What are the common causes of P0086?

A short to voltage in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid wire. High resistance in the Bank 2 solenoid circuit. A failed exhaust valve control solenoid on Bank 2. Corrosion or damage at the Bank 2 solenoid connector. A fault in the ECM solenoid driver.

Test the Bank 2 solenoid control wire for a short to voltage. Measure exhaust valve control solenoid resistance. Inspect the Bank 2 connector and harness for damage. Compare control circuit voltage to the service spec. Replace the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid if it is faulty. Clear the code and retest.

P0086

Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2

System: Fuel and air metering (P code)
Lamp: Check Engine Light
Category: Powertrain - Fuel/Air Metering

What it means

P0086 means Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 2.

Where it lives

For P0086, the circuit described runs through the solenoid. The description of P0086 puts it on bank 2.

Check these first

A short to voltage in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid wire
High resistance in the Bank 2 solenoid circuit
A failed exhaust valve control solenoid on Bank 2
Corrosion or damage at the Bank 2 solenoid connector
A fault in the ECM solenoid driver

What to do next

Test the Bank 2 solenoid control wire for a short to voltage
Measure exhaust valve control solenoid resistance
Inspect the Bank 2 connector and harness for damage
Compare control circuit voltage to the service spec
Replace the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid if it is faulty
Clear the code and retest

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Updated

Generic SAE J2012 definition. Last updated 2026-10-10.