What is the P3400 fault number? What are the causes for the P3400 error code? How to fix P3400 error code? What does the Cylinder Disable System Bank 1 fault mean ?….?
It can be difficult for many drivers to diagnose the problem with their vehicle. Modern tools have a code system that makes it much easier. This code system communicates with your vehicle and generates fault codes that indicate what went wrong. The fault code is identified using a special scanner. It is important to determine what the code is and what is causing it.
Fault code 3400 warns that the Cylinder Disable System Bank 1 is disabled. It doesn’t mean anything to you, just like many drivers. We will show you how to fix it and point out where the problem is.
What is the P3400 Fault code?
The confusing explanation of “The cylinder-deactivation system has failed” is rather unclear. It is well-known that cylinders are power-generating parts of an engine. When all cylinders run, the engine runs at maximum power. Most vehicles have four cylinders. However, there are some vehicles that have six, eight, or twelve cylinders. It is worth having a “cylinder activation system” if there are a lot of cylinders. It is not always possible to have all of the cylinders on at once. Four cylinders can suffice for moving your vehicle and keeping the throttle low. The engine will switch between V8 mode and V4 mode when driving conditions are mild. Cylinder deactivation prevents several cylinders of firing, saving money and fuel.
This is all the cylinder deactivation device needs to do:
- – Close the valves
- – Disable fuel flow
The cylinder deactivation device closes the intake-exhaust valves to prevent unnecessary cylinders. As small explosions can occur within cylinders, it is important to close valves properly. The valves are sensitive and powerful engine parts. It is simple and easy to disable the fuel flow. It is important to conserve fuel by disabling the cylinders. This is only possible if fuel is not delivered to the cylinders.
The powertrain control module, or PCM, uses information from the mass flow (MAF), manifoldabsolute pressure (MAP), and throttle position (TP), to determine vehicle driving conditions.
The PCM will instruct the cylinder disable solenoids to start the cylinder activation process. Cylinder disable solenoids disable the cylinder 1, 4, 6, 6 and 7 by limiting oil flow to the valve liftingers and preventing the intake and exhaust valves opening. The vehicle can’t enter V4 mode if the MAF,MAP, and TP sensors are not in compliance.
The PCM will issue fault code P3400 if it detects that these values are outside the range of V4 mode. This code is used by Pontiac (and Dodge, Ram), GMC, Chevrolet and Chrysler. It is used on many brands but not just these.
What are the Symptoms of P3400’s Fault Code?
This error code is associated with only a handful of symptoms. The check engine lamp will turn on if the cylinder activation system doesn’t turn on or engage prematurely.
- Engine fault light on
- – A decrease in fuel efficiency
- – Engine power loss
- – Engine vibration
What causes the P3400 Fault code?
- – Defective cylinder deactivation solenoid
- – Cylinder disable solenoid wiring open or shorted
- – An electrical problem in the cylinder deactivation circuit solenoid circuit
- – Defective mass Airflow Sensor
- – Defective throttle positioning sensor
- – Intake control system defect absolute pressure sensor
- – Defective lifters
- – Oil lines blocked or restricted
- Low engine oil
- – Lifters with low oil pressure
How to Fix the P3400 Fault Code
Low oil pressure is the main cause of this problem. Check your oil level first and then add oil to your vehicle as needed. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it is time to have an oil pressure test performed manually. The code can be rediscovered by driving the vehicle to test it.
If the problem persists it is likely that the defective or damaged part is to blame. Check the cylinder disable solenoid 1. A functioning solenoid will vibrate, click and sound normal. If the cylinder disable #1 solenoid isn’t working properly, make sure to check the oil passages for any debris. Clean the oil passages if needed and then replace the solenoid. If the cylinder disable solonoid #1 is operating properly, you should also check the cylinder disable solonoid #7.
If they are not the reason, it is worth checking the oil channels that supply the lifters. It is necessary to clean any oil passageways that are restricted. Lifters must be replaced if there is no restriction to oil passages.
- – Check the engine oil level and pressure
- – Replace cylinder disable solenoid #1
- – Replace cylinder disable solenoid #7
- – Remove dirt and debris from the passages of the cylinder activation solenoid oils
- Clean the oil passages on the lifters of dirt and debris
- – Change Lifters
- – The engine should be disassembled if it has been subject to dirt or mud from flood damage.
How important is P3400 Fault code?
A malfunctioning cylinder deactivation device can not only result in decreased fuel efficiency but also increase engine emissions. System malfunctions can lead to serious engine problems. If the problem is not fixed, the engine could be destroyed.
