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P3441 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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For eight-cylinder engines that have the option to operate in four-cylinder mode, the PCM (powertrain control module) may detect that the values it should be getting from the MAP (manifold absolute pressure), MAF (mass air flow), and TP (throttle position) sensors are incorrect or out of range to deactivate cylinder 6. If this is the case, a P3441 code will be stored by the PCM, and the Check Engine Light will turn on.
To increase fuel efficiency, certain V8 models can deactivate two cylinders on each engine bank to operate in V4 (four-cylinder) mode. To do this, the engine signals specific valve lifters to deactivate the selected cylinders’ ability to open and close. A P3441 code will be set when the PCM doesn’t receive the correct information from the MAF, MAP, and TP sensors and is unable to enter V4 mode.
A number of factors can affect the engine’s ability to deactivate cylinder 6 on the right bank of the engine block. These include:
If the PCM detects a P3441 code or any other code related to the deactivation of one of the cylinders involved in this process, there will likely be no significant symptoms affecting the vehicle’s drivability. The Check Engine light will illuminate, and the engine may vibrate more than it normally does. You may also notice a decrease in fuel efficiency, but these are the only common symptoms associated with this code.
If a P3441 code is detected, the mechanic will need to use an OBD-II scanner to read it and any other codes that the PCM has stored. If any of the cylinders before cylinder 6 are having problems with deactivation, their issues should be resolved first, as should any other related codes.
After dealing with any other codes of this kind, the mechanic will then check the oil pressure and the levels of oil in the engine. If necessary, they will then add more oil or perform an oil change. After taking these steps, they’ll clear all of the recorded codes and retest the engine to ensure that the P3441 code doesn’t get stored again. If the code appears again, they will continue with further diagnostic work to find the root cause of the problem and solve it.
Some mechanics and vehicle owners will assume that the problem is in the deactivation solenoid for cylinder 6 and will not take steps to check that the engine’s oil passageways are clear. Failing to clean out a restricted oil passageway is a good way to do a lot of expensive work that will not actually solve the problem.
It’s very important that you get a proper diagnosis and the right repairs done as soon as possible with a P3441 code. While it will likely not do immediate damage to the engine, the problem can significantly decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, and if left alone for long enough, can do permanent damage to the engine.
The right repair(s) for the job will depend on what’s causing the P3441 code to be stored. Some of the most common repairs you’ll find for this code include:
Failing to address the root cause of a P3441 code could potentially do physical harm to your engine block. Also, if your vehicle is in need of an OBD-II emissions test to qualify for registration, you’ll need to get this problem addressed so that the Check Engine light will be turned off during testing.
YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.
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