P3416 code meaning
Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3416 means
P3416 means the control line of a separate cylinder 2 exhaust valve actuator sits too high, typically because it touches a supply voltage or the coil has shorted turns. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. The closest published test is GM's for the intake-side P3412 on the L84: once the output stage is active, any resistance to supply below 0.5 ohm is a failure, and 20 hits out of 25 lead to a Type B entry. NHTSA's review of GM's DFM V8 describes one valve lifter oil solenoid per cylinder that serves intake and exhaust alike, which is why such engines need no exhaust-only code. CARB requires shorts in outputs to be detected. Related: P3413 open, P3415 short to ground, P3408 for cylinder 1.
P3416 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 P3416
- Check engine lamp on
- Engine stays in full-cylinder mode
Common causes of P3416
- PossibleActuator control wire shorted to a supply line
- PossibleShorted turns in the cylinder 2 exhaust actuator coil
- Less likelyEngine control module output stage fault
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 P3416 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). |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3416 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 P3416
What does P3416 mean?
P3416 means "Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High". P3416 means the control line of a separate cylinder 2 exhaust valve actuator sits too high, typically because it touches a supply voltage or the coil has shorted turns. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3416?
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 P3416 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3416 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 P3416 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 P3416 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.