P0026: Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance — Bank 1
What to do
Usually driveable, with reduced power and economy. Oil condition is again the first thing worth checking.
What this code means
The solenoid controlling variable intake valve lift or duration on bank 1 is not performing as commanded. This is distinct from the camshaft phaser codes above: phasers rotate the camshaft relative to the crank, while valve control systems change how far or how long the valves open. Engines carrying both will have separate codes for each, and confusing the two sends the diagnosis to the wrong part of the cylinder head.
Likely causes
Start here
- Failed valve control solenoid · moderate
- Low or dirty engine oil · easy
- Clogged camshaft solenoid oil screen · easy
Less common
- Corroded or loose connector · easy
- Collapsed or stuck valve lifter · specialist
Rare
- Control module driver failure · specialist
Symptoms
Components involved
Information, not instruction
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Have anything you intend to act on checked by a trained person against the manufacturer's own procedure for your vehicle. Nothing here replaces that procedure.
Community experience
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What makes one worth reading:
- The car — make, model, year and engine. The same fault behaves differently on each.
- What you measured, not only what you replaced.
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