P3454 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

<<See All OBD Codes

You have landed up at the right place to know more about the P3454 error code. Cylinder deactivation system is needed by many manufacturers in order to meet the fuel and emission standards. The system helps the ECM to remove selected cylinders when extra power is not required from the engine during situations like engine idle or cruising on the highway

Turning off the exhaust cylinder to allow cylinder deactivation feature is the main aim of the cylinder 7 exhaust valve control circuit. This can increase fuel economy when the operation appears light like idling on the highway. The 4 or 8 cylinder mode is properly operated by the ECM which disables 4 of the engine cylinders. The process gets fulfilled by including variable valve timing solenoid which turns the exhaust gas on or off. This code specifies the #7 cylinder and the rest 3 cylinders will be identified by the cylinders engine configuration and firing orders. The cylinder deactivation will be restricted to 10 minutes in V4 mode by the ECM and comes back for 1 minute in V8 mode. Either near the exhaust or on the vicinity of the cylinder depending on the particular configuration of the vehicle, the #7 cylinder variable valve timing solenoid is placed.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 7 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open?

• The cylinder deactivation solenoid might be damaged.
• You will see an opening or short circuit in the cylinder deactivation solenoid harness.
• The bad electrical connection in the cylinder deactivation solenoid.
• Oil passage might be constrained.
• The oil pressure will be minimum

1. Engine Control Module - Does your car jump start on reverse polarity? It is an indication of damaged ECM. Repair / replace it soon to avoid P3454 error.
2. Powertrain Control Module - If you find the check engine light on the display dashboard, then the PCM is faulty. Replace it as soon as possible to avoid the P3454 error.
3. Intake Valve - A broken intake valve can cause trouble giving rise to the P3454 error code. Fix them as soon as possible.
4. Exhaust Valve - Does your engine very often? This is one of the symptoms of a defective exhaust valve which needs replacement as soon as possible.
5. Oil Pressure Gauge - Are you looking for the oil pressure gauge replacement? Find them at PartsAvatar at the best prices. 
6. Valve Timing Solenoid - The valve timing solenoid can turn out to be defective if the engine oil is dirty. Change them as soon as possible.

Our main motive is to achieve customer satisfaction and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P3454 code by mentioning some major symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• Indications of misfiring.
• The service engine’s warning light and engine light will keep blinking and stays on.
• Use of fuel consumption might be more.
• Performance might be weak by the engine

Have a look at some ways with which you can correct the P3454 code:

• Replacing the damaged deactivation solenoid.
• Clearing the oil passage which has blockages.
• The connector must be dust free from erosion.
• Repairing the damaged cable wires.
• Replacement of the malfunctioning PCM.

Don’t get tensed if you are still facing any of these issues as we care for our customers and that’s why we offer a good range of PCM, intake valve, engine misfire, exhaust valve, ECM, oil pressure gauge and a lot more. We are sure that now all your issues would be resolved.

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 with the help of a troubleshooting procedure, and check for the correct Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's) specifically designed for your vehicle by year, model and transmission. You can save enough time in the long run as it guides you in the right path.
• Engine oil condition must be checked and made sure that it has been set to the correct level.
• Locating the components linked with the cylinder 7 exhaust valve control circuit and checking for damages is the second step.
• The circuit will include several parts like the variable valve timing solenoid, switches, fault indicators, and the ECM depending on the particular vehicle.
• Now, perform a visual inspection of the wires for injuries like scraping, rubbing, or burn spots.
• Check for the connector as well as its connection if they are properly secured and if there is any corrosion or damaged pins.
• You may also have to visually examine the connectors and its associated connections for protection, erosion and damaged pins.
• In this process, you must inspect all the wires and its connections to components which also contains the ECM.
• Validate the configuration of the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit by verifying the particular tech data and make sure that every part is included in the circuit which may also contain the fuse or a fuse-able link in some applications. 

Advanced Steps

• The advanced procedure varies for every vehicle as they are specific and need proper diagnostic tools to carry out the diagnosis.
• Use a digital multimeter and appropriate technical references for your vehicle to start the process.

Voltage checks

• Depending on the vehicle and the configuration of the circuit, the permitted range and reference voltage will vary.
• The correct order and troubleshooting charts are included in the specific technical data to help in the proper diagnosis.
• If there is no power source and ground during the process, the continuity test must be done to verify the reliability of the wires, connectors, and other components.
• Whenever the continuity test is done, the normal readings for wires and connectors should be set to 0 ohms resistance and the power must be detached from the circuit.
• Wires which are open, shorted or corroded is an indication for no resistance or continuity and it must be quickly fixed.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P3454 code

• An issue with the electrical wires.
• Defective PCM.
• The level of the engine oil is low.
• Variable valve timing solenoid might be broken.