P3440 Jeep Code - Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High
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
- P3440 Jeep indicates Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High.
- 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.
Code P3440 Jeep Description
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.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P3440 Jeep?
- Low oil pressure
- Restricted oil passage
- Engine mechanical condition
- Faulty Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid
- Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness is open or shorted
- Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection
How to Fix the DTC P3440 Jeep?
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 P3440 Jeep code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80β$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.
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Frequently Asked Questions about P3440 Jeep Code
1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P3440 in a Jeep related to Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High?
The common symptoms include rough idling, reduced engine performance, and possible stalling of the vehicle.
2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P3440 in a Jeep indicating an issue with the Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit?
Potential causes include a faulty exhaust valve control solenoid, wiring issues in the circuit, or a problem with the engine control module (ECM).
3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P3440 in my Jeep that points to Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High?
Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the wiring and connections related to cylinder 5, and testing the exhaust valve control solenoid for proper functioning.
4. What are some repair tips for addressing OBDII code P3440 in a Jeep with Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High?
Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing the exhaust valve control solenoid if faulty, and resetting the ECM to see if the code reoccurs.
5. Can driving with OBDII code P3440 related to Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High in a Jeep cause further damage?
Continued driving with this issue can potentially lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and damage to the catalytic converter over time if left unresolved.
6. How much can I expect to pay for repairing OBDII code P3440 in a Jeep due to Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High?
The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $150 to $400 for parts and labor at a repair shop.
7. Is it safe to drive my Jeep with OBDII code P3440 indicating a problem with Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High?
It is generally not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it can lead to potential engine issues and reduced performance.
8. Can a DIY enthusiast without much experience fix OBDII code P3440 related to Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High in a Jeep?
While some basic troubleshooting steps can be performed by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing this specific issue may require specialized tools and knowledge, so it's best to consult a professional mechanic.
9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P3440 in a Jeep caused by Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High?
The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause and complexity of the issue, but it may take a few hours to a full day for a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
10. Will resetting the OBDII code P3440 in my Jeep related to Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High make the issue go away permanently?
Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying problem will not permanently resolve the issue. It's crucial to diagnose and fix the root cause of the code to prevent it from reappearing.
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