P3405 Cylinder 1 Exhaust valve control circuit / open

P3405 Cylinder 1 Exhaust valve control circuit / open

OBD-II DTC Datasheet

Control circuit exhaust valve cylinder 1 / open

What does this mean?

This is a Generic Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) applicable to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). This may include, but is not limited to, vehicles from Dodge, Peugeot, Jeep, Chevrolet, Chrysler, etc. Despite the general nature, the exact repair steps may vary depending on the model year, make, model and engine configuration.

OBD-II DTC P3405 and corresponding codes P3406, P3407 and P3408 are associated with the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit.

The purpose of the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit is to deactivate the exhaust valve in order to adapt to the cylinder deactivation function (for example, V4 mode of a V8 engine) to improve fuel economy during light load idling or on the highway. The engine control module (ECM) controls the 4- or 8-cylinder engine modes by deactivating the four cylinders of the engine. This process is achieved by turning on variable valve timing solenoids that turn the exhaust valves on and off as needed. This code refers to cylinder number 1, and the other three cylinders in this process are determined by the engine configuration and cylinder firing order. The ECM will limit cylinder off to 10 minutes in V4 mode and then return to V8 mode for 1 minute. The valve for variable valve timing of the cylinder number 1 is installed on or next to the exhaust manifold in the immediate vicinity of this cylinder, depending on the specific configuration and the vehicle.

When the ECM detects an abnormal voltage or resistance in the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit, DTC P3405 will set and the check engine light, engine service light, or both may illuminate. In some cases, the ECM may disable the cylinder 1 injector until the problem is corrected and the code cleared, resulting in noticeable engine misfire.

Cylinder shutdown solenoids:

What is the severity of this DTC?

The severity of this code can vary greatly from moderate to severe depending on the specific symptoms of the problem. Ignition misfires require immediate attention as they can cause permanent damage to internal engine components.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P3405 trouble code may include:

• Increased fuel consumption
• Poor engine performance
• Engine misfire
• Service engine light will be on soon
• Check engine light is on

What are some of the common causes for the code?

Reasons for this P3405 code may include:

• The solenoid of the variable valve timing system is faulty.
• Low engine oil level or pressure
• Limited oil passage
• Faulty or damaged wiring
• Corroded, damaged or loose connector
• Defective ECM

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P3405?

The first step in troubleshooting any problem is to review the vehicle-specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) by year, model, and engine. This can save you time and money because it is, in fact, a known solution to a known problem.

The second step is to check the condition of the engine oil and make sure it is maintained to the proper level. Then locate all components associated with the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit and look for obvious physical damage. Depending on the specific vehicle, this circuit may include several components, including a variable valve timing solenoid, switches, malfunction indicators, and an engine control unit. Perform a thorough visual inspection to check the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scratches, abrasions, exposed wires, or burn marks. Next, check the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and damage to the contacts. Consult the specific vehicle data sheet to verify the configuration and identify each component included in the cylinder 1 exhaust valve control circuit.

Advanced steps

The additional steps become very vehicle specific and require appropriate advanced equipment to be performed accurately. These procedures require a digital multimeter and vehicle-specific technical reference documents. In this situation, the oil pressure gauge can also facilitate the troubleshooting process to confirm the oil flow restriction.

Voltage test

The reference voltage and allowable ranges may vary depending on the specific vehicle and circuit configuration. Specific technical data will include troubleshooting tables and appropriate sequence of steps to help you make an accurate diagnosis.

If this process detects that a power source or ground is missing, a continuity test may be required to verify the integrity of wiring, connectors, and other components. Continuity tests should always be done with power disconnected from the circuit and normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or no continuity indicates a wiring fault that is open, shorted, or corroded and needs to be repaired or replaced.

What are the standard ways to fix this code?

• Replacing the valve timing solenoid
• Cleaning connectors from corrosion
• Repair or replace faulty wiring
• Cleaning blocked oil passages
• Flashing or replacing ECM

General error

• Replacing the variable valve timing solenoid with insufficient oil pressure or faulty wiring causes the ECM to set this code.

Hopefully the information in this article has helped point you in the right direction to troubleshoot the exhaust valve control circuit DTC issue. This article is for informational purposes only and specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.

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