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Guide To P3431 OBD Error Code Solutions

OBD Code P3431 - Cylinder 4 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low

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Is your vehicle’s PCM/ECM flashing OBD error code P3431? Is your vehicle facing rough acceleration? Are you facing fall in fuel economy and engine performance? If yes, then we are quite certain that you are facing obd error code P3431. Willing to know more about it? Read through our subsequent sections to have a better understanding for the same.

Learn More About OBD Error Code P3431

Keen to know more about this error code P3431? If your answer is Yes, then you are at the right place. We at PartsAvatar are here to help you out with all your questions related to error code P3431. OBD error code P3431 will be set by your vehicle’s ECM when it detects that there is too low, below the normal range threshold voltage or resistance within the cylinder 4 exhaust valve control circuit. To know more about its causes, have a look at the section below.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 4 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low?

  • Non-operative variable valve timing solenoid
  • Low engine oil or pressure level
  • Blocked oil passage
  • Corroded, loose or damaged wiring and connectors
  • Faulty engine control module

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P3431

  1. Engine Control Module - Engine Control Module also known as your vehicle’s brain if faulty can be really troublesome. Don’t take risk and replace faulty ECM today to get rid of this error code P3431.
  2. Exhaust Valve - Searching for exhaust pressure control valves for your vehicle make? If yes, then you can easily find that with us. We have in stock high end exhaust pressure control valves from top brands.
  3. Powertrain Control Module - You really need to believe this when we say that PCM failures and faults can be very difficult to find and resolve as these are very rare and might require a complete reprogramming of the system to avoid wrong codes from getting stored in the system, leading to misdiagnosis of error code P3431. Replace it now!
  4. Valve Timing Solenoid - Chances are that if you are facing OBD error code P3431 your valve timing solenoid is damaged and is demanding for a quick change. So what are you waiting for? Buy a new one with us now.
  5. Engine Oil - Considering that P3431 error can be caused if you use incorrect or contaminated oil, changing it to new one might solve your problem.
  6. Fuel Injector - While the engine misfires, it overheats very fast and pre-ignites the mixture of fuel. A damaged fuel injector not only results in issues while driving, but the effects will persist even when the engine is running low on energy. Instead of a smoothly slowing engine, it will be rough and irregular when the fuel storage is unexpected.


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Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P3431

Willing to know some common symptoms of OBD Code P3431? Your wish is our demand. Have a look at them below:

Common Symptoms

  • Dropping fuel efficiency
  • Lack of engine performance
  • Misfiring engine
  • Flashing of check engine light
  • Illumination of service soon light

How To Correct P3431 Cylinder 4 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low

We have listed out so ways which would help you to correct the occurrence of OBD Code P3431. They are mentioned here as follows:

  • Start by repairing or replacing the faulty variable valve timing solenoid
  • After that make sure to clean the corrosion off the connectors
  • Next step it to repair or replace the bad system wiring
  • After that clear all the oil passages that are blocked
  • Lastly, repair the faulty engine control module

There is no need to get strained if your OBD Code is still flashing up as we are here at your service. Have a look at our superior variety of ECM, Exhaust Valve, PCM, Valve Timing Solenoid, Engine Oil, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel Injector and many more. Now all your problems would vanish within no time.

Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P3431

If you want to easily diagnose this fault code, then all you have to do is to follow the steps which are mentioned below: 

  • Start by checking the engine oil and check if it is serviced up to the needed level. Once this is done, then next step is to look for all the related components and parts with the cylinder 4 exhaust valve control circuit. Once located, check for any physical damage through an in-depth visual inspection. Check the wirings and connectors for any bare wires, burn spots, scraped etc.
  • After all of this contact a technical to check for the configurations and see if every incorporated component within the cylinder 4 exhaust valve control circuit is in good shape. 

Advanced Steps - These steps will be vehicle specific and will need few technical equipment to ensure safety and accuracy. You will need a digital multimeter and technical references. Here the oil pressure gauge will help you in your troubleshooting process. 

Voltage Checks - Also the required voltage will depend upon the specific vehicles and the circuit configurations. In case you diagnose the lack of power source or ground, then you might require continuity tests to check the wiring integrity, connectors integrity and other components. Also perform the continuity tests with the power removed. No continuity will be an indication of faulty wiring that is open, shorted or corroded and must be repaired or replaced. 

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P3431 Code 

Beware of the following misdiagnosis

  • Low engine oil level
  • Faulty powertrain control module
  • Faulty vvt solenoid
  • Issues with the system wirings

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P3431

P3429 - Cylinder 4 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open

P3430 - Cylinder 4 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Performance

P3432 - Cylinder 4 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High