P0086 medium Severity

P0086: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)

May cause reduced engine performance, unstable idle, and increased emissions; vehicle may enter failsafe mode

Overview

P0086 indicates a high voltage condition detected in the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit on bank 2, affecting VVT exhaust valve timing

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Reduced engine performance
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Decreased fuel efficiency

Most Common Causes

Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2) high

Solenoid may be damaged or electrically out of specification

Wiring harness issue (short to voltage, open circuit, damaged connectors) high

Electrical faults in wiring are frequent contributors to this code

Poor electrical connection or corrosion medium

Loose or corroded connections can elevate voltage readings

PCM/ECM internal fault low

Rare but possible after ruling out wiring and solenoid faults

Incorrect oil viscosity or low oil pressure affecting solenoid operation low

Oil-related issues can indirectly affect solenoid performance

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect OBD‑II scanner and read trouble codes and freeze frame data
    Expected: Presence of P0086 and any related codes
    Interpretation: Confirm primary code and context before further tests
  2. Visually inspect wiring harness, connectors, and terminals for Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid
    Expected: No damage, corrosion, or loose connections
    Interpretation: Damaged wiring/connectors indicate likely cause
  3. Use a multimeter to check circuit voltage and resistance at the solenoid connector with ignition ON
    Expected: Voltage and resistance within OEM specifications
    Interpretation: Out‑of‑range readings suggest wiring/solenoid failure
  4. Bench test or apply direct activation to the solenoid if possible
    Expected: Proper solenoid operation within specifications
    Interpretation: Solenoid failure confirmed if operation is abnormal
  5. If electrical and solenoid tests are normal, test PCM/ECM outputs and consider reprogramming or replacement
    Expected: PCM outputs matching expected duty cycle
    Interpretation: Abnormal PCM signals indicate internal control unit fault

Repair Solutions

Replace Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid medium
Estimated Cost: $150 - $450

Part costs vary by make/model; professional installation recommended

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $100 - $350

Depends on extent of damage and accessibility

Clean or secure electrical connections easy
Estimated Cost: $20 - $75

May resolve some high voltage circuit conditions

PCM/ECM reprogramming or replacement hard
Estimated Cost: $500 - $1200

Only after all other causes are ruled out

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Assuming fuel delivery issue due to similar numeric codes
  • Replacing solenoid without checking wiring and connections
  • Ignoring oil condition affecting VVT solenoid function

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical definition of P0086 OBD-II Code

The P0086 code stands for Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2). This generally indicates an issue with the Engine Mechanical system.

Can P0086 cause engine damage?

You should treat P0086 as a medium issue. May cause reduced engine performance, unstable idle, and increased emissions; vehicle may enter failsafe mode

How do I know if I have code P0086?

Drivers often report: Check Engine Light illuminated, Reduced engine performance, Rough or unstable idle when this code is present.

What causes the P0086 code?

This code is frequently triggered by: Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid (Bank 2), Wiring harness issue (short to voltage, open circuit, damaged connectors), Poor electrical connection or corrosion.

Repair cost breakdown for P0086

Repair costs depend on the specific failure. A simple Clean or secure electrical connections replacement is relatively affordable ($20-$75), whereas a PCM/ECM reprogramming or replacement repair is more expensive, potentially reaching $1200.

Is the P0086 code specific to Nissan?

P0086 is not specific to any one brand. It can appear on Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and other vehicles.

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or ask a question about this code.

Be the first to share your experience with P0086!