Error Code P3401: What It Means & What To Do?

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The OBD-II Code reduction engine operation is a means of a Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open.

In giving utmost fuel economy beneath light cargo driving states, an Engine Control Module (ECM) will request the cylinder deactivation system turn ON, so it can deactivate engine cylinders 1 and 7 on the left bank, and cylinders 4 and 6 on the right bank, and then shifting to a V4 gear. The engine will be running on 8 cylinders, or else V8 mode, throughout the engine starting, engine idling, and medium to heavy throttle exertions.

In an attempt to reach fuel and emissions qualities, numerous manufacturers are using cylinder deactivation processes. This process enables the engine's control module (PCM) to disengage appointed cylinders when added power being applied is not required by the engine, for instance at idle or when coasting on the highway. In any situation when the engine's control module (PCM) finds out that the Intake Valve of cylinder 1 is not turning ON or OFF in the manner it is requested to, the PCM will station code P3401.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open?

• Oil pressure is low
• Oil passage is limited
• A mechanical state in engine
• Defective Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid
• Open or shorted Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness
• Bad electrical connection in Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid circuit

1. Engine Control Module - A Check Engine Light that turns on is a major indication of an error related to the Engine Control Module. The Check Engine Light normally starts to turn on while the computer finds an issue that is related to all the sensors or circuits. In few situations, the ECM actuates a Check Engine Light by mistake, or if no problem is current. Performing a scan on the computer for error codes can assist with detecting whether or not there is a problem with the ECM, or the area to where error is discovered inside the vehicle. Irregular engine behavior is another primary symptom of a faulty or failing ECM. A failing computer may be faced with a vehicle that deals with abnormal errors such as stalling or misfiring. These symptoms might come and go, and might not show any kind of sequence to their consistency or extremity. Engine running issues are another primary symptom of a viable problem related to the ECM. If the ECM is dealing with any problems, it might cause timing and fuel conditions to negatively impact the operation of the vehicle. A defective ECM may lead the vehicle to experience a decrease in fuel efficiency, power, and acceleration. A vehicle that is failing to start or constricts to restart is another primary symptom of a faulty or failed ECM. If the ECM fails entirely, the vehicle will stay deprived of engine power control, and will fail to start or run as an outcome. The engine might still crank, but will be fail at starting if deprived of any of the crucial inputs from the computer. A vast range of other problems can also result in this symptom, so it’s a better option to do a rigorous diagnosis that is managed by a professional technician that will continue in specifying the result.
2. PCM - A Check Engine Light that illuminates is one critical symptom of a problem related to the ECM. The Check Engine Light regularly illuminates while the computer determines an issue related to any the sensors or circuits. There are cases, whatsoever, when the ECM turns on a Check Engine Light by mistake, or when no present error is evident. Ensure a technician scans the computer for trouble codes to diagnose whether the error is associated to the ECM, or other place on the vehicle. Abnormal engine behavior could also find a bad or failing ECM. A faulty computer may lead to the vehicle abnormally stalling or misfiring. The symptoms might come and go, not appearing to engage in any type of pattern of their consistency or intensity. Engine performance issues are another symptom of a critical problem related to the ECM. If the ECM is faced with any errors, it could throw off the timing and fuel settings of the engine, which can poorly impact the running process. A faulty ECM could lead to the vehicle being faced with a reduction in fuel efficiency, power, and acceleration. A bad ECM could result in a vehicle that won’t or is struggling to start. If the ECM is failing completely, the vehicle will remain without any engine management control, and will not start up or run as a result. The engine could still crank, but when starting it will not have any vital inputs from the computer. The ECM does not wholly cause any problems with starting the vehicle, so it is best to have a successful diagnosis by a professional technician to persist in finding the primary outcome. Bad fuel economy could occur by a failing ECM. A faulty ECM refuses the engine from recognizing the quantity of fuel that is being combustive in the combustion system. Regularly, the vehicle consumes more fuel than it requires to in this situation. You will end up spending more on fuel than you could with a running ECM.
3. Intake Valve - Popping or ticking sounds are the most common kinds of sounds you will hear when you are experiencing troubleshoots with your valves. Numerous times, you will hear this ticking sound before you detect other issue. This sound becomes louder and quicker while the engine accelerates. It normally states that some of the valve train components are either worn or unaligned, or that your engine is not receiving sufficient utmost lubrication. A majority of cars obtain hydraulic lifters, and these lifters need continuous lubrication and pressure sustained at an exact level. If the pressure is slightly off guard, it raises play or too much movement inside the valve train. Blue smoke is a common sign of utmost engine trouble and this should not ever be ignored. Regards, blue smoke is not particularly an outcome of valve errors, it is among one of the most common specifications, even when intermixed with ticking and popping sounds. When valve guides and seals are wearing out, it enables oil to channel its way into the combustion chamber and get burned together with the fuel. In addition, you will see that your oil levels are continually dropping, or you have to add oil on frequently, and you have overcome any leaks. Normally, the quantity of blue smoke you notice with valve guide and seal failure is quite minimal and hardly visible. If you are spitting out a huge whisk of smoke, then you might experience more extreme issues such as worn or broken piston rings. It is better to have an experienced technician detect your engine when you have this problem. Another sign that you are experiencing valve issues are that you often see a decrease in engine power and performance. Valves are created to fit snug into the seats and enable for much lesser space. If your valve guides and seals leak, oil can build up atop of the valve and results in losing its seat or produce a gap. This might result in problems with compression, which cause a bad loss of combustion and power. Valves that have been burnt are another issue that provides to power errors. When a valve is burnt, it is susceptible of losing material and even has massive holes, which are leaking gases and decrease compression. Numerous components can result in burnt valves, but one of the most recurrent explanations is to ignore leaking seals and guides, or failing to repair other compression issues. You can combine these problems with a cooling system or EGR (exhaust gas re-circulation) problem, and you are intensely susceptible of burning the valves. You should never ignore problems related to the valve, because they can become far more serious and expensive along the way. Regardless, it is easy to prevent them, or at least hinder, with correct engine conservation. Make sure your oil is changed normally, and repair any other engine issues with no delay.
4. Fuel Injector - One of the most recurrent symptoms of a possible error with a fuel injector is an engine operation problem. If any of the vehicle’s fuel injectors have a problem, the air fuel ratio of the engine will be corrupt, which can cause operation problems. A defective fuel injector can result in the vehicle to be dealing with misfires, a power loss and acceleration; a decrease in fuel efficiency, and in intense situations can result in stalls or stop the engine from performing altogether. Another recurrent symptom of a possible error with a fuel injector is a fuel odor. Injectors carry high pressures, which over a period can result in them leaking by the nozzle or by the seal that is situated at the point of the injector. A leaking injector will release surplus fuel into the engine combustion chamber, when a leaking seal will drip fuel at the injector base. Both of these factors can impact engine performance, particularly fuel efficiency, and both will normally create a detectable fuel odor. Any kind of fuel odors has to be directed right away to hinder them from turning into a possible safety hazard. Another symptom of a possible error with a fuel injector is a Check Engine Light that illuminates. In a case, any of the fuel injectors get plugged and result in a misfire or is dealing with an electrical problem; this means the computer will activate the Check Engine Light to warn the driver of the error. A vast range of other engine management problems can also actuate the Check Engine Light, so scanning the computer for error codes is highly considered.

It is important to learn about the symptoms of a problem, this way you will master at solving the problem. This is why we have written out a few primary symptoms of OBD Code P3401 as follows:

Common Symptoms

• Excessive low lever in engine oil
• Failed Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Failed Variable Valve Timing Solenoid
• Defective or corroded wire
• Engine may misfire
• Raised fuel consumption
• Bad engine performance
• Illuminated Check Engine Light

There are a few methods that will help you be able to correct the OBD Code P3401 below:

• Persist to retest the process after completing repairs to make sure of success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components, including fuses, show up to be in performing working sequence, engage the scanner, or code reader, to the diagnostic connector and document all supplied codes and freeze frame data.
• The resistance level might not reduce with heat and rise as it’s cooling, swap the sensor.
  If having checked out everything to an extent, turn the key to the ON gear and do a test on the occurrence of a voltage, and a ground signal, for the exhaust gas temperature/pressure sensor electrical connector or heated oxygen sensor.
• When the reluctor ring passes through the electromagnetic sensor, the 5-volt reference signal is fulfilled with the projecting metal planes.
• In any case, the fuel shutoff switch and all system circuitry get checked out; surmise a faulty PCM or another related controller.

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It is important to diagnose this trouble code. Here are a few methods that a professional mechanic needs to read to correctly diagnose the problem that actuated a P3401 code being stored:

• First step to troubleshoot the system for any function defect is to do research on Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's) to determine the precise car by year, model and engine. In few conditions, this can save up much time by aiming you in the right path.
• Second step is to detect the state of the engine oil and affirm it is maintained at the right level. Next thing to do is locate all parts related to the cylinder 1 deactivation intake valve control circuit and search for evident physical damage. Referring to the particular vehicle, this circuit might integrate numerous parts that come with the deactivation solenoid, switches, defect indicators and the ECM. Conduct a rigorous visual monitoring to detect the related wiring for evident faults such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Next step is to detect the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and damaged pins. This procedure has to come with all wiring connectors and connections to all parts that include the ECM. Reach out to certain tech data for the car to make sure the arrangement of the cylinder 1 deactivation/intake valve control circuit and affirm each part is integrated within the circuit, which might come with a fuse or a fuse-able connection.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P3401 Code

• Erasing ECM memory codes before detecting the freeze frame data for the prime failure error,
  so the failure might be repeated and adjusted.
• To fail in erasing the ECM codes after the codes are repaired so the ECM will make sure the system is normal once again.