The powertrain control module has detected a voltage reading below the calibrated threshold in the electrical circuit that controls the intake valve deactivation solenoid for cylinder 3. This indicates a short-to-ground, excessive resistance, or open circuit that prevents the solenoid from properly enabling or disabling the cylinder’s intake valve for fuel-saving operation.
The solenoid coil for cylinder 3 may have an internal short-to-ground, an open circuit, or resistance outside specifications due to oil contamination or heat damage.
The control circuit wire between the PCM and the solenoid may be chafed and shorted to ground, or broken internally causing high resistance or an open circuit.
Poor electrical contact at the solenoid connector or bulkhead pass-through due to moisture intrusion, corrosion, or bent terminals can cause low voltage readings.
Rarely, the output driver transistor inside the PCM that grounds the solenoid circuit may fail, though this should only be considered after the solenoid and wiring are verified good.
Yes, but the engine will be unable to deactivate cylinder 3, which reduces fuel economy. Continuous operation may place additional wear on the active fuel management system components.
No. PCM failure is extremely rare for this specific circuit fault. The vast majority of cases are resolved by replacing the deactivation solenoid or repairing the wiring harness.
Not necessarily. This code specifically indicates an electrical circuit problem with the control solenoid, not a mechanical lifter failure. Mechanical lifter issues typically set different codes related to performance or range.
No. Only the solenoid for cylinder 3 needs replacement. However, if the vehicle has high mileage, inspect other solenoids as they may be subject to similar wear conditions.