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P3492 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 12 Deactivation/Intake Valve Malfunction". 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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P3492 is the fault code for what’s known as Cyl12 Deactivation/Intake Valve Ctrl Circ High. Cyl12 specifies that the issue is likely taking place in engine cylinder number 12. In some Dodge vehicles, this code indicates a problem with Cylinder 11.
During the early 2000s, automakers began instituting a technology that allows some engine cylinders to deactivate under light operating conditions in order to improve fuel economy, make the engine run smoother with less throttling, and decrease emissions. This is accomplished by the PCM detecting the driving conditions and disabling the fuel injectors to half of the cylinders. P3492 is typically found in diesel vehicles with larger engines, and indicates that engine cylinder 12’s deactivation process is malfunctioning in some way, causing the circuit values to send a signal outside of the normal range.
This code may have a variety of possible causes, including one or more of the following:
The vehicle’s Check Engine light may illuminate, and fuel economy may be affected over time. In addition, the vehicle will likely only run in the higher modes, such as V12 rather than V6, and there could be an increase in emissions being released.
Diagnostics typically begin with reading the vehicle’s stored codes using a scanner. These codes should then be cleared, and the vehicle retested to see which, if any, codes reappear. Once it’s determined that the code is consistently present, your technician will test the oil pressure and levels. If these are normal, the deactivation solenoid may be tested with a scan tool which is used to manually activate and deactivate the component. If the solenoid doesn’t work properly, oil passages may need to be cleared of sludge and buildup. However, if there are no issues with the deactivation solenoid’s function, and the oil passages are cleared, your technician may need to assess the valve lifters and wiring and other involved components to locate the source of the fault.
Oil blockages are easy to overlook when trying to determine the cause of a faulty cylinder deactivation solenoid circuit. In addition, MAF sensors are a common source of issues in diesel engines and may trigger this code along with other problems.
While the vehicle will still run while throwing this code, it is still a fairly serious issue and should be addressed by a professional as quickly as possible. Fuel efficiency and emissions will be affected and the failure to be able to run in lower modes could have a negative effect on the engine over time.
Repairing a cylinder 12 deactivation solenoid circuit problem may involve one of the following:
If there is excessive dirt or sludge in the oil passages, the entire engine may need to be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. This is a major task, and one that is done most efficiently and effectively by a professional. Keep in mind that even accessing the codes from a diesel engine can be a challenge – while a run-of-the-mill OBD-II scanner may be used in some vehicles, others may require a much more expensive version, along with costly computer software for reading the data.
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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