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P0086 Code Explained: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2 Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

P0086 code displayed on an OBD-II scanner with the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid, high circuit voltage, disconnected wiring, and exhaust camshaft actuator highlighted.

If your OBD-II scanner displays P0086, the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a higher-than-expected electrical condition in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

The generic OBD-II definition for P0086 is:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2

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

Standard generic trouble-code lists place P0086 directly after P0084 and P0085:

The exhaust valve control solenoid is part of the engine’s variable valve timing system. It regulates engine-oil flow to the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator or cam phaser, allowing the PCM to adjust exhaust camshaft timing.

P0086 is primarily an electrical circuit code. Depending on the vehicle’s circuit design, it may be caused by:

Possible symptoms include:

For more diagnostic information, visit:

P0086 Quick Facts

ItemInformation
OBD-II CodeP0086
DescriptionExhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2
CategoryPowertrain
SystemVariable Valve Timing
Main ComponentExhaust Valve Control Solenoid
Affected SideBank 2
Fault TypeHigh Circuit Voltage or Feedback
Common Electrical CauseOpen Circuit or Short to Voltage
SeverityModerate
Safe to Drive?Sometimes, for a short distance
Typical Repair Cost$100–700

What Does P0086 Mean?

P0086 means the PCM sees voltage, current feedback, or output-driver behavior above its calibrated range in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

The monitored circuit may include:

On many vehicles, one solenoid terminal receives ignition voltage while the PCM controls the other terminal by switching it toward ground.

If the PCM commands the solenoid on but the control side remains at a high voltage, the PCM may infer that current cannot flow normally. Possible reasons include:

The exact voltage thresholds and monitoring strategy vary by manufacturer, so the vehicle-specific wiring diagram and diagnostic chart should always take priority.

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, including many:

Inline engines normally have only one cylinder bank and typically would not use a Bank 2 designation for this circuit.

Bank 2 is not automatically:

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

Use:

to identify Bank 2 correctly.

Replacing the easy-to-reach solenoid and hoping it belongs to Bank 2 remains a popular strategy, but not one endorsed by wiring diagrams, logic, or successful repair outcomes.

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 controls pressurized 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 may improve:

P0086 does not automatically mean the camshaft actuator, timing chain, or camshaft has failed. It means the PCM has detected an electrical fault in the circuit controlling the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid.

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 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 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 high, the PCM may:

How the Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Works

Many exhaust VVT solenoids use two wires:

The PCM frequently operates the solenoid using pulse-width modulation, or PWM.

PWM allows the PCM to regulate:

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

  1. One solenoid terminal receives battery voltage.
  2. The PCM switches the other terminal toward ground.
  3. Current flows through the solenoid coil.
  4. The magnetic field moves the internal oil-control valve.
  5. Oil is routed to the camshaft actuator.

The PCM may monitor:

If the circuit stays near supply voltage when the PCM expects it to be pulled lower, P0086 may be stored.

What Does “Circuit High” Mean?

“Circuit high” means the PCM sees voltage or driver feedback above its expected range.

It does not automatically mean:

The word “high” describes the monitored electrical circuit.

Common circuit-high conditions include:

On a common low-side-controlled circuit, an open connection may leave the control side close to supply voltage because no current can flow through the solenoid.

P0084 vs P0085 vs P0086

CodeDescriptionTypical Diagnostic Direction
P0084Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2General circuit malfunction
P0085Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 2Short to ground, shorted coil, or low supply
P0086Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2Open circuit, disconnected solenoid, or short to voltage

The generic code sequence is confirmed by standard OBD-II trouble-code lists.

P0086 is not the general circuit code. It specifically indicates a high electrical condition.

P0086 vs P0080

CodeAffected Side
P0080Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 1
P0086Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2

Both codes indicate a circuit-high condition involving an exhaust VVT solenoid.

The difference is the affected cylinder bank.

If both codes are stored, inspect for a shared issue such as:

Two solenoids can fail at once, but checking the components they share is usually faster and cheaper.

P0086 vs P0023

P0023 is generally defined as:

“B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Bank 2

P0086 is defined as:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2

Depending on manufacturer terminology, both codes may involve the same Bank 2 exhaust oil-control valve.

The difference is usually:

Always follow the diagnostic procedure written for the exact:

Symptoms of P0086

Possible P0086 symptoms include:

The symptoms depend on:

Some vehicles continue running with only a Check Engine Light and reduced fuel economy.

Others feel like one cylinder bank has been placed on an especially conservative performance plan.

Can P0086 Cause a Rough Idle?

Yes.

Exhaust camshaft timing affects:

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

However, rough idle can also be caused by:

Confirm that the P0086 fault is active before assigning every idle complaint to the VVT system.

Can P0086 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 the two banks are no longer following the same camshaft strategy.

Can P0086 Cause Misfires?

P0086 may contribute to Bank 2 misfires if incorrect exhaust timing affects:

However, also check for:

Bank 2 misfires do not automatically prove the exhaust VVT solenoid caused them.

They simply make the Bank 2 timing problem more relevant to the diagnosis.

Common Causes of P0086

1. Disconnected Bank 2 Exhaust VVT Solenoid

A disconnected solenoid is one of the most common causes of a circuit-high fault.

The connector may have been left unplugged during:

With the solenoid unplugged, the circuit may remain at or near supply voltage.

2. Open Solenoid Coil

The electrical winding inside the solenoid may break.

Possible causes include:

An open solenoid normally measures:

The PCM may detect that current does not flow when the solenoid is commanded.

3. Broken PCM Control Wire

The PCM control wire may break because of:

The conductor may be broken inside insulation that still appears normal.

Pay close attention to the first several inches behind the solenoid connector.

4. Control Wire Shorted to Battery Voltage

The control wire may contact:

A short to voltage prevents the PCM from pulling the circuit low.

It may also damage the PCM output driver.

5. Loose Electrical Connector

A connector may appear installed but fail to make reliable contact because of:

A loose connector may set P0086 continuously or intermittently.

6. Backed-Out Connector Terminal

A terminal may slide backward when the connector is installed.

Inspect for:

The connector housing can be fully attached while one terminal remains electrically disconnected.

7. Corroded Connector Terminals

Corrosion may increase resistance or interrupt current flow.

Inspect for:

Even modest resistance may affect a PCM-monitored actuator circuit.

8. Oil Inside the Connector

Engine oil may enter the connector through:

Oil can:

Repair the leak rather than repeatedly cleaning the same connector.

9. Water Intrusion

Water may enter through:

Moisture may cause:

10. Heat-Damaged Wiring

The Bank 2 exhaust-solenoid harness may run near:

Heat can make insulation:

A melted wire may open or contact a powered circuit.

11. Chafed Engine Harness

The harness may rub against:

Engine movement can turn minor insulation damage into an intermittent open or short-to-voltage condition.

12. Incorrect Previous Wiring Repair

Poor repairs may include:

A wire may show voltage on a meter but still fail to carry the current required by the solenoid.

13. Incorrectly Wired Replacement Pigtail

A replacement connector may have:

Always verify the terminal layout with the wiring diagram.

Wire colors are useful, but they become considerably less trustworthy after someone has already “repaired” the harness.

14. Failed Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid

The solenoid may fail electrically or mechanically.

Electrical failures include:

Mechanical failures include:

P0086 points toward the electrical side first.

15. Incorrect Replacement Solenoid

An incorrect solenoid may have:

A new part may still be:

Fresh packaging remains a poor substitute for part-number verification and resistance testing.

16. Excessive Circuit Resistance

High circuit resistance may be caused by:

A continuity test may pass even when the circuit cannot carry sufficient current.

Use voltage-drop testing under load.

17. Failed Fuse or Engine-Control Relay

Depending on circuit design, a fuse or relay problem may affect the PCM’s circuit feedback.

Inspect the shared:

If several actuator codes are stored together, a shared power problem is more likely than several simultaneous component failures.

18. Poor PCM Connector Connection

The PCM connector may have:

Follow the manufacturer’s procedure before disconnecting or testing PCM terminals.

19. PCM Power or Ground Problem

A PCM power or ground issue may interfere with:

Inspect:

Multiple unrelated circuit codes make a shared PCM power or ground problem more likely.

20. Low Engine Oil Level

Low oil does not normally create a circuit-high electrical fault directly.

However, the VVT system still depends on adequate oil volume and pressure.

Low oil may cause:

Always verify oil level before commanding the VVT system.

21. Dirty or Sludged Engine Oil

Contaminated oil may restrict:

Dirty oil is more likely to create timing-performance codes than P0086, but it may coexist with an electrically failed solenoid.

An oil change cannot reconnect a broken wire, although it may prevent the repaired system from immediately discovering a separate hydraulic problem.

22. Incorrect Oil Viscosity

Oil that is too thick or too thin may cause:

Use the manufacturer-specified:

23. Restricted Solenoid Screen

Some exhaust VVT solenoids contain a fine oil screen.

It may become restricted by:

A blocked screen usually causes a hydraulic performance problem rather than an electrical circuit-high fault.

Inspect it if camshaft response remains poor after P0086 is repaired.

24. PCM Software Issue

A calibration issue may cause the PCM to:

Check current vehicle-specific information for:

25. Failed PCM Driver

The PCM driver may be unable to pull the Bank 2 exhaust-solenoid circuit low.

Possible causes include:

Only suspect the PCM after confirming:

Replacing the PCM before checking whether the solenoid is plugged in remains an expensive way to discover a very inexpensive mistake.

Is P0086 Serious?

P0086 is generally considered a moderate-severity code.

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

Possible consequences include:

P0086 becomes more serious if:

Can You Drive With P0086?

You may be able to drive a short distance if:

Avoid continued driving if:

P0086 usually does not cause immediate internal engine damage by itself.

Driving with low oil pressure, severe mechanical noise, or wiring that is actively overheating is another matter.

How to Diagnose P0086

Step 1: Scan All Stored Codes

Check for:

Record:

Do not clear the codes before recording the diagnostic information.

Step 2: Confirm the Code Definition

Verify that the scan tool identifies P0086 as:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2

The standard sequence is:

Step 3: Identify Bank 2

Locate:

Do not confuse:

Step 4: Check Engine Oil Level

Park the vehicle on level ground and verify:

Correct any oil issue before performing active VVT tests.

Step 5: Inspect Oil Condition

Look for:

Perform an oil and filter change when necessary, but continue electrical testing because P0086 is a circuit-high 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: Confirm the Connector Is Attached

Before advanced testing, verify that the connector is:

An unplugged solenoid is one of the simplest and most common explanations for a circuit-high condition.

Step 8: Inspect the Connector

Disconnect the connector and inspect for:

Repair connector damage before replacing the solenoid.

Step 9: Inspect the Wiring Harness

Follow the harness toward the PCM and power-distribution system.

Look for:

Pay particular attention to areas disturbed during recent repairs.

Step 10: Check Fuses and Relays

Identify any fuse or relay supplying:

If several related actuator codes are present, test the shared supply before replacing individual components.

Step 11: Measure Solenoid Resistance

Disconnect the solenoid and measure resistance across its terminals.

Compare the result with the manufacturer’s specification.

Possible findings include:

Do not use a generic resistance specification from another engine.

Step 12: Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2

If both exhaust solenoids are identical, compare:

A major difference may help isolate the failed component.

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

Step 13: Test Each Terminal Against the Housing

When permitted by service information, measure resistance between each solenoid terminal and the solenoid body.

Unexpected continuity may indicate:

Step 14: Reconnect or Substitute a Known-Good Load

When approved by the manufacturer, connect:

Observe whether the circuit-high status changes.

If the circuit returns to normal with a known-good load, the original solenoid may have an open coil.

Do not attach an arbitrary test lamp to a PCM circuit.

The module is expensive enough without experimental electrical loads.

Step 15: Verify Supply Voltage

With the ignition on, identify the power-supply terminal.

Expected voltage may be:

If voltage is missing, inspect:

Step 16: Load-Test the Supply Circuit

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

Perform an approved loaded test across:

Voltage that collapses under load indicates excessive resistance.

Step 17: Test the PCM Control Wire for an Open

Disconnect the PCM and solenoid as directed.

Measure continuity between the solenoid connector and PCM terminal.

Check for:

Move the harness while monitoring resistance.

Step 18: Test for a Short to Battery Voltage

With the PCM and solenoid disconnected, determine whether the control wire receives voltage from another circuit.

