[SOLVED] P3438 Code: Fixing Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit

The P3438 fault code in automobiles indicates a problem with the Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid.

The symptom is the Engine Light ON or Service Engine Soon Warning Light. The cause could be low oil pressure, restricted oil passage, engine mechanical condition, faulty Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid, Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness is open or shorted, or Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection.

The repair importance is high as it affects the engine’s performance. The repair difficulty is moderate, and the fix involves visually inspecting the related wiring harness and connectors, checking for damaged components, and looking for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.

The repair time is estimated to be 1.0 hour. It is essential to interpret the fault code to identify the problem accurately.

Repair Importance Level10.0 (Out of 10)
Estimated Repair TimeApproximately 1.0 hour
Repair Difficulty Level10.0 (Out of 10)

If you notice the Engine Light ON or Service Engine Soon Warning Light, it could be a sign of p3438 fault code.

Here are the symptoms to look out for:

  • The P3438 fault code in an automobile can cause several symptoms.
  • The most common symptom is the illumination of the engine light or service engine soon warning light.
  • Other symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel efficiency, and engine misfires.
  • Additionally, the vehicle may experience stalling or hesitation during acceleration.
  • It is important to address these symptoms promptly to prevent further damage to the engine and ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.

The automobile fault code P3438 can be caused by a variety of factors, including low oil pressure and faulty solenoids.

  • The automobile fault code P3438 can be caused by low oil pressure, restricted oil passage, engine mechanical condition, faulty Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid, open or shorted Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness, and poor electrical connection in the Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid circuit.

Below are some possible fixes for the automobile fault code p3438, including inspecting wiring harness and connectors for damage or corrosion.

  • To fix the automobile fault code P3438, first, check the possible causes listed above.
  • Then, visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors.
  • Look for any damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.
  • This fix will take an estimated repair time of 1.0 hour.

The automobile fault code P3438 can be diagnosed and fixed within an estimated repair time of 1.0 hour.

The cost of repair is influenced by the hourly rate charged by the auto repair shop, which typically ranges between $75 and $150 per hour. Therefore, the total cost of diagnosis and fixing the P3438 fault code will depend on the hourly rate charged by the auto repair shop and the estimated repair time required to fix the issue.

The P3438 code relates to the cylinder deactivation system in the engine. The system deactivates certain cylinders to improve fuel economy. The ECM commands the deactivation of cylinders 1 and 7 on the left bank, and cylinders 4 and 6 on the right bank, switching to a V4 mode.

The deactivation is achieved by not allowing the intake and exhaust valves to open on the selected cylinders.

The deactivation lifters contain spring-loaded locking pins that connect the internal pin housing of the lifter to the outer housing. The locking pins are pushed inward with engine oil pressure directed from the valve lifter oil manifold (VLOM) assembly solenoids. The switching between V8 and V4 mode is accomplished in less than 250 milliseconds.

What are the possible causes of the P3438 automobile fault code?

If you see the Engine Light ON or Service Engine Soon Warning Light, it could be due to the P3438 fault code. This code can be caused by low oil pressure, restricted oil passage, engine mechanical condition, faulty Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid, Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness being open or shorted, or Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid circuit having a poor electrical connection. To fix this issue, you should check the possible causes listed above, visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors, and look for damaged components and broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.

How can I visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors to fix the P3438 fault code?

If you’re experiencing the P3438 fault code, start by checking the possible causes listed above. To visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors, look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins. This will help you identify any issues with the Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness and circuit connections.

What are the potential consequences of ignoring the P3438 fault code?

Ignoring the P3438 fault code, which indicates a problem with the Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid, can lead to serious consequences such as reduced fuel efficiency, engine damage, and even engine failure. The cause of the fault code can be due to low oil pressure, restricted oil passage, or a faulty solenoid, among other things. It is important to visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors and check for damaged components to prevent further damage.

p3438 error fault code explained

If you see the Engine Light ON or Service Engine Soon Warning Light, it could be due to low oil pressure, restricted oil passage, or a faulty Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid. Check the possible causes listed above, visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors, and look for damaged components or corroded pins.

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