P3404 moderate

Cylinder 4 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Open

What does P3404 mean?

The P3404 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Cylinder 4 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Open. This is a moderate severity code.

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Rough idle during cylinder deactivation
  • Engine vibration
  • Ticking from cylinder 4 area
  • Poor fuel economy

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Failed cylinder 4 deactivation solenoid Very High
  • Open circuit in cylinder 4 solenoid wiring High
  • Corroded solenoid connector Moderate
  • ECM driver fault for cylinder 4 Moderate
  • Low oil pressure to the solenoid Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Test cylinder 4 deactivation solenoid resistance

  2. Inspect wiring and connector for opens or corrosion

  3. Verify power and ground at the connector

  4. Check engine oil level and condition

  5. Replace solenoid if internal coil has failed

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cylinders use deactivation?

On GM V8 engines with AFM, cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 are typically deactivated. On Chrysler V8 MDS engines, cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 or 2, 3, 5, and 8 may be deactivated depending on the design.

Can I tell which cylinder is affected without a scan tool?

It is difficult to identify the specific cylinder without a scan tool. The code number directly corresponds to the cylinder number with the fault.

Will a failed solenoid cause a misfire code?

It can. If the solenoid fails to properly control the valve, the affected cylinder may not fire correctly, which can trigger a misfire code like P0304 for cylinder 4.

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