Code
P0076
Generic
P — Powertrain
Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 1
Views:
UK: 20
EN: 22
RU: 45
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or high-resistance wiring in the solenoid control circuit
- Poor or corroded connector at the solenoid or PCM
- Faulty intake valve control solenoid (stuck open, internal short or open coil)
- Blown fuse or poor power supply to the solenoid
- Faulty PCM or damaged PCM driver (less common)
- Low engine oil level or very dirty oil preventing cam phaser operation (indirect cause)
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) / Check Engine Light illuminated
- Reduced engine performance, hesitation or lack of torque
- Rough idle or unstable idle speed
- Poor fuel economy
- Possible cam timing-related noise or reduced VVT operation
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame and any additional stored codes
- Visually inspect wiring and connectors at the intake valve control solenoid (Bank 1) and PCM
- Verify engine oil level and condition (dirty or low oil can affect VVT actuators)
- Check related fuses and power distribution for the solenoid circuit
- Measure resistance of the solenoid coil with connector disconnected
- Back-probe solenoid connector while commanding solenoid ON/OFF with a scan tool
Signal parameters
- Supply voltage to solenoid: battery voltage (approx. 12 V) with ignition ON
- Control signal: PCM typically switches ground or provides PWM to actuate; voltage will drop toward ground when commanded ON
- Typical solenoid coil resistance (generic): roughly 6–20 ohms depending on design — consult vehicle-specific data
- Expected current draw when energized: generally in the 0.5–2 A range (varies by design)
- When commanded ON with a good circuit: connector voltage should change as PCM switches (voltage to control pin will be near 0 V if PCM switches to ground)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify the code with a scan tool. Record freeze-frame data and note whether other camshaft/solenoid codes are present.
- Perform a visual inspection of the solenoid harness, connectors, and PCM connector for corrosion, damage or loose pins.
- Check engine oil level and condition; correct if low/contaminated and clear the code to retest if applicable.
- With ignition OFF, disconnect the solenoid connector and measure coil resistance between the solenoid terminals. Compare to vehicle spec. An open or very high resistance indicates a bad solenoid.
- With ignition ON (engine OFF), verify battery voltage is present at the solenoid power feed terminal (if circuit is fused). Repair any missing power feed or blown fuse.
- Back-probe the control terminal. Use a scan tool to command the intake valve control solenoid ON and OFF while observing voltage/current: when commanded ON the control pin should be pulled toward ground (or show PWM); if it stays at battery voltage, the PCM is not grounding or the control path is open.
- Check continuity and resistance between the solenoid control pin and the PCM control pin with connector(s) disconnected. Look for shorts to battery, ground, or other circuits. Repair any wiring faults.
- If wiring and solenoid test good but the circuit still reports low, consider bench-testing or replacing the solenoid. After replacement, clear codes and perform a drive cycle to verify.
- If solenoid and wiring are good and problem persists, test PCM driver output and grounds per manufacturer procedure or consult a qualified technician; replace PCM only after other causes are eliminated.
Likely causes
- Disconnected or corroded harness connector at the intake valve control solenoid
- Damaged insulation or chafed wire causing high resistance or open circuit
- Failed solenoid coil (open or internally shorted)
- Missing fuse or poor power feed to the solenoid circuit
- Control side wiring shorted to ground or high resistance in ground path
Fault status
Status
PCM detected low voltage/current in the Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit (Bank 1). VVT control may be disabled for that bank; inspect solenoid, wiring, power/fuse, and PCM driver.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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