What Does P0085 Mean?
The ECM has detected a low voltage or short-to-ground condition in the bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit. The signal wire to the exhaust VVT oil control valve is reading below the expected threshold. This prevents proper exhaust cam timing control and may cause rough idle, poor performance, and increased emissions.
Common Causes
35%
Short to ground in the wiring between the ECM and exhaust VVT solenoid
30%
Internally shorted exhaust VVT solenoid coil on bank 2
20%
Corroded or water-damaged connector at the exhaust VVT solenoid
15%
ECM output driver fault pulling the circuit low
Diagnostic Steps
1
Disconnect the bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid and measure resistance across the solenoid terminals. A reading significantly below the 6.9–7.9 ohm spec indicates an internal short.
2
With the solenoid unplugged, check continuity between each harness wire and chassis ground. Continuity indicates a short to ground in the harness.
3
Carefully inspect the wiring where it routes near the exhaust manifold, as heat can melt insulation and create ground shorts on exhaust-side wiring.
4
Check the connector for water intrusion, corrosion, and pin damage. The exhaust-side location makes this connector more susceptible to heat and moisture damage.
5
If wiring and solenoid test good, swap the bank 1 and bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoids. If the fault moves, the solenoid is at fault. If it stays, the wiring or ECM is the issue.
Estimated Repair Cost
$120 - $500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected a low voltage or short-to-ground condition in the bank 2 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit. The signal wire to the exhaust VVT oil control valve is reading below the expected threshold. This prevents proper exhaust cam timing control and may cause rough idle, poor performan...
The most common cause of P0085 (Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 2)) is: Short to ground in the wiring between the ECM and exhaust VVT solenoid
Typical repair costs for P0085 range from $120 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to drive short distances. The exhaust VVT will default to a base timing position. Expect reduced fuel economy and increased emissions. Prolonged driving may affect catalytic converter health.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0085 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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