraulically operated oil-control valve. The PCM uses the electrical side to control oil pressure and camshaft movement.

How Variable Valve Timing Works

A typical variable valve timing system includes:

  1. Engine oil supply
  2. Oil passages in the cylinder head
  3. Exhaust valve control solenoid
  4. Exhaust camshaft actuator or phaser
  5. Camshaft position sensor
  6. Crankshaft position sensor
  7. PCM control strategy

When the PCM requests an exhaust camshaft adjustment:

  1. It changes the electrical command sent to the solenoid.
  2. The solenoid redirects pressurized engine oil.
  3. Oil enters one side of the camshaft actuator.
  4. The actuator rotates the camshaft relative to its timing sprocket.
  5. The camshaft position sensor reports the new position.
  6. The PCM compares desired timing with actual timing.

If the Bank 2 exhaust-solenoid circuit remains electrically low, the PCM may:

How the Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Works

Many exhaust VVT solenoids use two wires:

A common low-side-controlled circuit works like this:

  1. One solenoid terminal receives battery voltage.
  2. The PCM controls the other terminal by switching it toward ground.
  3. Current flows through the solenoid coil.
  4. The magnetic field moves the internal valve.
  5. Oil flow to the camshaft actuator changes.

The PCM may control the solenoid using pulse-width modulation, or PWM.

PWM allows the module to regulate:

The PCM may monitor:

If the circuit is pulled too close to ground or current is excessive, the PCM may store P0085.

What Does “Circuit Low” Mean?

“Circuit low” means the PCM sees voltage or driver feedback below its expected range.

It does not automatically mean:

The word “low” refers to the monitored electrical circuit.

Common circuit-low conditions include:

A short-to-ground fault is one of the most common diagnostic directions for P0085.

P0084 vs P0085 vs P0086

CodeDescriptionTypical Meaning
P0084Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2General circuit malfunction
P0085Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2Circuit voltage below specification
P0086Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2Circuit voltage above specification

In general:

Exact manufacturer logic varies.

P0085 vs P0079

CodeAffected Side
P0079Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 1
P0085Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2

Both codes indicate a low electrical condition in an exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

The difference is the affected bank.

If P0079 and P0085 are both stored, inspect shared components such as:

It is possible for both solenoids to fail simultaneously.

It is usually more productive to first ask what electrical component they share.

P0085 vs P0023

P0023 is generally defined as:

“B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Bank 2

P0085 is defined as:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2

Both codes may refer to the same Bank 2 exhaust oil-control solenoid on certain vehicles.

The difference is:

Always follow the vehicle-specific diagnostic chart.

Symptoms of P0085

Possible symptoms include:

P0085 commonly causes reduced performance or drivability changes because the PCM may disable variable valve timing when it detects the electrical fault.

Some engines continue running reasonably well with the camshaft held in its default position.

Others feel as though one cylinder bank has been switched to a less enthusiastic engine calibration.

Can P0085 Cause a Rough Idle?

Yes.

Exhaust camshaft timing affects:

If Bank 2 exhaust timing becomes fixed in an unsuitable position, the engine may:

However, rough idle can also be caused by:

Confirm the P0085 circuit fault is active before blaming every idle complaint on the VVT system.

Can P0085 Cause Poor Acceleration?

Yes.

Exhaust camshaft timing contributes to:

If Bank 2 exhaust VVT is disabled, the engine may feel:

The engine may also feel uneven because Bank 1 and Bank 2 are no longer operating with the same camshaft strategy.

Can P0085 Cause Misfires?

P0085 may contribute to Bank 2 misfires if incorrect exhaust timing affects:

However, also inspect for:

Do not use P0085 as permission to skip basic misfire diagnosis.

Common Causes of P0085

1. Exhaust VVT Solenoid Shorted Internally

The internal coil may short between windings.

This can cause:

An internally shorted solenoid is one of the most common direct causes of a circuit-low fault.

2. PCM Control Wire Shorted to Ground

The PCM-controlled wire may rub through its insulation and contact:

A grounded control wire may keep the circuit low regardless of the PCM command.

3. Melted Wiring Harness

The Bank 2 exhaust-solenoid harness may run near:

Heat may cause:

A missing heat shield or incorrect harness routing may accelerate the damage.

4. Chafed Engine Wiring

The harness may rub against:

Engine movement may cause the exposed conductor to contact ground intermittently or continuously.

The harness does not need to look dramatically destroyed. One small polished spot against the cylinder head may be the entire problem.

5. Failed Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid

The solenoid may fail electrically because of:

Electrical testing may show:

6. Corroded Connector Terminals

Corrosion may cause:

Inspect for:

Connector corrosion and poor electrical connections are common P0085 diagnostic targets.

7. Oil Inside the Connector

Oil may enter through:

Oil can:

Repair the leak rather than repeatedly washing the connector and sending it back into service.

8. Water Intrusion

Water may enter through:

Moisture may bridge terminals or accelerate corrosion.

9. Connector Terminals Shorted Together

Bent terminals, moisture, metal debris, or damaged insulation may connect:

Inspect the connector closely rather than assuming the short must be several feet deeper in the harness.

10. Incorrectly Wired Replacement Connector

A replacement pigtail may have:

Verify the pinout using the wiring diagram.

Matching wire colors works nicely until the replacement harness uses different colors or the previous repair was already incorrect.

11. Missing Solenoid Power Supply

Depending on circuit design, missing supply voltage may appear as a low-circuit condition.

Possible causes include:

If several actuator codes are present, inspect the shared supply before replacing several components.

12. Blown Fuse

A fuse may blow because of:

Do not install a larger fuse.

The fuse is not limiting performance. It is preventing the wiring harness from becoming a space heater.

13. Failed Engine-Control Relay

A failed relay may create:

Check whether the relay also powers:

14. High Resistance in the Supply Circuit

A high-resistance supply can produce low voltage under load.

Possible causes include:

A digital multimeter may show normal voltage until the solenoid is commanded on.

This is why a loaded voltage-drop test matters.

15. Poor PCM or Engine Ground

A poor ground may interfere with:

Inspect:

Multiple unrelated circuit-low codes may point toward a shared ground problem.

16. Weak Battery or Charging-System Fault

Low system voltage may contribute to abnormal actuator operation.

Check:

A battery problem is less likely when P0085 is the only code, but it becomes more relevant when multiple circuit-low or communication codes are present.

17. Low Engine Oil Level

Low oil does not normally create the electrical low condition directly.

However, the VVT system still depends on adequate oil for hydraulic operation.

Low oil may cause:

Always check oil level before performing active VVT tests.

18. Dirty or Sludged Engine Oil

Contaminated oil may restrict:

Dirty oil usually causes timing-performance problems rather than an electrical circuit-low code.

It may still create a second fault after the wiring problem is repaired.

19. Incorrect Oil Viscosity

Oil that is too thick or too thin may cause:

Use the manufacturer-specified oil viscosity and standard.

20. Clogged Solenoid Screen

Some exhaust VVT solenoids include a fine filter screen.

It may become restricted by:

A blocked screen usually causes hydraulic performance issues, but contamination may coexist with an electrically failed solenoid.

21. Incorrect Replacement Solenoid

An incorrect solenoid may have:

A new part may still be:

Fresh packaging remains a poor substitute for resistance testing.

22. Camshaft Actuator Mechanically Stuck

A stuck camshaft phaser may cause:

A mechanically stuck phaser does not normally create a circuit-low electrical condition.

Test the circuit first.

23. Camshaft Position Sensor Fault

The camshaft sensor reports actual camshaft position to the PCM.

A failed sensor may cause:

It is not a common direct cause of P0085, but related sensor codes may complicate diagnosis.

24. PCM Software Issue

A calibration problem may cause the PCM to:

Check for:

25. Failed PCM Driver

The internal PCM driver may fail because of:

Only suspect the PCM after confirming:

Replacing the PCM before testing a two-wire solenoid is an excellent way to spend four figures and retain the original fault.

Is P0085 Serious?

P0085 is generally considered a moderate-severity code.

The engine may continue running, but Bank 2 exhaust camshaft adjustment may be:

Possible consequences include:

P0085 becomes more serious if:

Can You Drive With P0085?

You may be able to drive a short distance if:

Avoid continued driving if:

A disabled VVT system may not damage the engine immediately.

A shorted harness heating against the cylinder head deserves less optimism.

How to Diagnose P0085

Step 1: Scan All Stored Codes

Check for:

Record:

Do not clear the codes before recording the data.

Step 2: Confirm the Code Definition

Verify the scan tool identifies P0085 as:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2

P0085 is the low-voltage code in the P0084–P0086 group.

Step 3: Identify Bank 2

Locate:

Do not confuse:

Step 4: Check Engine Oil Level

Park the vehicle on level ground and verify:

Correct oil problems before active VVT testing.

