OBD-II code · Powertrain (manufacturer / generic)
P3442 Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
The engine control module has detected a low-side voltage fault (short to ground) on the cylinder 6 deactivation or intake valve solenoid circuit. Cylinder deactivation is disabled while the fault is present.
Is it safe to drive with P3442?
Usually safe for short trips, but don’t ignore it: the underlying fault can get more expensive over time.
Common causes
- Most likelyWiring shorted to ground
- PossibleSolenoid internal short
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Hard
- DIY friendly
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 1–6 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid, Engine Wiring Harness, Ecm
Related codes
- P3419Cylinder 3 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3427Cylinder 4 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3450Cylinder 7 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3458Cylinder 8 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3439Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High
- P3440Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
- P3441Cylinder 5 Deactivation Performance
- P3443Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High
- P3444Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open
- P3445Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Performance
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.