P3427

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Cylinder 4 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 26 EN: 35 RU: 31

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Page language: EN

Causes

Damaged, corroded or disconnected connector at cyl 4 intake control solenoid
Open or shorted wiring (short to ground) in the cylinder 4 control circuit
Failed intake valve control solenoid / variable valve actuator on cylinder 4
Poor engine ground or low battery/charging system voltage
ECM/PCM driver fault or internal module failure
Seized or mechanically stuck deactivation mechanism (hydraulic or mechanical) causing abnormal current/voltage

Symptoms

MIL (Check Engine) illuminated
Possible rough idle or mild vibration if deactivation affects cylinder operation
Reduced fuel economy when cylinder deactivation is affected
Possible limp mode or reduced engine performance depending on vehicle logic
Stored misfire trouble codes for cylinder 4 in some cases

What to check

Read freeze-frame and live data with a scan tool: command vs actual solenoid status, monitor cylinder 4 deactivation status and cam/crank data
Visual inspection of connector and wiring for cylinder 4 intake valve solenoid (damage, corrosion, melting, pin push-out)
Check battery and charging system voltage (should be ~12–14.5 V with engine running)
Backprobe solenoid connector to measure supply voltage and switching signal while commanding ON/OFF from a scan tool
Measure resistance of the solenoid with it disconnected (compare to spec)
Check and verify good engine/chassis ground related to the circuit

Signal parameters

Typical solenoid resistance (cold): ~5–30 ohms (vehicle-specific—consult service spec)
Supply voltage at solenoid connector (uncommanded): battery voltage ~11–14.5 V
Control method: ECM usually switches solenoid to ground; expected switching to near 0 V when commanded ON, open/return to battery voltage when OFF
Typical commanded current draw: ~0.2–2.0 A depending on solenoid design (measure with clamp meter)
If ECM uses PWM, duty cycle will vary with command—verify values with manufacturer data

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve trouble code, freeze-frame, and related codes. Note engine conditions (temp, RPM, load) when code set.
Visually inspect cylinder 4 intake deactivation solenoid connector and wiring for damaged insulation, corrosion, pin damage, or poor mating. Repair as needed.
Verify battery voltage and engine grounds. Repair charging/ground issues before continuing.
Backprobe the solenoid connector: with key ON and engine OFF, verify battery voltage on the supply pin. If no supply, trace back to fuse/relay/ECM power supply.
With a scan tool, command the cylinder 4 intake valve solenoid ON/OFF while monitoring the control pin voltage. If ECM commands ON but control pin stays near battery or open, suspect ECM driver fault or wiring short to battery. If control pin is near 0 V when commanded but solenoid not actuating, suspect open solenoid or mechanical fault.
Measure solenoid coil resistance with connector disconnected. If resistance out of spec (open or short), replace solenoid.
Check for short to ground or to battery on control and supply circuits using an ohmmeter or power probe (with battery disconnected where appropriate).
If wiring and solenoid check OK but command/response incorrect, substitute a known-good solenoid (if available) to confirm. If substitute works, replace original solenoid.
If wiring, connector and solenoid are good, consider ECM driver failure. Before ECM replacement, verify inputs (cam/crank sensors) and re-check live data and module software/updates; reflash ECM if applicable and available.
Clear codes and road-test to verify repair. Re-scan for reappearance of P3427 and related codes.

Likely causes

Faulty or shorted wiring between ECM and cylinder 4 intake valve solenoid (most common)
Failed intake valve deactivation/solenoid on cylinder 4
Corroded or loose connector/terminal at the solenoid
Poor ground or low system voltage causing low signal

Fault status

⚠️ Status

P3427 — Cylinder 4 Deactivation / Intake Valve Control Circuit Low: low-voltage or low signal detected on the intake valve deactivation control circuit for cylinder 4. Check wiring, connector, solenoid, and ECM driver.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2 hours