P0026Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- A solenoid valve routes engine oil to a valve control element on the intake side of bank 1. Depending on the manufacturer this is a valve lift changeover or a camshaft phaser. P0026 is a plausibility fault: the electrical control is in order, but the expected effect does not occur or comes too late. The control module recognises this from feedback such as an oil pressure switch or the camshaft sensor. Pure circuit faults of the same solenoid have their own codes. The engine usually remains drivable, but with less power and higher consumption.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Loss of power, no extra pull at higher engine speed
- Higher fuel consumption
- Rough idle possible if a phaser is affected
- Likely causes
- LikelyOil level too low, wrong viscosity or sludged oil
- LikelyFeedback oil pressure switch faulty or leaking (systems with switch)
- PossibleScreen in front of the solenoid clogged, or solenoid sticking
- PossibleMechanical fault in the valve train, e.g. locking pin or phaser sticking
- RareContact resistance in wiring or connector
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €50 – €2,500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.