Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Performance Issue in Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit
What does that signify?
This is a standard diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for powertrain and is applicable to various OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). This includes vehicles from General Motors, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ram, etc. Although it is a generic code, the repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and powertrain configuration.
OBD-II trouble code P3474 and related codes P3473, P3475, and P3476 are associated with the cylinder #10 deactivation/intake valve control circuit.
The purpose of the cylinder 10 deactivation/intake valve control circuit is to enable the cylinder deactivation feature (e.g. V4 mode of a V8 engine) to enhance fuel economy during light load operation such as highway driving. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the 4 or 8 cylinder modes of the engine by engaging the intake deactivating solenoids for four of the engine cylinders. This code pertains to the number 10 cylinder, and the other three cylinders in this process are determined by the engine configuration and the firing order of the cylinders. The number one cylinder deactivation solenoid is mounted on or near the intake in the vicinity of that cylinder based on the specific vehicle and the configuration.
When the ECM detects a performance problem within the voltage or resistance in the cylinder 10 deactivation/intake valve control circuit, code P3474 will be set and the check engine light, service engine soon light, or both may be illuminated. In some cases, the ECM may disable the injector to the #10 cylinder until the issue is resolved and the code has been cleared, resulting in a noticeable engine misfire.
Cylinder deactivation solenoids:
What is the severity of this DTC?
The severity of this code can vary greatly from moderate to severe depending on the specific symptoms of the malfunction. A misfire requires immediate attention because it can cause permanent damage to internal engine components.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P3474 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P3474 code may include:
What are some P3474 troubleshooting steps?
The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and engine. In some cases, this can save a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.
The second step is to check the condition of the engine oil and confirm it is serviced to the appropriate level. Then locate all components associated with the cylinder 10 deactivation intake valve control circuit and look for obvious physical damage. Based on the specific vehicle, this circuit may incorporate several components including the deactivation solenoid, switches, fault indicators, and the ECM. Perform a thorough visual inspection to check the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Next, check the connectors and connections for security, corrosion, and damaged pins. This process must include all wiring connectors and connections to all components including the ECM. Consult the specific tech data for the vehicle to verify the configuration of the cylinder 10 deactivation/intake valve control circuit and confirm every component incorporated within the circuit which may include a fuse or a fuse-able link.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps become very vehicle specific and require the appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multi meter and the specific technical references for the vehicle.
Voltage Checks
The reference voltage and the acceptable ranges may vary based on the specific vehicle and the circuit configuration. Specific technical data will include troubleshooting charts and the appropriate sequence to follow assisting you with an accurate diagnosis.
If this process identifies the absence of a power source or ground, continuity testing may be required 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 the normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or no continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that is open, shorted, or corroded and must be repaired or replaced.
What are some common repairs for this code?
Common Mistake
Hopefully, the information in this article has been helpful to point you in the right direction to correct the problem with your cylinder 10 deactivation/intake valve control circuit fault code. This article is strictly informational and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.
