P2654

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

B Rocker Arm Actuator Control Circuit High Bank 1

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 20 EN: 31 RU: 28

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Page language: EN

Causes

Damaged or corroded connector at the rocker arm actuator (Bank 1, actuator B)
Broken, chafed, or shorted wiring in the actuator control harness
Short to battery voltage on the actuator control circuit
Open circuit in the actuator control wire (intermittent or full open)
Failed rocker arm actuator/solenoid (internal short or stuck)
Poor or missing PCM ground or power supply fault

Symptoms

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Reduced engine performance or limp mode
Rough idle or hesitation under load
Poor fuel economy
Possible trouble starting or misfires (depending on VVT function)
Codes related to cam timing or other rocker arm actuators may also be present

What to check

Read and record freeze frame and related DTCs with a scan tool
Visual inspection of the actuator, connector, and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, melting, or pin misalignment
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for PCM and VVT system
Backprobe the actuator connector with key ON (engine OFF) and measure voltage and ground reference
Inspect and test PCM ground and battery power supply circuits
Measure resistance of the rocker arm actuator/solenoid against manufacturer specification

Signal parameters

Typical system supply: nominal battery voltage (~12–14.5 V) for power circuits
Control driver: PCM-driven switching — expected control voltage should not be a continuous high voltage when commanded OFF (varies by design)
Actuator coil resistance: commonly in the low ohms to tens of ohms (consult vehicle spec)
Command duty cycle or on/off command: 0–100% depending on commanded operation — use OEM scan tool to view percent or actuator state

Diagnostic algorithm

Confirm the code and record freeze frame data and any additional codes (cam/crank/cylinder misfire codes).
Perform a visual inspection: connectors, wiring harness routing, heat or abrasion damage, and signs of corrosion at the actuator connector and PCM connectors.
With vehicle key ON (engine OFF) backprobe the actuator connector: measure voltage at the supply pin and control pin. Compare to battery voltage and expected behavior (supply present, control pin should show switching behaviour when commanded).
Use a scan tool to command the rocker arm actuator B (Bank 1) while monitoring the control circuit voltage. If the actuator does not respond but control driver shows switching, suspect the actuator or wiring to it.
Measure coil resistance of the actuator (disconnect connector) and compare to spec. An open or very high resistance suggests a failed actuator; very low resistance may indicate internal short.
Check continuity between the actuator control pin and PCM driver pin and check for short to battery or short to ground. Repair any wiring faults found.
Verify PCM power and ground circuits are good; check related fuses and grounds. Poor ground can cause erroneous high-voltage readings.
If wiring and actuator check good, test or substitute a known-good actuator (or swap with same function on the other bank if practical) to confirm. If swapped actuator works, original actuator is bad.
If harness and actuator are good but the control driver is nonfunctional, consider PCM diagnostics/repair or replacement only after confirming driver failure and checking for software updates or manufacturer guidance.
After repairs, clear codes and road test to verify the fault does not return.

Likely causes

Connector corrosion or contamination at the actuator
Wiring chafe causing short to battery or open conductor
Failed rocker arm actuator/solenoid
Blown/poor ground or fused power circuit related to actuator
Faulty PCM output driver

Fault status

⚠️ Status

P2654 — Rocker Arm Actuator Control Circuit High (Bank 1, Actuator B). The control circuit voltage is higher than expected, indicating an open, short to battery, failed actuator, poor supply/ground, or PCM driver fault.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours