P0076 - Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1)
System
Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)
Technical Description
The control module has detected a fault in the Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1) (P0076). The signal is below the lower threshold, typically from a short to ground or an internally shorted sensor. Affects cylinder bank 1 (bank 1 containing cylinder 1, firewall/right side).
Multimeter Test Points & Nominal Values
| Test Point / Component | Measurement | Nominal Target Range | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1) – Coil Resistance | Resistance (Ω) | 20 - 120 Ω (relay) / 8 - 40 Ω (solenoid) | Device disconnected at 20°C |
| Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1) – Supply Voltage | Voltage (V) | 11.8 - 14.4 V | Ignition ON, high side of load |
| Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1) – Control (Low Side) Rest / Active | Voltage (V) | Rest ≈ battery voltage / Active < 1.0 V | Module commanding device ON/OFF |
Device disconnected at 20°C
Ignition ON, high side of load
Module commanding device ON/OFF
Oscilloscope Waveform Analysis
5 ms/div, 50 V/divPossible Causes
Short to ground on the signal wire or an internal short circuit within Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1)
Bank 1 specific:Inspect wiring harness to cylinder bank 1 (firewall/right bank, exposed to exhaust manifold heat).
Chafed or pinched wiring harness along the signal path to Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1)
Internal mechanical wear or carbon deposits inside Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1)
Defective internal output driver or reference circuit in the control module for Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1)
Symptoms
4
Recommended Solution
Cross-swap the component on Bank 1 with Bank 2 to rule out mechanical oil passages and internal timing wear.
Measure signal wire resistance to chassis ground with connector unplugged (must exceed 10 kΩ; low reading confirms short to ground).
Verify loaded supply voltage and harness terminal pins at Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1).
Check circuit continuity and ground-side voltage drop (< 0.05 V) for Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1).
Command device via scan-tool bidirectional control to verify mechanical operation and flyback spike.
Mechanic's Tip
When an inductive relay/solenoid turns off, an inductive flyback spike (60 - 300 V) MUST appear on the scope. Absence of the spike indicates an open coil winding or an open module driver.