What Codes Will This Page Cover?
On this page, you’ll learn more about the following codes:
- P3401 Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
- P3402 Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Performance
- P3403 Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3404 Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High
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What Is the P3401 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P3401, P3402, P3403, and P3404 codes all have to do with an issue with Cylinder 1 in your engine. In some modern engines, you’ll find a cylinder deactivation system, where your powertrain control module (PCM) can disable certain cylinders to improve fuel economy in low-power situations, disabling valves to prevent combustion. However, these codes all indicate that the control circuit the PCM uses to activate or deactivate the cylinder is malfunctioning. The different codes provide more information about how the malfunction is occurring.
What Are the Symptoms of a P3401 Code?
The symptoms of the P3401, P3402, P3403, and P3404 codes are rarely extremely disabling, especially if experienced on their own. Most commonly, you’ll see the check engine light turn on, and in some cases, this may be the only sign. Because this process reduces engine power in exchange for lowered fuel consumption, you may also see a decreased engine performance, increased fuel consumption, or both. In many vehicles, this fault will cause the engine to default back to an eight-cylinder operation, but turn off the fuel injector for the faulty cylinder.
What Are Some Causes of a P3401 Code?
Low engine oil level is a very common cause of the P3401, P3402, P3403, and P3404 codes; the vehicle uses oil pressure to handle the hydraulic valve lifters that activate and deactivate the cylinders in question. If the oil level is too low, the vehicle won’t be able to maintain enough pressure to activate and deactivate the cylinders in response to the PCM’s request, which will trigger this code. Other possible causes include an issue with the cylinder displacement solenoid or general wiring issues.
How Serious Is the P3401 Code?
The P3401, P3402, P3403, and P3404 codes should be treated as fairly serious. While they may not result in severe drivability concerns, it can impact engine performance. Additionally, it’s likely to cut down on your fuel economy, which means you’re spending more money in general to drive your car. When you fix this problem, you may actually end up saving yourself money, despite the fact that you’re spending money on the repairs.
Can I Still Drive with a P3401 Code?
You can usually drive with the P3401, P3402, P3403, and P3404 codes active, and in many cases, people end up driving with these codes active for some time without realizing it. The biggest issue that often plagues people who continue to drive their vehicles with these codes active is a lowered fuel economy. You never want to be spending more than you need to on fuel, which is a good reason to fix this problem as soon as possible.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P3401 Code?
It often depends on the underlying cause. If the problem is a low engine oil level, for example, you may be able to fix the issue yourself by topping up the oil. However, if there’s a deeper issue, such as if the oil level is low because of a leak or if the problem is actually a wiring or solenoid concern, it can be much more difficult to determine the underlying cause and fix it. Some fixes related to this code are at a DIY level, but if you’re not confident in determining the problem yourself, it’s definitely a good idea to talk to an expert.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P3401 Code?
The overall inspection for the P3401, P3402, P3403, and P3404 codes may include looking at the fault code and freeze frame data, clearing the codes, performing a test drive to make sure the codes come back, and inspecting various components within your engine to make sure they’re functioning correctly, such as the cylinder #1 intake deactivation solenoid and the solenoid wiring connections. If you don’t feel confident in running through all of these, definitely talk to an expert so that you can get help fixing the problem without having to run through the issue yourself.
Need Additional Help with Your P3401 Code?
Many people end up requesting help with the P3401, P3402, P3403, and P3404 codes; especially if the problem doesn’t lie with a low engine oil level, it can be quite difficult to fix the problem as a DIYer. The good news is that an expert will be able to identify the problem and provide a permanent solution quite easily.
First of all, you should find an auto repair shop in your area. Local auto repair shops will help you fix the problem quickly and easily, without having to worry about going especially out of your way to find assistance for your issue.
Additionally, many people like to know what error codes are present in their vehicle before they take it in to an expert, as it can give you a better idea of what might be happening and what repairs may be necessary. The OBD-II database at KBB.com will give you more information about each of these error codes, so you’re never taken by surprise when you go to an expert.
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