Step 5: Inspect Oil Condition

Look for:

Perform an oil and filter change if needed, but continue electrical testing because P0085 is a circuit-low code.

Step 6: Locate the Bank 2 Exhaust Solenoid

The solenoid may be mounted:

Use factory service information to identify the correct component.

Step 7: Inspect the Solenoid Connector

Check for:

Repair connector damage before replacing parts.

Step 8: Inspect the Wiring Harness

Follow the harness toward:

Look for:

Pay particular attention to areas near the exhaust manifold and cylinder head.

Step 9: Check Fuses and Relays

Identify the fuse and relay supplying:

If the fuse is blown:

  1. Disconnect the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid.
  2. Measure solenoid resistance.
  3. Check the power circuit for a short to ground.
  4. Inspect other components sharing the fuse.
  5. Repair the fault.
  6. Install the correct fuse.
  7. Retest the circuit.

Do not repeatedly replace the fuse.

It has already provided its diagnosis: too much current.

Step 10: Measure Solenoid Resistance

Disconnect the solenoid and measure resistance across its terminals.

Compare the result with manufacturer specifications.

Possible findings include:

Do not use a generic resistance specification from an unrelated engine.

Step 11: Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2

If both exhaust solenoids are identical, compare:

A major difference may help identify the faulty component.

Confirm matching part numbers before treating Bank 1 as the reference.

Step 12: Test Each Terminal Against the Housing

When permitted by service information, measure resistance between:

Unexpected continuity may indicate an internal short.

Step 13: Disconnect the Solenoid and Observe the Circuit

Monitor scan-tool circuit data or voltage while disconnecting the solenoid when the diagnostic procedure permits.

Possible results:

Interpret the result using the exact wiring diagram.

Step 14: Verify Supply Voltage

With ignition on, test the solenoid supply terminal.

Expected voltage may be:

If voltage is missing, inspect:

Step 15: Load-Test the Supply Circuit

A high-impedance meter may show normal voltage through a corroded connection.

Perform an approved load test across:

Voltage that collapses under load indicates excessive resistance.

Step 16: Test the PCM Control Wire for a Short to Ground

Disconnect the PCM and solenoid as directed.

Measure resistance between:

Unexpected continuity indicates a short-to-ground condition.

Move the harness during the test because the fault may occur only when the wire touches a bracket.

Step 17: Test for a Short Between Circuits

Check whether the control wire is contacting:

Heat-damaged harness sections may fuse several wires together.

Step 18: Check Circuit Continuity

Test both wires between the solenoid and their destinations.

Look for:

The circuit should meet manufacturer resistance specifications.

Step 19: Check Connector Terminal Tension

Use the manufacturer-approved terminal test tool.

Inspect for:

Do not insert an oversized meter probe into the connector.

That can turn a perfectly acceptable terminal into tomorrow’s intermittent fault.

Step 20: Perform Voltage-Drop Testing

With the circuit commanded on, measure voltage drop across:

Excessive voltage drop indicates unwanted resistance.

Step 21: Command the Solenoid With a Scan Tool

Use a bidirectional scan tool when supported.

Monitor:

Possible results include:

Step 22: Measure Solenoid Current

A low-current clamp may reveal:

Compare with:

Step 23: Examine the PWM Waveform

An oscilloscope can display:

A waveform stuck near ground may indicate:

Step 24: Perform a Wiggle Test

Monitor circuit voltage and current while moving:

Watch for:

Step 25: Inspect the Solenoid Mechanically

If the electrical circuit passes, remove the solenoid according to the repair procedure.

Inspect for:

A mechanically stuck solenoid usually produces performance codes, but it may coexist with P0085.

Step 26: Compare Desired and Actual Camshaft Timing

Monitor:

Possible findings:

Step 27: Swap Solenoids Only When Approved

If Bank 1 and Bank 2 exhaust solenoids are confirmed identical, a controlled swap may help isolate the fault.

After swapping:

Do not swap intake and exhaust solenoids unless the manufacturer confirms they are interchangeable.

Step 28: Check Engine Oil Pressure

If the circuit passes but camshaft response remains poor, test engine oil pressure.

Low pressure may be caused by:

The camshaft actuator cannot respond properly without adequate oil pressure.

