OBD-II code · Powertrain (manufacturer / generic)
P3453 Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
The engine control module has detected a low voltage condition in the control circuit of the cylinder 5 exhaust valve deactivation solenoid. A short to ground or low-side driver fault prevents proper actuation of the exhaust valve during cylinder deactivation events on bank-relevant cylinder 5.
Is it safe to drive with P3453?
Usually safe for short trips, but don’t ignore it: the underlying fault can get more expensive over time.
Common causes
- Most likelySolenoid or wiring shorted to ground
- PossibleECM low-side driver failed
- Less likelyConnector corrosion or pin damage
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
- P3446Cylinder 6 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
- P3450Cylinder 7 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
- P3451Cylinder 7 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High
- P3452Cylinder 7 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open
- P3456Cylinder 8 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.