Q: Check Engine light codes P3497 and P0847. What do I need to do?

asked by on January 01, 2018

After a long drive yesterday when we were just getting home I noticed the check engine light come on (solid, not flashing) and the "D" in the shift indicator was flashing. I had the codes pulled and got "P3497 Valve Pause System (VPS) Stuck Off (Bank 2)" and "P0847 Short in 3rd Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Circuit, or 3rd Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Stuck ON". I believe P3497 is related to the oil pressure switch based on the research I've done.

It sounds like the second issue (P0847) could be mechanical or electrical. My question is what should I do to determine which issue is really present and how should I go about fixing it?

Thanks, Ryan

My car has 152000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi Ryan. Thanks for contacting us today. The first step that any professional mechanic would do is to correctly identify the root source of the error codes. While downloading the codes provides a starting point, physically inspecting the components in question is the best way to determine what repairs are needed. For most consumers that don’t have access to the right tools or diagnostic equipment, the best way to self-diagnose is to double check the electrical harnesses to the Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch. In most cases, the OBD-II trouble code is triggered due to poor electrical connections. Try to remove the connection, reattach, clear the codes and see if this is resolved. If not, then the sensor itself might be damaged or a more detailed mechanical inspection should be completed by a transmission specialist.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How can I determine my tire's size?
Most of us never think about what size our tires are; it's something that usually remains out of mind until getting ready to purchase tires, or thinking about changing tire size. The size of your tires can be easy to...
Truck stalls
The idle air control valve on your car may be defective, causing the low idle. A couple checks would have to be done to determine if this is the case: your engine needs to be checked for any vacuum leaks,...
Car shaking, grating noise in reverse
Hello. If there is no grease on the axle, this may cause the car to shake and make grating sounds while driving. This happens because the grease that is in the axle lubricates the other moving parts in the axle....
shake around 45-50 mph 2006 Honda Odyssey
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2006 Honda Odyssey. Try to drive your vehicle in 3rd gear without overdrive on and see if problem goes away. The problem is at the speed where the lockup torque converter locks....
Prominent vibration throughout van when AC is on
Hello. The heat issue that you have with the van sounds like you have a blend door issue under the dash. As for the vibration I usually check to see if the idle is getting too low when the AC...
When I first start my car it is hard to start and there is low voltage, but the voltage is higher once it is running. 2014 Cadillac XTS
Hello. If the battery voltage is low when the vehicle is first started then chances are that the battery is failing. It sounds like the alternator is working correctly due to the voltage that is produced when the engine is...
Grinding noise but not pads
Some common possibilities are a faulty outer CV joint on the axle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement), a defective wheel bearing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement), and/or interference between any rotating component (rotor, hub, etc) and fixed components such as the brake splash shield. There are other possibilities...
Dose a chevy cruze thermostat open with the sensor ontop of the houseing or is it suppose to open just with hot water at 200degree
Hi there. Actually, on modern cars, the thermostat is opened through the interaction of both the sensor and the actual temperature reading on the thermostat. Both components relay information to the ECU which activates control of the thermostat. This is...
screw edge of sidewall
Hi there. The general policy on repairing tires with a screw or nail, is that the puncture needs to be contained within the tread of the tire, up to 1/2" from the sidewall. Due to this fact, when there is...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re Single
When When you’re buying a vehicle that needs to meet the requirements of all kinds of passengers the process can prove to be rather tricky. However, if you happen to be single, you’re the one in control, and your list...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Teenagers
If If you’ve decided that you’re ready to purchase a used car for your teenager, then you’re probably pretty picky about what you’re looking for. Likely affordability, safety, and fuel economy are high on the list. With that said we’ve...
Honda Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you have been shopping for a used Honda vehicle, you may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on...