AutoCodes – Generic – P3464

P3464 Code - Cylinder 8 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
P3464 indicates Cylinder 8 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 3,676
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P3464 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 P3464 - Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High - AutoCodes.com
P3464 Code - Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P3464?

  • 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 P3464?

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 P3464 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 P3464 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P3464 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P3464 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

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 P3464 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P3464 (Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High)?

Possible symptoms include rough idling, decreased engine performance, engine misfires, and illuminated Check Engine Light.

2. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P3464?

The code P3464 can be triggered by issues such as a faulty exhaust valve control solenoid, wiring issues, poor electrical connections, or a malfunctioning PCM.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P3464?

Diagnosing code P3464 involves using a scan tool to read the code, checking the exhaust valve control circuit for proper voltage and continuity, and inspecting related components for damage or corrosion.

4. Can a bad spark plug cause OBDII code P3464 to appear?

While a bad spark plug can contribute to engine performance issues, it is not a direct cause of code P3464. However, it's essential to maintain proper spark plug health for overall engine function.

5. How serious is OBDII code P3464?

Code P3464 should be addressed promptly to prevent further engine damage. Ignoring this code can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and potential catalytic converter damage.

6. Are there any DIY repair tips for OBDII code P3464?

DIY repair tips for code P3464 include checking and cleaning electrical connections, inspecting wiring for damage, and ensuring the exhaust valve control solenoid is functioning correctly.

7. Can driving with OBDII code P3464 damage my vehicle?

Continued driving with code P3464 can lead to further engine problems and potential damage. It's recommended to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P3464?

The repair cost for code P3464 can vary depending on the cause of the issue and the extent of the repairs needed. Costs may range from a simple wiring repair to replacing the exhaust valve control solenoid.

9. Can I clear OBDII code P3464 with a code reader, or does it require professional intervention?

You can clear the code using an OBDII code reader, but it is essential to address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from reoccurring. If you are unsure about the repairs, seeking professional help is recommended.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code P3464 from appearing in the future?

Regular vehicle maintenance, including checking and replacing faulty components, inspecting electrical connections, and addressing engine performance issues promptly, can help prevent code P3464 from appearing in the future.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P3464 OBDII Code

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