P3490 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The trouble code P3490 can be elucidated as Cylinder 12 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Performance. There are a number of constituents due to which the transmission works, some of them actually move as you drive. One basic example of this is the cylinders. The pistons which are inside your cylinders would move up and down to condense air and cause detonation of the fuel, which is how the car engine would create power. The valves on these cylinders are in charge of opening at just the right time to let fuel and air in and let exhaust out. This code is a generic trouble code, meaning it applies to all vehicles equipped with the OBD-II system, especially those made from 1996 up to present.

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 exhaust valve for cylinder number 12 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 12 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Performance?

• Flawed variable valve timing solenoid
• The pressure of the oil might be very less
• Narrow oil passage
• There can be distorted wiring
• There can be inoperative connector
• There can be faulty ECM

1. Engine Control Module - Most of the time it is difficult to intercept the ECM faults and thus must be checked for thoroughly. There can be a problem with the circuit or the software might have malfunctioned. Thus repair, replace or reprogram the component as per requirement.
2. Intake Valve - Intake valve work by evenly distributing either air or an air/fuel mixture from the carburettor or throttle body to the cylinders. This is accomplished through careful engineering of both the design and orientation of the manifold. If an intake manifold has too many abrupt changes in orientation or contour, the flow of air can be impeded, which would result in poor operation. Check for damaged intake valves and replace them now!
3. Powertrain Control Module - If the PCM is faulty, it can stores wrong OBD codes and can lead to misdiagnosis. This can happen due to misinterpretation of data received from the various sensors and components which also affects the vehicle’s performance. Thus replace it immediately.
4. Oil Pressure Gauge - If you find out that your oil pressure gauge is not working properly, then you must change the oil. If even after that the issue is not solved, then you can always rely on us as we have the best auto parts for our customers.
5. Electronic Control Unit - If the ECU is at fault, it will not be able to read the boost converter temperatures correctly leading to underperformance. Thus, replace faulty ECU now!
6. Diagnostic Tool - Choose from our diagnostic tools collection that will come in handy to detect and correct the OBD error code.

You might be thinking that how would you diagnose these problems? We at Parts Avatar Canada would help you diagnose the major symptoms easily.

Common Symptoms

• The service engine soon light can start lighting up
• Issues in the transmission
• Engine misfire related issues
• Rise in the overall fuel consumption
• Engine misfiring issues
• Automobile might start stalling

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:

• Clean the corrosion from the connectors
• It is essential to restore the flawed variable valve timing solenoid
• Rehabilitate the defaults in the PCM
• Carefully adjust the faults in the oil passages
• Recondition the non-functioning transmission

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 pcm, ecm, crankshaft, oil pressure gauge, exhaust valve, intake valve, crankshaft seal, crankshaft bearing, powertrain control module, valve lifter oil manifold, ecm module, pcm module and many more. Now all your problems would vanish within no time.

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

• Examine the technical service bulletins which pertain to the vehicle, symptoms, and codes. 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 12 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 12 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit and confirm every component incorporated within the circuit which may include a fuse or a fuse-able link.
• Then 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.
• 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 on the specific year and model of the vehicle. You should follow the specific troubleshooting chart for your vehicle.
• 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 P3490 Code

• Variable valve timing solenoid related issues
• Quirks in the powertrain control module
• The engine oil level might be low
• Issues related with the car wiring