P3016moderate severityPowertrain
Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Intermittent Bank 1
on 2003 Audi A8 4.2L V8 · AWD
What this code means
The exhaust valve control solenoid on Bank 1 has an intermittent electrical connection.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light intermittent
- Occasional rough idle
- Sporadic emissions increase
- Variable idle quality
- Check Engine Light clears and returns
Common causes
- Loose solenoid connector
- Wiring intermittent near exhaust
- Solenoid failing under heat
- Connector corrosion
- Vibration-related wire break
Diagnostic steps
- Monitor exhaust VVT data for dropouts
- Wiggle test on solenoid connector
- Inspect wiring near exhaust manifold
- Test solenoid hot and cold
- Check connector integrity
Repair notes
Replace exhaust VVT solenoid or repair intermittent wiring.
🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Bluetooth code reader (~$25)
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE →
Pairs with your phone — reads and clears codes, live data.
Serious DIY (~$100)
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
Shop-grade tablet (~$300+)
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle
00532
Supply Voltage B+ Signal too Low
16394
Camshaft/Crankshaft Position Correlation Bank 1
16395
Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
16486
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
16487
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
16500
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction
16501
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input
16502
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input
16514
O2 Sensor Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1
16515
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1