P0086 code meaning
Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0086 means
A solenoid valve on the cylinder head controls oil flow for the variable valve control on the exhaust side of bank 2. Depending on the manufacturer it drives a camshaft phaser (for example on Nissan engines) or a valve lift changeover (for example on Subaru engines). This code family reports electrical faults in its control circuit; P0086 means the voltage in the control circuit is too high, typically a short to battery voltage. Other manufacturers report the same valve under the "camshaft position actuator" codes instead. Valve control is then switched off or stays in its base position. Bank 2 exists only on V and boxer engines.
P0086 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0086
- Check engine light on
- Less power, especially at high engine speed with lift changeover
- Rough idle possible
- Follow-up codes for camshaft timing or misfire possible
Common causes of P0086
- Most likelyControl wire shorted to battery voltage
- PossibleSolenoid coil faulty
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the connector
- Less likelyOutput driver in the engine control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Valve control solenoid exhaust bank2Valve control solenoid wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0086 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0086 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0086
What does P0086 mean?
P0086 means "Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2". A solenoid valve on the cylinder head controls oil flow for the variable valve control on the exhaust side of bank 2. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0086?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0086 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0086 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0086 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0086 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.