Error Code P3461: What It Means & What To Do?

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Error code P3461 flashing? All you need to do is use this little guide by Parts Avatar that will definitely help you crack the error code P3461. This code stored is indicative of an error within the cylinder number 8 exhaust valve circuitry or other parts that are linked to it. In order to facilitate the carrying of fuel vapors away from the engine, the vehicle’ engine control module monitors the opening and closing of these valves. An exhaust valve control circuit code is stored, when the ECM detects that these actions are failing to fall within the required parameters.

This OBD-II code decreased engine performance is also known as a cylinder 8 exhaust valve control circuit/open. Numerous manufacturer’ make use of the cylinder deactivation systems for meeting fuel and emission standards. At idle or while cruising on highways, this system enables the engine control module to stop the select cylinders when additional power is not required from the engine. The powertrain control module sets the error code P3461 when if the engine control module identifies that the exhaust valve for cylinder number eight is not turning on or off the as per the commands.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open?

• Shorted or loose wiring/harness
• Disconnected connector
• Damaged exhaust valve control solenoid
• Blocked oil passages resulting in low oil pressure
• Fault in the timing chain or timing belt
• A failed camshaft actuator

1. Powertrain Control Module - This is an essential auto part, if damaged can cause erratic engine performance and sluggish engine start. We recommend you to change it as soon as possible in order to overcome these complications caused by the error code P3461.
2. Engine Control Module - An unsound engine control module may cause the vehicle to intermittently have issues such as stalling or misfires. Repair or replace it in order to get rid of these problems.
3. Exhaust Valve - Noticing a fall in the engine performance? Well, then this is indicative of a fault in the exhaust valve. So, if you want to save your hard-earned money from being blown away on repairs, change it now!
4. Timing Chain - The timing belt or chain links the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which in turn controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. So, a malfunctioning one can really be damaging for the system. Tune into Parts Avatar to get yours now.

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 P3461 here:

Common Symptoms

• Poor fuel economy
• Fall in the engine performance
• Engine glitches
• The service engine soon light or/and check engine light blinking on

Want to correct the trouble code P3461? Read these points mentioned below:

• Make sure you repair or replace all the faulty wiring or connectors
• Any related sensors that are damaged should be repaired or replaced
• Replacements or repairs should be performed of the defective exhaust valve control solenoid
• Failed valve lifters should be repaired or replaced
• All the timing components should be adjusted as per the needs

Parts Avatar Canada is here to solve all your issues related to car parts. We have stocked a wide range of best priced PCM, ECM, exhaust valve, exhaust valve control solenoid, timing chain, camshaft actuator, valve lifter, timing component 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 P3461 code to be stored:

We advise you to perform a thorough diagnostic inspection as there are a lot of potential causes that lead to the problem of exhaust valve control circuit. This will help save you from expensive and time taking repairs (mostly of the expensive parts). Start from connecting an OBD-II code reader to the vehicle for verifying the error code P3461 as well as other existing codes. If in case, you come across other codes, they should be diagnosed and repaired first in order.

Next, the mechanic should perform a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors to fix a short that might have happened due to failed circuitry. Probe the exhaust valve control solenoid along with the sensor and other linked sensors. In the end, if you find no other solution after the repairs have been performed, then PCM or/and the ECM should be checked for any type of failures.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P3461 Code

Here we have listed a few common mistakes that should be avoided while diagnosing the error code P3461:

Make sure you check the oil passages for clogs due to dirt or sludge. Most of the times, the mechanics avoid or fail to register this problem but this can actually be the underlying problem leading to valve failures.