P0080
Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High Bank 1
Fuel & air metering
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0080 means the engine computer detected an abnormally high voltage in the bank 1 exhaust valve control solenoid circuit — typically a short to voltage, an open, or a failed solenoid. This solenoid operates a variable exhaust/valve control feature, so the fault is electrical and usually affects performance rather than stopping the engine.
High
Can I keep driving? Usually drivable — the engine runs, though you may notice reduced performance or rougher running on engines that rely on the exhaust valve control.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced performance or rougher running on affected engines
- Slightly reduced fuel economy
- Often no obvious driving symptom beyond the light
Common causes
Most likely first
- Short to voltage or open in the exhaust valve control solenoid circuitLikely
- Failed exhaust valve control solenoidCommon
- Damaged, loose, or corroded connector at the solenoidCommon
- Chafed or pinched wiring pulling the signal highLess often
- Faulty engine control module (ECM) — rareLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and note any companion valve-control codes.
- Inspect the exhaust valve control solenoid connector and wiring for a short to voltage or damage.
- Measure the solenoid resistance and check its control and ground circuits against spec.
- Repair shorted or chafed wiring and clean corroded terminals.
- Replace the solenoid if it fails testing; consider the ECM last. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0080?+
Usually yes for short trips. The engine still runs, but performance may suffer on engines that use exhaust valve control, so repair it soon.
Can I just clear P0080?+
A circuit-high fault is electrical, so clearing it is temporary — it returns until the wiring, connector, or solenoid is fixed.
Related codes
Often seen with P0080
Read & clear P0080 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX