P3415 code meaning
Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3415 means
P3415 describes a control circuit for a dedicated cylinder 2 exhaust valve actuator that is pulled toward ground. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. Cylinder 2 itself is a common deactivation candidate: GM switches it off on its 3.6 l and 3.0 l V6 engines (bulletin 21-NA-036) and on DFM V8s, but there one oil control valve serves the whole cylinder, so wiring faults land on the intake-side codes P3409, P3411 and P3412. On the L84, GM treats a resistance to ground below 0.5 ohm, read while the output stage is inactive, as a short. CARB wants these outputs tested for shorts. Siblings: P3413 open, P3414 function, P3416 short to power; cylinder 1 uses P3407. The engine keeps running on all cylinders.
P3415 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P3415
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation inhibited
Common causes of P3415
- PossibleControl wire of the cylinder 2 exhaust actuator touching ground
- PossibleInternal short in the cylinder 2 exhaust actuator
- Less likelyDamaged output stage in the engine control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder deactivation solenoidWiring harnessECM
What each part of P3415 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). |
| 15 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3415 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 P3415
What does P3415 mean?
P3415 means "Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low". P3415 describes a control circuit for a dedicated cylinder 2 exhaust valve actuator that is pulled toward ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3415?
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 P3415 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3415 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 P3415 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P3415 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.