Error Code P3481: What It Means & What To Do?

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The trouble code P3481 can be explicated as Cylinder 11 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open. If the engine control module would detect a variation in the voltage coming from the Cylinder 11 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit delivered performance that is outside the parameters set by the automobile manufacturer, then it would store the P3481 fault code. This would give rise to the flashing up of the check engine light.

It is the engine control module which would command the cylinder deactivation system ON to deactivate engine cylinders. There are a number of fuel and emissions standards, so in an effort to meet that lot of manufacturers are using the cylinder deactivation systems. This system would allow the engine control module (PCM) to disable select cylinders when additional power is not required from the engine, such as at idle or when cruising on the highway. Now if the engine control module (PCM) would decide that the intake valve for cylinder number 11 is not turning on or off the way is being commanded, then the powertrain control module would set up this fault code.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 11 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open?

• Defective MAP, MAF, TP
• Imperfect cylinder deactivation solenoid
• There can be distorted wiring
• Flaws in the valve filters
• The oil passage might be obstructed
• Broken connector
• The ECM might not be functioning properly
• There might be a short in the solenoid wiring harness
• The fuel pressure might be atypical
• A mechanical malfunction in the engine may exist

1. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor - Are you facing problems like poor fuel economy, lack of power or sometimes failed emissions inspection? In that case there is surely some fault in your MAP sensor. Get it checked and replace if needed.
2. Engine Control Module - Want to know the most common reason behind the failure in the engine control module? Corrosion or damage because of moisture can cause ECM failure. Corrosion might enter the ECM through the wiring harness and moisture can enter by a failure in the seals in the ECM itself.
3. Powertrain Control Module - The PCM makes the engine and transmission work in tandem. Any issue with the powertrain control module will cause major problems with the efficient running of the vehicle.
4. Throttle Position Sensor - Did you just face sudden engine stalling without any apparent reason? Don’t waste time as it is an indication that there are some quirks in your throttle position sensor. Don’t waste time and get it replaced or else this error code can turn up.
5. Electronic Control Unit - If your vehicle fails to start for no apparent reason, this is also a good indicator that there can be some issues with the ECU. If you check the car battery, starter and other common electrical components, and the vehicle still does not start, a quirky electronic control unit should be the next logical thing to consider.
6. Diagnostic Tool - In order to fix these errors, you need a few diagnostic tools to get your car problems pointed out easily. Our diagnostic tools collection will come in handy to do so and resolve all your vehicle problems. Visit today!

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 P3481 here:

Common Symptoms

• Check engine light might come into signal
• Rise in the fuel consumption
• There might be some vibrations while driving the car
• Bad engine performance
• Service engine soon light might start appearing

The repairs which you will have to do to correct this fault code are simply straightforward; you can surely pinpoint the necessary repairs on the basis of your diagnosis. Have a look at some common fixes:

• Make sure to mend the faulty MAF
• It is essential to clean the blockages in the oil passageways
• Repair or replace the quirky deactivation solenoid
• Rehabilitate the defaults in the ECM/PCM
• The malfunctioning wiring or connectors should be repaired or replaced as per the need
• Carefully adjust the faults in the MAP
• The valve lifter should be restored to working order

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Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

Check for technical service bulletins which pertain to the vehicle, symptoms, and codes prior to beginning the troubleshooting process for any malfunction. In some circumstances this can save a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.

After that the next step is to inspect the condition of the engine oil and then confirm it is serviced to the appropriate level. After that all the components which are related with the Cylinder 11 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit should be located and then search for obvious physical damage. It all depends upon the particular vehicle and this circuit may incorporate several components including the deactivation solenoid, switches, fault indicators and the ECM. A proper visual inspection should be performed to inspect the related wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots.

Then examine the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and faulty pins. This process should include all wiring connectors and connections to all constituents including the engine control module. You can always consult the particular tech data for the automobile to check the configuration of the Cylinder 11 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit and confirm every component incorporated within the circuit which may include a fuse or a fuse-able link.

Fluid & Wiring Inspections

The first step is to make sure the fluid level is correct and inspect the condition of the fluid for contamination.

After that perform visual inspection to check the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots should be performed.

Next is to check the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and damaged pins. This process must include all wiring and connectors to the transmission solenoids, transmission pump and the PCM.

It depends upon the configuration; the transmission linkage should be inspected for security and binding issues.

Advanced Steps

The advanced steps become very vehicle specific and require the appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately.

These procedures require a digital multimeter and the specific technical references for the vehicle.

Voltage requirements will vary based of the specific year and model of the vehicle.

You should follow the specific troubleshooting chart for your vehicle.

Continuity Checks

Continuity checks should always be performed with the power removed from the circuit and the normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance unless otherwise specified by the technical data.

Resistance or no continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that is open or shorted and must be repaired or replaced.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P3481 Code

• The powertrain control module might start failing
• Non observance of the variable valve timing solenoid
• The level of engine oil might be very less
• Some issues with the car wiring