P0075 fault code: Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit

P0075 means “Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit” — a fuel and air metering fault in the powertrain.

Can I DIY?

Professional-only boundary. Do not power a cam solenoid or strip a valve cover; book diagnosis.

Do not DIYReviewed page boundary
ToolsSpecialist equipment

This is the conservative boundary from the reviewed code record. This page has no frozen site-wide safety grade, so it does not publish a repair route.

What to tell the garage about P0075

Do not drive. The solenoid that varies intake-valve timing or lift has an electrical circuit fault, so that actuator can freeze. Idle, torque and emissions then follow a default cam position instead of the map.

Take these reviewed, code-specific details with you. They help the garage confirm the fault without turning this page into a repair procedure.

  • Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit: Registration number
  • Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit: Exact code P0075 and any companion codes
  • Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit: Whether the engine management light is steady or flashing
  • Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit: Any start-up rattle from the cam cover and how long it lasted
P00xxFuel and air metering
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0075 mean?

P0075 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P00xx block, which covers fuel and air metering. The stored description is “Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0075 fail an MOT?

MOT fails a lit engine management light as Major. Intake-valve control solenoids are not a named MOT inspection heading.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe.
P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High P0005Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit/Open P0006Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit Low P0007Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit High P0008Engine Position System Performance

P0075 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0075?

Do not drive. P0075 has no verified driving guidance. Do not drive until checked. Variable intake timing is not a DIY cam job, and a circuit fault is not a reason to keep using the car with the lamp on.

Will P0075 fail my MOT?

MOT fails a lit engine management light as Major. Intake-valve control solenoids are not a named MOT inspection heading.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.