On my way home from my parents tonight my check engine light illuminated. When I got home I pulled the P0026 code with the following description:
"Check engine oil level, oil condition, oil grade, or proper oil filter"
"Intake valve control solenoid circuit range/performance bank 1"

I checked the oil, the level looks good, after driving 40 minutes it was right around the full mark. The color was a little dark, I planned on changing the oil soon anyway since I bought the car 3 weeks ago with no idea when the last time the oil was changed.

So my questions are, would it be possible for the issue to go away if I change the oil/filter and clean the solenoid? If I have to buy a new solenoid will I be okay driving it as is for at most 2 weeks since I may not have a chance to change solenoids?

Any tips, suggestions, or how to's would be greatly appreciated.

 

And this Volvo is a ?????????
You signature says you are currently driving a Kia, which is about as informative as us all guessing though I guess.
Even if it is an S40, there are different variants over the years, with different engines etc. So give us a clue

Martin

 

2009 S40 2.4l

 

Its either a low voltage situation, a gas vent (cap) problem, or the solenoid for the VVT.
On an earlier model its on the exhaust side, on yours its on the intake side.
It should be part number 36002687 for yours, but check it first.
If funds are real tight, you can try cleaning it first, but few have had success with that.
Depending on the miles on it, I'd be tempted to replace it anyways myself. AFTER checking the electrical system and the gas cap.
Even a basic check of the batteries voltage, and alternator output, will be better than nothing.

Martin

 

I just replaced the battery two days prior, so hopefully it's not that. I'll double check the connections on the solenoid. But with 126,xxx miles it's sounding like a bad solenoid.

I just ordered a new Volvo solenoid, but it won't be in till next Saturday, at which time I'll change out the oil and filter as well as the solenoid. At this point it won't hurt to replace it, still frustrating.

Any idea if it'll hurt anything by driving the car with the solenoid issue? Assuming it's a bad solenoid and not something else.

 

It's for the VVT, so it wont hurt anything but performance and economy. They wont put that much rate into it, to where a valve could hit a piston etc. Try to be easy on the throttle and it should be just fine.

Martin

 

Thanks Martin, I appreciate it.

 

No problem, Happy Holidays!