P0085 medium Severity

P0085: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 2)

Engine performance may be reduced, limp mode possible; vehicle generally drivable short-term

Overview

P0085 indicates a circuit low condition in the exhaust valve control solenoid on Bank 2 in vehicles with variable valve timing systems

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Poor engine performance or reduced power
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Rough idle or hesitation

Most Common Causes

Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2) high

Solenoid may have internal failure or be stuck, affecting VVT operation

Wiring harness fault (short to ground or open) medium

Damaged wiring or poor connector connection can cause low voltage in solenoid circuit

Faulty ECM/PCM signal to solenoid low

Control module may be malfunctioning and sending incorrect PWM signal

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Retrieve and confirm P0085 code with OBD-II scanner
    Expected: P0085 active or pending code present
    Interpretation: Ensures correct code before further testing
  2. Visually inspect wiring/connectors to exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2)
    Expected: No damaged wires, corrosion, or loose connectors
    Interpretation: If issues found, repair/replace wiring and clear codes
  3. Test solenoid resistance and signal with multimeter/oscilloscope
    Expected: Resistance within manufacturer spec; PWM signal present from ECM
    Interpretation: Abnormal readings indicate solenoid or ECM fault
  4. Check ECM power and ground to solenoid circuit
    Expected: Proper supply voltage and ground present
    Interpretation: No power/ground indicates wiring or ECM issue

Repair Solutions

Replace exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2) medium
Estimated Cost: $150 - $500

Typical fix when solenoid fails; prices vary by vehicle

Repair or replace wiring/connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $300

Costs depend on extent of wiring damage

ECM repair or replacement hard
Estimated Cost: $500 - $1500

Considered when all other causes ruled out

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Fuel system low pressure codes (e.g., P0087) mistaken due to similar symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of the P0085 engine code?

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 2) is the standard definition for P0085. This diagnostic code is triggered when the ECU detects a problem in the Engine Mechanical.

How serious is the P0085 code?

With a severity level of medium, engine performance may be reduced, limp mode possible; vehicle generally drivable short-term

Common signs of the P0085 error code

Drivers often report: Check Engine Light illuminated, Poor engine performance or reduced power, Decreased fuel economy when this code is present.

Common triggers for the P0085 error

This code is frequently triggered by: Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2), Wiring harness fault (short to ground or open), Faulty ECM/PCM signal to solenoid.

What is the price difference for fixing P0085?

The cost varies significantly based on the root cause. For example, replacing a Repair or replace wiring/connectors typically costs between $50 and $300, while fixing a ECM repair or replacement can range from $500 to $1500.

Does code P0085 apply to Ford vehicles?

This is a universal code. You might see P0085 on Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or any other OBD-II vehicle.

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