AutoCodesHonda – P3497 Honda

P3497 Honda Code - Valve Pause System Stuck Off Bank 2

Quick Answer

The Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system activates the rocker arm oil control solenoid A (bank 1), B (bank 1), and A (bank 2) by commands from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and the appropriate solenoids charges/discharges the hydraulic circuit of the cylinder pause VTEC system that pauses the intake and exhaust valves on the front and rear banks. Common causes include Low engine oil level, Incorrect oil type used, Faulty Front Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch. 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 Honda indicates Valve Pause System Stuck Off Bank 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Low engine oil level, Incorrect oil type used, Faulty Front Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch.
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 22,514
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 11, 2021
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Code P3497 Honda Description

The Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system activates the rocker arm oil control solenoid A (bank 1), B (bank 1), and A (bank 2) by commands from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and the appropriate solenoids charges/discharges the hydraulic circuit of the cylinder pause VTEC system that pauses the intake and exhaust valves on the front and rear banks. The PCM monitors oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit of the VTEC mechanism using the front or rear rocker arm oil pressure switches downstream of the rocker arm oil control solenoids. If there is a difference between the oil pressure conditions in the hydraulic circuit that are determined by the PCM command and the oil pressure conditions that are determined by the status of the front or rear rocker arm oil pressure switches, the system is considered faulty, and a DTC is stored. If uncommanded cylinders pausing (PCM tries the cylinders to operate but any cylinders are paused) failure is detected, the MIL is ON with one drive cycle, and If a cylinder does not pause (PCM tries the cylinders to pause but cylinders continue to operate) failure is detected, the MIL is ON in two drive cycles.
OBDII Code P3497 Honda - Valve Pause System Stuck Off Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com
P3497 Honda Code - Valve Pause System Stuck Off Bank 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P3497 Honda?

  • Low engine oil level
  • Incorrect oil type used
  • Faulty Front Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch
  • Faulty Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve
  • Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve harness is open or shorted
  • Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P3497 Honda?

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 Honda 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.

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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 Honda Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P3497 in a Honda, also known as "Valve Pause System Stuck Off Bank 2"?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, reduced engine performance, and an illuminated check engine light.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P3497 in a Honda to trigger?

- The code P3497 is typically triggered by a malfunction in the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, specifically related to the Valve Pause System on Bank 2.

3. How serious is the OBDII code P3497 in a Honda?

- While the code itself may not cause immediate harm to the vehicle, it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential long-term engine issues if left unresolved.

4. What are some possible DIY repair tips for OBDII code P3497 in a Honda?

- DIY repair tips may include checking for loose or damaged electrical connections, inspecting the VCM system components for wear, and ensuring proper oil levels and quality.

5. Can driving with the OBDII code P3497 in a Honda cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with the code may lead to increased fuel consumption, reduced engine performance, and potential long-term damage to engine components if the underlying issue is not addressed.

6. How can a mechanic diagnose the OBDII code P3497 in a Honda?

- A mechanic can use a scan tool to read the code, perform a visual inspection of VCM system components, and conduct further testing to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.

7. Is it safe to continue driving the vehicle with the Valve Pause System stuck off on Bank 2?

- It is generally not recommended to drive the vehicle for an extended period with this issue as it can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.

8. Can resetting the OBDII code P3497 in a Honda make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P3497 in a Honda at a mechanic or dealership?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it is advisable to budget for diagnostic fees, parts replacement, and labor costs.

10. Is there a way to prevent the recurrence of OBDII code P3497 in a Honda after it has been repaired?

- Regular maintenance, such as timely oil changes and ensuring the VCM system is functioning correctly, can help prevent the recurrence of the code.

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