P2091 code meaning
"B" Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit High (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2091 means
P2091 says the control circuit of actuator B on bank 1, normally the exhaust phaser valve, sits too high. GM's high-side version on the 3.6 L LFX checks for a short to supply while the output is off and, like P2090, treats it as Type A after 20 of 25 samples; 18OBDG02 uses Type B. On the low-side controller of table 23OBDG07 the same code means the pin stays at supply voltage even though the driver should be pulling it to ground, and it takes about 1 s to confirm, two trips for the lamp. Ford shows P2091 in its 2014 gasoline code list as a lamp code that both key-on and running self-tests can find. A short of this kind can overheat the driver, so the ECM usually switches the output off and leaves the exhaust cam at its default angle. Out-of-range timing of the same cam is P0014 or P0015.
P2091 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2091
- Engine warning lamp on
- Exhaust cam stays at default angle, slightly reduced performance
Common causes of P2091
- Most likelyExhaust valve control wire touching a supply wire
- Less likelyIncorrect splice or pin swap after earlier wiring repair
- Less likelyFailed output stage in the ECM
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oil control valve exhaust bank1Oil control valve wiringEngine control module
What each part of P2091 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 91 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2091 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 P2091
What does P2091 mean?
P2091 means ""B" Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit High (Bank 1)". P2091 says the control circuit of actuator B on bank 1, normally the exhaust phaser valve, sits too high. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2091?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2091 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2091 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2091 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 P2091 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2091 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.