AutoCodes – Dodge – P3497 Dodge

P3497 Dodge Code - Multiple Displacement System Rationality Bank 2

Quick Answer

To provide maximum fuel economy under light load driving conditions, the Engine Control Module (ECM) will command the cylinder deactivation system ON to deactivate engine cylinders 1 and 7 on the left bank, and cylinders 4 and 6 on the right bank, switching to a V4 mode. Common causes include Low oil pressure, Restricted oil passage, Engine mechanical condition. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P3497 Dodge indicates Multiple Displacement System Rationality Bank 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Low oil pressure, Restricted oil passage, Engine mechanical condition.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 43,661
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 29, 2020
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Code P3497 Dodge Description

To provide maximum fuel economy under light load driving conditions, the Engine Control Module (ECM) will command the cylinder deactivation system ON to deactivate engine cylinders 1 and 7 on the left bank, and cylinders 4 and 6 on the right bank, switching to a V4 mode. The engine will operate on 8 cylinders, or V8 mode, during engine starting, engine idling, and medium to heavy throttle applications.
When commanded ON, the ECM will determine what cylinder is firing, and begin deactivation on the next closest deactivated cylinder in firing order sequence. The Gen IV engine has a firing order of 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. If cylinder number 1 is on its combustion event when cylinder deactivation is commanded ON, the next cylinder in the firing order sequence that can be deactivated is cylinder number 7. If cylinder number 5 is on its combustion event when cylinder deactivation is commanded ON, then the next cylinder in the firing order sequence that can be deactivated is cylinder number 4.
Cylinder deactivation is accomplished by not allowing the intake and exhaust valves to open on the selected cylinders by using special valve lifters. The deactivation lifters contain spring loaded locking pins that connect the internal pin housing of the lifter to the outer housing. The pin housing contains the lifter plunger and pushrod seat which interfaces with the pushrod. The outer housing contacts the camshaft lobe through a roller. During V8 mode, the locking pins are pushed outward by spring force, locking the pin housing and outer housing together causing the lifter to function as a normal lifter. When V4 mode is commanded ON, the locking pins are pushed inward with engine oil pressure directed from the valve lifter oil manifold (VLOM) assembly solenoids. When the lifter pin housing is unlocked from the outer housing, the internal pin housing will remain stationary, while the outer housing will move with the profile of the camshaft lobe, which results in the valve remaining closed. One VLOM solenoid controls both the intake and exhaust valves for each deactivating cylinder. There are 2 distinct oil passages going to each cylinder deactivation lifter bore, one for the hydraulic lash-adjusting feature of the lifter, and one for controlling the locking pins used for cylinder deactivation.
Although both intake and exhaust valve lifters are controlled by the same solenoid in the VLOM, the intake and exhaust valves do not become deactivated at the same time. Cylinder deactivation is timed so that the cylinder is on an intake event. During an intake event, the intake cam lobe is pushing the valve lifter upwards to open the intake valve against the force of the valve spring. The force exerted by the valve spring is acting on the side of the lifter locking pins, preventing them from moving until the intake valve has closed. When the intake valve lifter reaches the base circle of the camshaft lobe, the valve spring force is reduced, allowing the locking pins to move, deactivating the intake valve. However, when cylinder deactivation is commanded ON, the exhaust valve for the deactivated cylinder is in the closed position, allowing the locking pins on the valve lifter to move immediately, and deactivate the exhaust valve.
By deactivating the exhaust valve first, this allows the capture of a burnt air/fuel charge or exhaust gas charge in the combustion chamber. The capture of exhaust gases in the combustion chamber will contribute to a reduction in oil consumption, noise and vibration levels, and exhaust emissions when operating in V4 mode. During the transition from V8 to V4 mode, the fuel injectors will be turned OFF on the deactivated cylinders. The ignition system secondary voltage or spark is still present across the spark plug electrodes on the deactivated cylinders. If all enabling conditions are met and maintained for cylinder deactivation operation, the ECM calibrations will limit cylinder deactivation to a cycle time of 10 minutes in V4 mode, and then return to V8 mode for 1 minute.
Switching between V8 and V4 mode is accomplished in less than 250 milliseconds, making the transitions seamless and transparent to the vehicle operator. The 250 milliseconds includes the time for the ECM to sequence the transitions, the response time for the VLOM solenoids to energize, and the time for the valve lifters to deactivate, all within 2 revolutions of the engine crankshaft.
OBDII Code P3497 Dodge - Multiple Displacement System Rationality Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com
P3497 Dodge Code - Multiple Displacement System Rationality Bank 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P3497 Dodge?