Possible sources include:

A control wire held at battery voltage can prevent the PCM from controlling the solenoid and may damage its output driver.

Step 19: Test for a Short Between Circuits

Inspect whether the Bank 2 exhaust-solenoid control wire is contacting:

Heat-damaged harnesses may fuse multiple wires together internally.

Step 20: Check Connector Terminal Tension

Use the manufacturer-approved terminal test tool.

Inspect for:

Do not force an oversized meter probe into the connector.

Creating a loose terminal while checking for a loose terminal is impressively efficient but diagnostically unhelpful.

Step 21: Perform Voltage-Drop Testing

With the circuit operating, measure voltage drop across:

Excessive voltage drop indicates unwanted resistance.

Step 22: Command the Solenoid With a Scan Tool

Use a bidirectional scan tool when supported.

Monitor:

Possible results include:

Step 23: Measure Solenoid Current

A low-current clamp may reveal:

Compare the reading with:

Step 24: Examine the PWM Waveform

An oscilloscope can display:

A circuit that remains near battery voltage when commanded may indicate:

Step 25: Perform a Wiggle Test

Monitor voltage and current while moving:

Watch for:

Step 26: Inspect the Solenoid Mechanically

If the electrical circuit passes but camshaft response remains poor, remove the solenoid.

Inspect for:

Mechanical restrictions generally produce performance codes, but they may exist alongside P0086.

Step 27: Compare Desired and Actual Camshaft Timing

Monitor:

Possible findings include:

Step 28: Swap Solenoids Only When Approved

If the 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 29: Check Engine Oil Pressure

If the electrical circuit passes but timing response remains poor, verify engine-oil pressure.

Low pressure may be caused by:

The camshaft actuator cannot respond correctly without adequate oil pressure.

Step 30: Check PCM Power and Grounds

Before condemning the PCM, verify:

Step 31: Check Technical Service Bulletins

Search current manufacturer information using:

Possible factory corrections may include:

Step 32: Evaluate the PCM Driver

Only consider PCM failure after confirming:

If the driver cannot pull the circuit low after all external tests pass, the PCM may require:

Step 33: 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 P0086 does not return.

Common Repairs and Costs

RepairEstimated Cost
Reconnect or reseat solenoid 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 open or 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 exhaust 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 costs depend on:

A disconnected solenoid may require less than a minute to reconnect.

A broken control wire hidden beneath the intake manifold may require several hours and a rapidly expanding collection of removed engine covers.

Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Avoid these common P0086 diagnostic mistakes:

P0086 is an electrical circuit-high code.

Replacing the timing chain before checking the solenoid connector is not impossible. It is simply an unusually expensive method of avoiding a multimeter.

Vehicles Commonly Affected

P0086 is a generic OBD-II code and may appear on certain:

Manufacturer terminology may include:

The exact circuit layout, thresholds, component location, and test procedure vary by application.

P0086 on Hyundai and Kia Vehicles

Hyundai and Kia may call the component the:

Important diagnostic checks may include:

P0086 should be treated as the high-circuit member of the P0084–P0086 code group, but the exact Hyundai or Kia test thresholds depend on the engine and model year.

P0086 on Nissan and Infiniti Vehicles

Nissan and Infiniti may refer to the component as the:

Exhaust Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve

Possible causes include:

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

P0086 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 rather than assuming the same bank arrangement applies to every Toyota or Lexus V-engine.

P0086 on Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

Ford and Lincoln may use the terms:

Possible causes include:

If multiple VCT codes are present, inspect shared electrical supplies, relays, grounds, and harness routing.

P0086 on General Motors Vehicles

General Motors may call the component the:

Possible causes include:

If several camshaft-actuator codes appear together, inspect their shared ignition-voltage circuit before replacing multiple solenoids.

P0086 After Engine Repairs

If P0086 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 capable of calculating camshaft position several times per second. It remains unable to reconnect the plug left hanging next to the valve cover.

P0086 After Replacing the VVT Solenoid

If P0086 appears after installing a new solenoid, verify:

A replacement component may still be:

Do not condemn the PCM merely because the replacement solenoid arrived in a clean box.

Can Dirty Oil Cause P0086?

Dirty oil may contribute to hydraulic VVT problems, but P0086 specifically identifies a high electrical circuit condition.

