P3414 code meaning
Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3414 means
P3414 would be set when the exhaust valves of cylinder 2 do not follow a deactivation or reactivation command on an engine with separate exhaust valve control. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. The underlying problem is described in a Ford patent: an exhaust valve that still opens after deactivation shows up as pressure changes in the exhaust, and the controller can reactivate the cylinder or block further deactivation. GM's DFM engines report a cylinder whose intake and exhaust valves stay active under their own code P3499 instead. Electrical faults on this channel are P3413, P3415 and P3416, the intake-side function code is P3410.
P3414 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P3414
- Check engine lamp on
- Rough running when cylinders are switched off
- Deactivation suspended by the engine computer
Common causes of P3414
- PossibleExhaust-side lifter or rocker of cylinder 2 not switching
- PossibleLow oil pressure or aerated oil
- Less likelyExhaust actuator valve sticking
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder deactivation solenoidLifterEngine oil
What each part of P3414 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 3 | Mixed range: generic and manufacturer-specific codes. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 14 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3414 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P3414
What does P3414 mean?
P3414 means "Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Performance". P3414 would be set when the exhaust valves of cylinder 2 do not follow a deactivation or reactivation command on an engine with separate exhaust valve control. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3414?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P3414 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3414 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P3414 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3414 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.