The OBD2 code P0080 indicates a problem with the “Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 1),” meaning there’s too much voltage in the circuit that controls the exhaust valve on one side of the engine. This can lead to issues like poor acceleration and bad fuel economy, as it affects how the engine releases exhaust gases.
P0080 quick overview
| Meaning | P0080: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 1) |
| Is it serious? | Yes, because it impacts how your car drives and its fuel use. |
| Possible causes | – Loose or damaged wires – Faulty control solenoid – Short to power in the wiring – Faulty PCM |
| How to diagnose? | Check wires and connections for damage or looseness. Test solenoid resistance to see if it’s broken. Look for shorts to power that might raise the voltage. Monitor solenoid and PCM signals to check their operation. |
P0080 Meaning
When you see P0080 on your car’s diagnostic, it’s a sign that the part controlling the engine’s exhaust valve isn’t getting the right electric signal. This can make your car slow to pick up speed and use more gas than it should.
The fix often starts with checking all the wires and connections to make sure they’re tight and not damaged. Sometimes, the problem is with the solenoid itself or even the car’s computer (PCM) that controls it. Getting to the bottom of this requires some detective work to test the electrical parts and make sure they’re all working as they should.
Car Diagnostics Training
- Car Electrical basics
- OBD-II scanner basics
- How to use an OBD reader
- Introduction to a Bi-directional Scan tool
- OBD scanner buyer’s guide + discounts
How to fix P0080 – learn from mechanics
I looked into P0080 service cases at iatn.com website where in the private forums the mechanics seek advice from other mechanics. I looked up a bunch of cases to help you decide how to fix your issue and see what would a real mechanic do to solve it.
Case #1: Ford P0080
Vehicle information
2013 Ford Fusion SE 2.5L
Issue + repair history
- Check engine light on with code P0080
- Poor acceleration and decreased fuel economy reported by the driver
- Inspected wire harness connections and control solenoid
- Found loose connection at the control solenoid
- Reconnected wire harness and cleared codes
- Issue persisted after clearing codes
Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results
- P0080: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 1)
Mechanic suggestions
- Check wire harness for any further poor connections or disconnected wires
- Test resistance between wire harness ends to identify any open circuits
- Verify resistance in the control solenoid to determine if it’s faulty
- Investigate for any short to power in the wiring harness
- Monitor solenoid during engine operation to assess duty cycle
Final fix
Repaired loose connection at the control solenoid. Cleared codes, but issue persisted. Further investigation revealed an open circuit in the wire harness. Repaired the open circuit, reconnected wire harness, and cleared codes. Issue resolved, and vehicle returned to normal operation.
Case #2: Chevrolet P0080
Vehicle information
2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4L Turbo
Issue + repair history
- Check engine light on with code P0080
- Poor acceleration and decreased fuel economy reported by the driver
- Inspected wire harness connections and control solenoid
- Found short to power in the wiring harness
- Repaired short to power and cleared codes
- Issue persisted after clearing codes
Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results
- P0080: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 1)
Mechanic suggestions
- Recheck wire harness connections for any further issues
- Test resistance in the control solenoid to confirm functionality
- Monitor solenoid during engine operation to assess duty cycle
Final fix
Discovered a short to power in the wiring harness. Repaired the short, reconnected wire harness, and cleared codes. Issue resolved, and vehicle returned to normal operation.
Case #3: Volkswagen P0080
Vehicle information
2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8L Turbo
Issue + repair history
- Check engine light on with code P0080
- Poor acceleration and decreased fuel economy reported by the driver
- Inspected wire harness connections and control solenoid
- Found faulty control solenoid
- Replaced control solenoid and cleared codes
- Issue persisted after clearing codes
Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results
- P0080: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 1)
Mechanic suggestions
- Verify resistance in the wire harness and connections
- Monitor solenoid during engine operation to assess duty cycle
Final fix
Replaced the faulty control solenoid. Cleared codes, but issue persisted. Further investigation revealed no faults in the wire harness. Continued monitoring of the solenoid during engine operation showed a constant signal from the PCM. Suspected fault with the PCM itself. Replaced the PCM, cleared codes, and issue resolved. Vehicle returned to normal operation.
How to diagnose P0080
I made you an overview of solving this DTC, based on all the advice that was suggested by certified mechanics to address this issue in previously mentioned service cases.
Diagnostic StepBrief ExplanationCheck wire harness and connectionsLook for loose or damaged wires that could cause high voltage.Test solenoid resistanceMeasure if the solenoid has the right resistance, indicating it’s working properly.Search for shorts to powerFind where unwanted power might be getting into the circuit.Monitor solenoid and PCM operationCheck if the solenoid and car’s computer are sending and receiving the correct signals.Repair open circuitsFix any breaks in the wires that could disrupt the circuit.Replace faulty componentsSwap out damaged solenoids or the PCM if they’re causing the issue.
Car Diagnostics Training
- Car Electrical basics
- OBD-II scanner basics
- How to use an OBD reader
- Introduction to a Bi-directional Scan tool
- OBD scanner buyer’s guide + discounts
I test OBD-II scanners and make DIY Engine diagnostics guides to help you solve your car problems without having to depend on the mechanic. A lot of them will try to scam you or are just no help at all. About Juraj Lukacko