AutoCodes – Generic – P0081

P0081 Code - Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2

Quick Answer

Intake valve timing control solenoid valve is activated by ON/OFF pulse duty (ratio) signals from the Engine Control Module (ECM). Common causes include Faulty Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve, Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0081 indicates Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve, Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 16,089

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 17, 2021

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0081 Description

Intake valve timing control solenoid valve is activated by ON/OFF pulse duty (ratio) signals from the Engine Control Module (ECM).
The intake valve timing control solenoid valve changes the oil amount and direction of flow through intake valve timing control unit or stops oil flow.
The longer pulse width advances valve angle. The shorter pulse width retards valve angle. When ON and OFF pulse widths become equal, the solenoid valve stops oil pressure flow to fix the intake valve angle at the control position.

OBDII Code P0081 - Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0081 Code - Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0081?

Faulty Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve
Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted
Intake Valve Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0081?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0081 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0081 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0081 Infiniti — Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2
P0081 KIA — Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2
P0081 Nissan — Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Bank 2

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.