P3438 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Do you have that check engine light flashing? Experiencing fall in fuel economy? Engine misfires? If you answer is YES, then chances are that you might end up with OBD error code P3438 flashing on your vehicle. Wondering what this error code means? Worried? Don’t worry! You can have in depth understanding of this error code with the help of our subsequent sections.

OBD error code P3438 will be set by your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module, also known as the PCM when it senses inability of the cylinder 5 exhaust valve to act as commanded or in other words it’s inability to turn on or off as commanded. To know more about this error code, go through the following points.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Performance?

• Non-operative variable valve timing solenoid
• Less than needed engine oil or pressure level
• Clogged oil passage
• Corroded, loose or damaged wiring and connectors
• Bad engine control module

1. Powertrain Control Module - Powertrain Control Module of your car is also known as the car’s brain. It is extremely essential to keep your vehicle’s PCM in good shape to avoid any sort of performance issues with your car. If you need one to get rid of this OBD error code P3438 then you can easily find one with us and that too at the most economical prices.
2. Engine Control Module - A faulty engine control module (in rare cases) can lead to various problems. Thus you must check and replace it, if required to get rid of this error code P3438.
3. Engine Oil - If you are looking for high quality engine oils for your vehicle, then you can find with us high end and various types of engine oil for your beloved vehicles. Considering that P3438 error can be caused if you use incorrect or contaminated oil, changing it to a new one might solve your problem.
4. Variable Valve Timing Solenoid - Looking for VVT solenoid to fix this problem? If YES, then all you need to do is to browse through our website. You can find the most budget friendly parts with us.
5. Intake Valve - If you need intake valves to fix your car then we have good news for you. We have in stock not only high end intake valves but we also have them for all makes and models. So what are you waiting for? Just dive into the pool of best auto parts.
6. Oil Filter - If your vehicle is stuck with a clogged oil filter, then do not wait and replace the bad ones today with a new one.

It is vital to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P3438 here:

Common Symptoms

• Decline in engine performance
• Engine misfires
• Flashing of service engine soon light
• Fall in vehicle’s fuel efficiency
• Flashing check engine light

Want to correct the Trouble Code P3438? Read these points mentioned below:

• First, replace or repair the VVT solenoid
• Now, get all that corrosion off the connectors
• Next, repair or replace those faulty wires
• After that, the next step is to get rid off all the blocked oil passages
• Repair or replace the faulty engine control module

Parts Avatar Canada is here to solve all your issues related to car parts. We have stocked a wide range of best priced Ecm, Pcm, Intake Valve, Exhaust Valve, Oil Pressure Gauge, Variable Valve Timing Solenoid, Engine Oil, Exhaust Manifold and a lot more to help you out in fixing your car.

It is essential to diagnose this fault code. Here are some steps which a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the problem that triggered a P3438 code to be stored:

Check the engine oil and check if it is serviced up to the needed level. Once this is done, then the next step is to look for all the related components and parts with the cylinder 5 exhaust valve control circuit. Once located, check for any physical damage through an in depth visual inspection. Check the wiring 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 5 exhaust valve control circuit is in good shape. Advanced Steps are the steps will be vehicle specific and will need a few technical equipment to ensure the 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 P3438 Code

Beware of the following misdiagnosis

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