Step 29: Check PCM Power and Grounds

Before condemning the PCM, verify:

Step 30: Check Technical Service Bulletins

Search manufacturer information using:

Possible factory corrections may include:

Step 31: Evaluate the PCM Driver

Only consider PCM failure after confirming:

If the PCM driver remains grounded or cannot regulate the circuit after all external tests pass, the PCM may require:

Step 32: Verify the Repair

After completing repairs:

  1. Clear all diagnostic trouble codes.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Confirm the oil-pressure warning light turns off normally.
  4. Monitor the Bank 2 exhaust-solenoid command.
  5. Check circuit voltage and current.
  6. Compare desired and actual exhaust-camshaft timing.
  7. Verify normal idle quality.
  8. Road-test under varied load and RPM.
  9. Complete the required drive cycle.
  10. Rescan for pending and confirmed codes.
  11. Confirm P0085 does not return.

Common Repairs and Costs

RepairEstimated Cost
Reconnect or reseat connector$0–100
Clean electrical connector$50–150
Replace connector terminals$75–250
Engine oil and filter change$60–180
Replace Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid$150–500
Repair shorted wiring$150–650
Replace solenoid connector$100–325
Replace fuse or relay after repairing fault$75–250
Repair engine power-supply circuit$150–700
Clean restricted oil passage$200–700
Replace camshaft actuator or phaser$700–2,000+
Replace timing-chain components$1,000–4,000+
Update PCM software$100–300
Replace and program PCM$1,000–2,500+

Actual repair cost depends on:

A shorted solenoid mounted at the top of the cylinder head may be relatively straightforward.

A grounded control wire buried beneath the intake manifold may require dismantling half the engine bay to reach the automotive equivalent of one damaged extension cord.

Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Avoid these common P0085 diagnostic mistakes:

P0085 is an electrical circuit-low code.

The timing chain may eventually require service, but replacing it because one wire is touching the cylinder head is an impressively expensive misunderstanding.

Vehicles Commonly Affected

P0085 is a generic OBD-II code and may appear on certain:

Manufacturer terminology may include:

The exact wiring, fault threshold, and diagnostic procedure vary by application.

P0085 on Hyundai and Kia Vehicles

Hyundai and Kia may call the component the:

Important diagnostic checks include:

P0085 should be treated as the circuit-low code, while P0086 represents circuit high.

P0085 on Nissan and Infiniti Vehicles

Nissan and Infiniti may call the component the:

Exhaust Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve

Possible causes include:

If additional Bank 2 exhaust timing-performance codes are stored, inspect:

P0085 on Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

Toyota and Lexus may call the component the:

Possible inspection areas include:

Confirm Bank 2 using the exact engine family.

P0085 on Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

Ford and Lincoln may use the terms:

Possible causes include:

If multiple VCT circuit codes are present, inspect shared electrical supplies and grounds.

P0085 on General Motors Vehicles

General Motors may call the component the:

Possible causes include:

If several actuator circuit-low codes are stored, inspect the common ignition feed before replacing several solenoids.

P0085 After Engine Repairs

If P0085 appears after:

inspect for:

A code that appears immediately after repairs should first be investigated in the area that was disturbed.

The PCM may be intelligent enough to manage variable cam timing. It remains unable to rescue wiring crushed under yesterday’s valve-cover job.

P0085 After a Blown Fuse

If a VVT or engine-actuator fuse is blown:

  1. Disconnect the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid.
  2. Measure solenoid resistance.
  3. Test the supply wire for a short to ground.
  4. Inspect other actuators sharing the fuse.
  5. Examine wiring near hot and moving parts.
  6. Repair the electrical fault.
  7. Install the correct fuse.
  8. Monitor current while commanding the circuit.

Never install a larger fuse.

That does not fix the problem. It simply promotes the wiring harness to the role previously held by the fuse.

Can Dirty Oil Cause P0085?

Dirty oil can contribute to hydraulic VVT problems, but P0085 specifically indicates a low electrical condition.

Dirty oil may cause:

It generally does not directly cause:

Check oil condition, but continue electrical testing.

Can Low Oil Cause P0085?

Low oil is not normally the direct cause of P0085.

However, low oil may cause:

Correct the oil level before active VVT testing, but do not assume adding oil will repair grounded wiring.

Can a Bad VVT Solenoid Cause P0085?

Yes.

A failed exhaust VVT solenoid may cause P0085 if its coil:

Measure resistance and current rather than replacing the solenoid based only on the code description.

Can a Bad Camshaft Position Sensor Cause P0085?

A camshaft position sensor is not a common direct cause of P0085.

The camshaft sensor reports position, while P0085 monitors the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

A failed camshaft sensor is more likely to set:

Diagnose all stored codes together.

Can a Blown Fuse Cause P0085?

Yes.

A blown fuse may remove power from:

If several actuator codes appear together, inspect the shared fuse and relay before replacing individual components.

Find the cause before installing another fuse.

The fuse has already sacrificed itself to make the diagnostic process more obvious.

How to Prevent P0085

Reduce the likelihood of P0085 by:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0085 mean?

P0085 means the PCM has detected a lower-than-expected electrical signal in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

What is the full definition of P0085?

The generic definition is:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2

Is P0085 a general circuit code?

No.

The correct sequence is:

Where is Bank 2?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number 1.

The exact side varies by engine design.

What does circuit low mean?

Circuit low means the monitored voltage, current feedback, or PCM driver signal is below the expected range.

It commonly indicates:

Does circuit low mean low engine oil?

No.

The word “low” refers to the electrical circuit.

Low oil may cause related VVT performance problems but is not the same condition.

What causes P0085 most often?

Common causes include:

Is P0085 serious?

P0085 is moderately serious.

The vehicle may remain drivable, but engine performance, idle quality, fuel economy, and emissions may suffer.

Can I drive with P0085?

Possibly for a short distance if:

Stop driving if the oil-pressure warning appears, the engine rattles, it stalls, or power loss becomes severe.

Can P0085 cause rough idle?

Yes.

Incorrect Bank 2 exhaust camshaft timing may cause rough idle, surging, misfires, or stalling.

Can P0085 cause poor acceleration?

Yes.

Loss of Bank 2 exhaust camshaft control may reduce torque, throttle response, and turbocharger performance.

Can P0085 cause a blown fuse?

Yes.

An internally shorted solenoid or grounded power wire may blow a shared actuator fuse.

Can dirty oil cause P0085?

Dirty oil can create hydraulic VVT problems, but P0085 requires electrical testing because it identifies a circuit-low condition.

What is the difference between P0084 and P0085?

P0084 indicates a general Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit malfunction.

P0085 specifically indicates a low circuit condition.

What is the difference between P0085 and P0086?

P0085 indicates circuit voltage below specification.

P0086 indicates circuit voltage above specification.

What is the difference between P0079 and P0085?

P0079 affects the Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

P0085 affects the Bank 2 circuit.

Can I test the solenoid with a multimeter?

Yes.

Common tests include:

Use vehicle-specific specifications.

Can I apply battery voltage directly to the solenoid?

Only when the manufacturer’s test procedure permits it.

Incorrect polarity, excessive voltage, or continuous power may damage the solenoid or PCM circuit.

Does a new exhaust VVT solenoid require programming?

Usually not.

The vehicle may require:

A replacement PCM requires programming.

How much does P0085 cost to repair?

A typical Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid replacement costs approximately $150–500.

Wiring, connector, fuse-box, camshaft actuator, timing-chain, or PCM repairs may cost considerably more.

Final Thoughts

The P0085 code means the PCM has detected a low electrical condition in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

The most common causes include:

Start diagnosis by:

  1. Confirming P0085 is the Bank 2 circuit-low code.
  2. Scanning for related codes.
  3. Correctly identifying Bank 2.
  4. Checking engine-oil level and condition.
  5. Inspecting the exhaust-solenoid connector.
  6. Examining the harness for grounded wiring.
  7. Measuring solenoid resistance.
  8. Checking fuses and relays.
  9. Verifying supply voltage.
  10. Testing the PCM control circuit for a short to ground.
  11. Comparing Bank 1 and Bank 2 circuits.
  12. Commanding the solenoid with a bidirectional scan tool.
  13. Evaluating the PCM only after external circuit tests pass.

Do not interpret “circuit low” as proof that the engine merely needs more oil.

The engine does require clean oil at the correct level, but P0085 is warning that the electrical side of the Bank 2 exhaust VVT system has fallen below specification.

The eventual repair may involve a shorted solenoid, damaged connector, blown fuse, failed relay, grounded control wire, or PCM driver fault.

Variable valve timing is a sophisticated combination of computer control, hydraulic oil pressure, and mechanical camshaft movement.

Sometimes the entire system still stops working because one wire rubbed against a metal bracket until electricity discovered a much shorter route to ground.

Related Articles

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Codes

Related Bank 2 Camshaft Codes

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