P3403 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Cylinder 1 Deactivation Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Low Voltage
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, 7, 6, and 4, switching to a V4 mode. Common causes include Low oil pressure, Restricted oil passage, Faulty Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly. 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
- P3403 2017 GMC Sierra indicates Cylinder 1 Deactivation Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Low Voltage.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Low oil pressure, Restricted oil passage, Faulty Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly.
- 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.
Code P3403 2017 GMC Sierra Description
When cylinder deactivation is commanded, the ECM will determine what cylinder is firing and begin deactivation on the next closest deactivated cylinder in the firing order sequence. For example, 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 a lifter plunger and pushrod seat which interfaces with the pushrod. The outer housing contacts the camshaft lobe through a roller. During V8 mode, when all cylinders are active, 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 cylinder deactivation is commanded ON, the locking pins are pushed inward with engine oil pressure directed from the valve lifter oil manifold assembly solenoids. When the lifter pin housing is unlocked from the outer housing, the 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 valve lifter oil manifold assembly solenoid control 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 valve lifter oil manifold assembly, 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 pushes 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, and 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.
Deactivating the exhaust valve first allows for 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 cylinder deactivation mode.
During the transition from V8 to V4 mode, the Fuel Injectors will be turned OFF on the deactivated cylinders. To help prevent spark plug fouling, 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, then return to V8 mode for 1 minute.
Switching between V8 and V4 modes is accomplished in less than 250 milliseconds, making the transitions seamless and transparent to the vehicle operator. The 250 milliseconds include the time for the ECM to sequence the transitions, the response time for the valve lifter oil manifold assembly solenoids to energize, and the time for the valve lifters to deactivate, all within 2 revolutions of the engine crankshaft.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P3403 2017 GMC Sierra?
- Low oil pressure
- Restricted oil passage
- Faulty Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly
- Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly harness is open or shorted
- Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
How to Fix the DTC P3403 2017 GMC Sierra?
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.
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P3403 2017 GMC Sierra 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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Frequently Asked Questions about P3403 2017 GMC Sierra Code
1. What does the OBDII code P3403 mean on a 2017 GMC Sierra?
P3403 indicates a problem with the Cylinder 1 Deactivation Solenoid Valve Control Circuit, specifically a low voltage issue.
2. What are the common symptoms of code P3403 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?
Symptoms may include reduced engine performance, rough idling, poor fuel economy, and the Check Engine Light illuminating.
3. What causes the P3403 code to appear in a 2017 GMC Sierra?
Common causes include a faulty cylinder deactivation solenoid, damaged wiring or connectors, low engine oil pressure, or a malfunctioning ECM.
4. Can low engine oil cause the P3403 code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?
Yes, insufficient or dirty engine oil can disrupt the solenoid’s operation and trigger the code.
5. How do I diagnose the P3403 code on my 2017 GMC Sierra?
Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for the solenoid, checking engine oil levels and condition, and testing the solenoid and associated circuits for proper voltage.
6. Is it safe to drive a 2017 GMC Sierra with the P3403 code?
Driving with this code is generally not recommended as it may lead to further engine damage or reduced performance over time.
7. How do I fix the P3403 code on a 2017 GMC Sierra?
Repairs may include replacing the cylinder 1 deactivation solenoid, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or addressing low oil pressure.
8. How much does it cost to repair the P3403 code on a 2017 GMC Sierra?
Repair costs vary but can range from $100 to $300 depending on whether the solenoid, wiring, or other components need replacement.
9. Can a bad ECM cause the P3403 code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?
While rare, a malfunctioning ECM can cause the code if it fails to send proper signals to the solenoid valve.
10. Will clearing the P3403 code fix the problem on my 2017 GMC Sierra?
Clearing the code will reset the Check Engine Light, but the underlying issue must be resolved to prevent the code from returning.
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