Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The exhaust valve control circuit for cylinder 11 is experiencing low 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 P3487, along with related codes P3485, P3486, and P3488, are associated with the exhaust valve control circuit for cylinder 11.
The purpose of the cylinder 11 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 code specifically pertains to cylinder 11, while the other three cylinders involved in this process are determined by the engine configuration and firing order. The variable valve timing solenoid for cylinder 11 is located near the exhaust manifold, specific to the vehicle’s configuration.
When the ECM detects low voltage or resistance in the cylinder 11 exhaust valve control circuit, code P3487 is set and the check engine light or service engine soon light, or both, may illuminate. In some cases, the ECM may disable the injector to cylinder 11, resulting in a noticeable engine misfire, until the issue is resolved and the code is cleared.
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 P3487 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P3487 code may include:
What are some P3487 troubleshooting steps?
The first step in troubleshooting any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) specific to the vehicle’s 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 11 exhaust valve control circuit for any visible physical damage. 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 wiring associated with these components, looking 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 vehicle’s specific technical data to verify the configuration and identify every component involved in the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps are highly vehicle-specific and require advanced equipment for accurate execution. These procedures typically involve using a digital multimeter and referencing the vehicle’s specific technical data. 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 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 it 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.
