Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)
The P0087 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $80 - $450 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Poor idle quality
- Reduced fuel economy
- Increased tailpipe emissions
Not sure this code matches what your car is doing? Try the guided checker: Cranks but won’t start →
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Open circuit in Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid wiring Very High
- Burned out Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid High
- Loose or corroded connector Moderate
- PCM driver circuit open Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Measure Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid resistance. Infinite ohms confirms open coil.
-
Inspect connector for loose fit, corrosion, or backed-out pins.
-
Test wiring continuity from PCM to solenoid. Repair any opens found.
-
Replace solenoid if wiring is intact and solenoid reads open.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0087 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2011-2020 Ford F-150/Explorer 3.5L EcoBoost moderate DIY
Low fuel rail pressure on EcoBoost engines is most commonly caused by a failing high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) mounted on top of the engine and driven by the camshaft. Before replacing the pump, check the low-pressure fuel system -- a weak in-tank pump can't supply enough fuel to the HPFP. Check fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. Low-side pressure should be 55-65 PSI at idle. Ford TSB 14-0130 covers fuel pump cam follower wear on early EcoBoost engines.
Labor: 2-3 hours2010-2019 GM Silverado/Sierra/Camaro GDI (5.3L/6.2L) moderate DIY
GM GDI engines rely on a camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. P0087 typically means the pump can't maintain pressure under load. Check the HPFP cam lobe for wear first -- GM has had issues with the HPFP cam lobe wearing flat on some 5.3L and 6.2L engines. Also inspect the fuel pressure sensor on the fuel rail for a cracked seal. If low-side fuel pressure is normal (58+ PSI), the HPFP is the likely cause.
Labor: 2-3 hours2006-2016 BMW 3-Series/5-Series/X3 (N54/N55) moderate DIY
The BMW N54 and N55 high-pressure fuel pumps are infamous for failure, especially on early N54 engines. BMW extended the warranty on the HPFP to 10 years/120K miles on some models -- check with your dealer first. Symptoms include long cranking, hesitation under boost, and P0087. The pump is on top of the engine and driven by a dedicated cam lobe. Always replace the pump with the updated revision.
Labor: 1-2 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
What does circuit high mean on P0087?
It means the PCM detects an open circuit to the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid. No current can flow, so exhaust valve timing cannot be controlled.
Can the solenoid burn out from heat?
Yes, the exhaust VVT solenoid on Bank 2 is particularly vulnerable to heat damage because of its proximity to exhaust components. The coil can fail open over time.
Will this code affect passing smog?
Yes, the Check Engine Light alone will fail a smog test. Additionally, the loss of exhaust VVT control can increase NOx and HC emissions.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0087 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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