Dirty oil may cause:

Dirty oil does not directly explain:

Check the oil, but continue electrical diagnosis.

Can Low Oil Cause P0086?

Low oil is not normally the direct cause of a circuit-high electrical code.

However, low oil may cause:

Correct the oil level before performing active tests, but do not assume adding oil will repair an open circuit.

Can a Bad VVT Solenoid Cause P0086?

Yes.

An exhaust VVT solenoid may cause P0086 if its internal coil is:

Measure coil resistance and compare it with the vehicle-specific specification.

Can a Bad Camshaft Position Sensor Cause P0086?

A camshaft position sensor is not a common direct cause of P0086.

The camshaft sensor reports position, while P0086 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 P0086?

Possibly, depending on circuit design and the PCM’s monitoring strategy.

A blown fuse may remove power from:

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

Find the cause before installing another fuse.

A fuse is not a maintenance item. It is the circuit’s strongly worded objection to excessive current.

How to Prevent P0086

Reduce the likelihood of P0086 by:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0086 mean?

P0086 means the PCM has detected a higher-than-expected electrical condition in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

What is the full definition of P0086?

The generic definition is:

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2

Is P0086 the 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 high mean?

Circuit high means the monitored voltage or PCM driver feedback is above the expected range.

Common causes include:

Does circuit high mean high engine-oil pressure?

No.

The word “high” refers to the electrical circuit signal, not engine-oil pressure.

What causes P0086 most often?

Common causes include:

Is P0086 serious?

P0086 is moderately serious.

The engine may continue running, but performance, idle quality, fuel economy, and emissions may be affected.

Can I drive with P0086?

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 P0086 cause rough idle?

Yes.

Loss of Bank 2 exhaust camshaft control may cause rough idle, surging, misfires, or stalling.

Can P0086 cause poor acceleration?

Yes.

The engine may lose torque and throttle response if Bank 2 exhaust camshaft timing cannot be adjusted.

Can an unplugged VVT solenoid cause P0086?

Yes.

A disconnected solenoid may create an open circuit and leave the monitored control circuit at a high voltage.

Can broken wiring cause P0086?

Yes.

An open control wire or a control wire shorted to battery voltage can set P0086.

Can dirty oil cause P0086?

Dirty oil can contribute to hydraulic VVT problems, but P0086 requires electrical testing because it identifies a circuit-high condition.

What is the difference between P0084 and P0086?

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

P0086 specifically indicates that the circuit signal is above the expected range.

What is the difference between P0085 and P0086?

P0085 indicates a low circuit condition.

P0086 indicates a high circuit condition.

What is the difference between P0080 and P0086?

P0080 affects the Bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

P0086 affects the Bank 2 circuit.

Can I test the VVT solenoid with a multimeter?

Yes.

Common tests include:

Use vehicle-specific specifications.

Can I apply battery voltage directly to the solenoid?

Only if the manufacturer’s test procedure permits it.

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

Does a replacement VVT solenoid require programming?

Usually not.

The vehicle may require:

A replacement PCM requires programming.

How much does P0086 cost to repair?

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

Wiring, connector, PCM, camshaft-actuator, or timing-system repairs may cost substantially more.

Final Thoughts

The P0086 code means the PCM has detected a high electrical condition in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit.

The most common causes include:

Start diagnosis by:

  1. Confirming P0086 is the Bank 2 circuit-high code.
  2. Scanning for related trouble codes.
  3. Correctly identifying Bank 2.
  4. Checking engine-oil level and condition.
  5. Confirming the exhaust solenoid is connected.
  6. Inspecting connector terminals.
  7. Measuring solenoid resistance.
  8. Verifying supply voltage.
  9. Testing control-wire continuity.
  10. Checking for a short to battery voltage.
  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 high” as high oil pressure or an over-advanced camshaft.

P0086 means the electrical circuit remains above the level the PCM expects. On many systems, that points toward an open solenoid, disconnected connector, broken control wire, excessive resistance, or unwanted battery voltage.

The repair may be as simple as reconnecting one plug.

It may also involve following a broken wire through a harness routed beneath enough brackets and plastic covers to make a two-wire circuit feel like a minor archaeological project.

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