Engine

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

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0085 means

The engine computer uses a solenoid to control oil flow to the exhaust variable valve timing mechanism. P0085 sets when the voltage in the Bank 2 solenoid circuit is lower than expected, usually pointing to a short to ground or a failed solenoid. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light is on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation when accelerating
  • Possible limp mode

Possible causes

  1. Failed Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid
  2. Wiring shorted to ground in the solenoid harness
  3. Open circuit or poor connection in the wiring or connector
  4. Corroded or damaged connector terminals
  5. Faulty PCM solenoid driver (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data and note any related valve timing codes
  2. Check engine oil level and condition, since the system relies on oil pressure
  3. Inspect the Bank 2 solenoid connector and harness for chafing, oil contamination, corrosion or heat damage
  4. Unplug the solenoid and measure its coil resistance against the manufacturer spec
  5. Test the control wire for a short to ground or an open, and verify power supply
  6. Command the solenoid with a scan tool or bench-test it following the wiring diagram
  7. If the wiring and solenoid are good, check the PCM control signal before suspecting the module

Common fixes

  • Replace the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid
  • Repair damaged wiring or replace the connector
  • Change the oil and filter if it is dirty or was low
  • Repair or replace the PCM if confirmed faulty
  • Clear the code and road test to confirm it does not return

Questions and answers

What does P0085 mean?

It means a low signal in the Bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit. The PCM sees lower voltage than expected, most often from a short to ground or a bad solenoid.

Can I drive with a P0085 code?

Briefly, yes, but power may drop and the engine may go into limp mode. Have it diagnosed soon.

How do I fix P0085?

Start by inspecting the solenoid wiring and connector, then test the solenoid itself. Replacing the solenoid or repairing the harness fixes most cases, while the PCM is rarely at fault.

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.