P3496 - OBD Trouble Code

<<See All OBD Codes

The trouble code P3496 can be explicated as Cylinder 12 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High. The main role of the Cylinder 12 exhaust valve control circuit is to accommodate the cylinder deactivation feature (e.g. V4 mode of a V8 engine) to enhance the overall fuel economy during light load operation such as highway driving. The engine control module (ECM) would control the 4- or 8-cylinder modes of the engine by engaging the intake deactivating solenoids for four of the engine cylinders.

It is the engine control module which would examine the cylinder 12 exhaust valve control circuit. This trouble code would be set by the ECM when the cylinder 12 exhaust valve control circuit signal would not be as per the parameters set by the manufacturer.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 12 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High?

• Defects in the variable valve timing solenoid
• Little oil pressure
• Confined oil passage
• There can be inoperative engine mechanical condition
• Imperfect wiring
• Issue of fault connector
• Flaws in the ECM

1. Engine Control Module - The solenoid might cause a short in the engine control module because of corrosion in the solenoid or the wire running from the solenoid to the ECM harness.
2. Engine Wiring Harness - Is your car battery losing charge very quickly as well as frequently? Then it is an indication that your car engine wiring harness has some major issues. Get it inspected and replaced as soon as possible.
3. Electronic Control Unit - The ECU power management control module keeps in check the hybrid battery charging functions. If the ECU is faulty, the battery pack will not be able to properly get charged and thus, the ECU might need replacement.
4. Exhaust System Parts - Are you seeing this error code flashing? Well, it could be due to malfunctioning exhaust system parts. In addition to this error code, the driver is likely to experience a noisy engine, decrease in power and acceleration. We strongly recommend you to purchase new exhaust system parts from Parts Avatar.
5. Powertrain Control Module - A trouble with the PCM would mean that it is unable to determine the right fuel mixture and would send the car engine either more or less fuel than it requires. Now when the engine gets more, the carbon emission would increase and fuel economy would drop. In case of the opposite, the engine will choke, stutter, and might start stalling sometimes.
6. Diagnostic Tool - Usually any OBD code problem requires deep insight into the problem and high grade tools in order to fix it properly. Thus, buy quality diagnostic tools form us!

It is essential 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 P3496 here:

Common Symptoms 

• Illumination in the service engine soon light
• Engine might misfire
• Increasing fuel consumption
• Decreased engine performance
• Service engine soon light might come into signal

If you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps. Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P3496:

• The oil and filter should be changed properly
• The malfunctioning wiring should be repaired or replaced as per the need
• You must clean the blocked oil passages
• It is essential to clean the corrosion from connectors
• Carefully adjust the faults in the deactivation solenoid
• Recondition the non-functioning ECM

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, oil filter, mass airflow sensor, map sensor, maf sensor, throttle position sensor, powertrain control module, engine control module, intake valve, vvt solenoid, manifold absolute pressure sensor, variable valve timing solenoid, tps sensor, body control module and a lot more to help you out in fixing your car.

If you want to easily diagnose this trouble code, then you must follow the steps which are mentioned here as below:

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 12 exhaust 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 exhaust 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 on 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 P3496 Code

• Malfunctioning powertrain control module
• There can be a failure in the variable valve timing solenoid
• Less level of engine oil
• Wiring problems