OBD-II code · Powertrain (manufacturer / generic)
P3446 Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
The engine control module has detected a low-side voltage fault (short to ground) on the cylinder 6 exhaust valve deactivation solenoid circuit. Cylinder deactivation is disabled while the fault is present.
Is it safe to drive with P3446?
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
- P3415Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3423Cylinder 3 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3431Cylinder 4 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3438Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3453Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3454Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3455Cylinder 7 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3462Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3487Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3443Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High
- P3444Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open
- P3445Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Performance
- P3447Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High
- P3448Cylinder 7 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
- P3449Cylinder 6 Deactivation Performance
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.