P0076

Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low Bank 1

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0076?

Short trips are usually fine, but rough running and stuck valve timing hurt performance and economy, so don't put off the repair.

Q: Can I just clear P0076?

The code comes back until the solenoid, wiring, or oil condition is corrected.

Variable valve timing Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0076 means the control circuit for the Bank 1 intake valve control solenoid is reading low — typically a short to ground or open in the wiring, or a failed solenoid. This solenoid is part of the variable valve timing system and uses oil pressure to adjust intake cam timing. When it can't be controlled, timing stays fixed, which can cause rough idle and reduced power. Clean oil at proper level is essential for the system to work.

High

Can I keep driving? The car usually drives, but you may feel rough idle or weaker power; valve timing that's stuck isn't ideal for long, so address it soon.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

193

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Rough idle
Reduced power or sluggish acceleration
Slightly poorer fuel economy

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty intake valve control (VVT oil-control) solenoid on Bank 1Likely
Short-to-ground or open in the solenoid control wiring (reads low)Common
Loose or corroded connector at the solenoidCommon
Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT systemLess often
Failed ECM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Confirm the code and check engine oil level and condition — VVT needs clean oil at pressure.
Inspect the solenoid connector and wiring for shorts or opens.
Measure the solenoid resistance against spec.
Replace the intake valve control solenoid if it's faulty.
Repair wiring, clear the code, and retest.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0076?+

Short trips are usually fine, but rough running and stuck valve timing hurt performance and economy, so don't put off the repair.

Can I just clear P0076?+

The code comes back until the solenoid, wiring, or oil condition is corrected.

Read & clear P0076 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX