Engine

P0084 — Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit, Bank 2

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0084 means

The PCM drives a solenoid that uses oil pressure to adjust exhaust valve timing on bank 2, the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1. P0084 is set when the electrical signal in that solenoid circuit is out of range, such as an open, a short to ground or a short to power. The variable valve timing then cannot be controlled properly.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Rough idle or hesitation
  • Possible limp mode

Possible causes

  1. Failed bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the solenoid
  3. Faulty driver circuit inside the PCM
  4. Low system voltage or a poor ground
  5. Dirty or low engine oil affecting the VVT system

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, and look for other VVT codes
  2. Inspect the bank 2 solenoid connector and harness for damage, moisture and corrosion
  3. Test battery voltage and check terminals and grounds
  4. Measure solenoid coil resistance and compare it with the manufacturer spec
  5. Check power and control signal at the connector with a multimeter or scope
  6. Check oil level and condition, and the solenoid screen if equipped
  7. Command the solenoid with a scan tool and confirm it responds
  8. If wiring and solenoid are good, test the PCM

Common fixes

  • Replace the bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid
  • Repair the wiring or replace the connector
  • Clean and tighten grounds and service the battery
  • Change the oil and filter if needed
  • Repair or replace the PCM (rare)

Questions and answers

What does P0084 mean?

It is a generic code for a fault in the exhaust valve control solenoid circuit on bank 2. The PCM sees an incorrect electrical signal in that circuit.

Can I drive with P0084?

Briefly and carefully, yes, but expect lower power and higher fuel use. Have it diagnosed soon.

How do I fix P0084?

Start by checking the solenoid wiring, connector and power supply. If those are fine, replacing the solenoid is the most common fix.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.