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Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The exhaust valve control circuit for cylinder 3 is experiencing high voltage.
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that can apply to various OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer), including but not limited to Dodge, Peugeot, Jeep, Chevrolet, and Chrysler. The exact repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and engine configuration.
OBD-II trouble code P3424, along with related codes P3421, P3422, and P3423, are associated with the exhaust valve control circuit for cylinder 3.
The purpose of the cylinder 3 exhaust valve control circuit is to deactivate the exhaust valve in order to improve fuel economy during light load operation at idle or on the highway. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the engine’s cylinder deactivation feature, deactivating four of the engine cylinders. This is achieved through variable valve timing solenoids that turn the exhaust valves on and off as needed. The specific configuration and firing order of the cylinders determine which cylinders are involved in this process. The number 3 cylinder’s variable valve timing solenoid is located near the exhaust manifold in the vicinity of that cylinder, based on the specific configuration and vehicle.
When the ECM detects voltage or resistance that is too high outside the normal expected range within the cylinder 3 exhaust valve control circuit, it sets code P3424 and may illuminate the check engine light, service engine soon light, or both. In some cases, the ECM may disable the injector to the number 3 cylinder until the issue is resolved and the code is cleared, resulting in a noticeable engine misfire.
Cylinder Deactivation Solenoids:
What is the severity of this DTC?
The severity of this code can range from moderate to severe, depending on the specific symptoms of the malfunction. A misfire should be addressed immediately to prevent permanent damage to internal engine components.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P3424 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P3424 code may include:
What are some P3424 troubleshooting steps?
The first step in troubleshooting any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle based on the year, model, and engine. This can save time and money by providing a known fix for a known issue.
The second step is to check the engine oil level and ensure it is at the appropriate level. Then, inspect all components associated with the cylinder 3 exhaust valve control circuit for any visible physical damage. Depending on the specific vehicle, this circuit may include several components such as the variable valve timing solenoid, switches, fault indicators, and the ECM. Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the associated wiring for any obvious defects like scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Next, check the connectors and connections for security, corrosion, and damaged pins. Consult the specific technical data for the vehicle to determine the configuration and identify every component involved in the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps are highly specific to the vehicle and require advanced equipment for accurate execution. These procedures typically involve using a digital multimeter and referencing the specific technical data for the vehicle. In this situation, an oil pressure gauge may also be useful to confirm if there is an oil passage restriction.
Voltage Checks
The reference voltage and acceptable ranges may vary depending on the specific vehicle and circuit configuration. The specific technical data will provide troubleshooting charts and the appropriate sequence to follow for an accurate diagnosis.
If this process reveals a lack of power source or ground, continuity testing may be necessary to check the integrity of the wiring, connectors, and other components. Continuity tests should always be performed with the power removed from the circuit, and normal readings for wiring and connections should show 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or lack of continuity indicates faulty wiring that is open, shorted, or corroded and must be repaired or replaced.
What are some common repairs for this code?
Common Mistake
We always recommend seeking professional mechanical service to resolve this issue. However, if that is not possible, we offer the option to permanently delete this specific DTC. All other codes will continue to be addressed. If you are interested in this option, please upload your ECU file to our portal.
