P1656 — Oil Control Valve (OCV) Circuit (Bank 1)
CAUTIONIs it safe to drive? Drive gently and get it looked at soon — it can worsen or fail inspection.
What P1656 means
This is a manufacturer-specific code — its meaning depends on the vehicle’s make (see below).
What P1656 means on specific makes
Toyota / Lexus / Scion CAUTION
Electrical fault in the VVT oil control valve circuit — the solenoid that meters oil to the cam phaser. Distinct from P1349 in that this flags the wiring/solenoid coil rather than the mechanical timing result.
- Failed OCV solenoid ($60-200)
- Open/short in OCV wiring or connector
- ECM driver fault (rare)
Check first: Measure OCV coil resistance and check the circuit for continuity to the ECM; replace the solenoid if out of spec.
Source: troublecodes.net/toyota, toyotaspace.com