Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit (Bank 2)
The P0081 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit (Bank 2). This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $150 - $900 (external solenoid or wiring at the low end; internal transmission solenoid work at the high end)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Transmission may enter limp mode (often locked in one gear)
- Symptoms can vary with fluid temperature
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Failed Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High
- Low or contaminated transmission fluid - the cheapest thing to rule out first High
- Wiring or connector fault at the transmission case connector Moderate
- Valve body wear or debris holding the solenoid circuit off-spec Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0081 mean?
P0081 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012 as "Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit (Bank 2)". It means the control module detected a fault in this circuit
Can I keep driving with P0081?
Short trips only. This fault can worsen or put the system into a protective mode without much warning, so have it diagnosed promptly.
Does P0081 mean the same thing on every car?
Yes. P0081 is in the generic (SAE J2012) range, so the definition is standardized across manufacturers. The specific component location and repair procedure still vary by vehicle - check your service information.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Check transmission fluid level and condition first - burnt or low fluid causes solenoid codes and is cheap to fix.
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Command the Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit with a capable scan tool and watch for a response.
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Measure solenoid resistance at the case connector against the service-manual spec.
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Inspect the external harness and case connector for damage and fluid intrusion.
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If electrical tests pass, the fault is internal - valve body or solenoid pack service.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- All OBD-II vehicles - this is a generic (SAE J2012) code with the same meaning across makes
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