  • Low oil pressure
  • Restricted oil passage
  • Engine mechanical condition
  • Multiple Displacement System (MDS) Solenoid fault

How to Fix the DTC P3497 Dodge?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P3497 Dodge code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P3497 Dodge code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P3497 Dodge Code

1. What is the common symptom associated with OBDII code P3497 in a Dodge, known as Multiple Displacement System Rationality Bank 2?

The common symptom is the illumination of the Check Engine Light on the dashboard.

2. What are the typical causes of OBDII code P3497 in a Dodge?

Common causes include issues with the Multiple Displacement System (MDS), faulty solenoid control, electrical problems, or engine oil issues.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P3497 in my Dodge?

Diagnosing involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific code, checking for any other related codes, inspecting the MDS system, and testing the solenoid control circuit.

4. Can I continue to drive my Dodge with the OBDII code P3497 illuminated?

It is generally not recommended to continue driving with the code illuminated, as it can lead to reduced engine performance and potential long-term damage.

5. What are the repair options for OBDII code P3497 in a Dodge?

Repair options may include replacing the faulty solenoid, addressing any electrical issues, checking and changing the engine oil, or seeking assistance from a professional mechanic.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P3497 in a Dodge without repairing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the code temporarily, it is likely to reappear if the root cause is not addressed. It is best to diagnose and repair the problem to prevent further issues.

7. How urgent is it to address the OBDII code P3497 in a Dodge?

It is advisable to address the code promptly to prevent potential engine damage or decreased fuel efficiency. Ignoring the issue can lead to more severe problems over time.

8. Will driving with the OBDII code P3497 affect fuel economy in my Dodge?

Yes, driving with this code can potentially lead to reduced fuel economy due to the engine not operating at optimal efficiency with the MDS system affected.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast repair the OBDII code P3497 issue in a Dodge?

Depending on the skill level and access to tools, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address simpler causes like checking and replacing the solenoid. However, complex issues may require professional assistance.

10. How can I prevent the recurrence of OBDII code P3497 in my Dodge?

Regular maintenance, such as changing the engine oil as recommended, monitoring the MDS system, and promptly addressing any warning lights, can help prevent the code from reappearing.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P3497 Dodge OBDII Code

  • Code came up multiple times, even after $1600 in repairs which included replacement of all selenoids, ECM and PCM, dead head oil pressure was tested and it still has low oil pressure, mechanic did all this work, tore the engine down 3 times and cleaned out engine and oil with new OEM 5w 20.
    What else could be causing this code, and why all of the sudden after the mechanic did all this work is it running worse than it did before it went for repairs?

  • Let me check if there any more information. What model, year and engine size is your vehicle?

  • It's a 2008 Chrysler Aspen with a wonderful 5.7l Hemmi engine. Again, all selenoids were replaced, ECM and PCM were replaced, and oil and filter changed....

  • why all of the sudden after the mechanic did all this work is it running worse than it did before it went for repairs?


    It's difficult to say why is the engine running worst now. My best guess is the the mechanic did something wrong. Obviously after 3 tries he was not able to find the root cause of the problem.
    My only recommendation is to get a second opinion, there are some tests that needs to be done to determine exactly the cause of the problem.

    The lean condition is caused by one of the deactivated cylinders still pumping air into the exhaust. Spark and fuel have been shut off but the valves continue to operate.

    You have to check each cylinder deactivation solenoid using the scan tool to determine if the problem is electrical or mechanical.

  • Thank you, I'll get the second opinion, I will also let you know how this turned out. When replacing the selenoids the first time, I know he mentioned having some difficulty removing them as they had almost baked in the block, he also did a middle east fix regarding the 3 o rings, he couldnt get them to seal correctly and used RTV to seal the rings....is there a problem with that...oh yes, and as far as him having a hard time removing them, what if he broke a piece off and caused a slow down or an oil pressure issue himself by blocking ports?

  • Yes, it is very possible that something is blocking an oil passage port.

  • ODBIITech why

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