P3417 code meaning
Cylinder 3 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3417 means
P3417 flags a broken path in the drive circuit of the cylinder 3 deactivation solenoid. GM documents it twice: its 2007 Displacement on Demand table covers solenoid circuits on cylinder 1, 3 and 5 and needs 30 bad readings in 100 with the engine turning faster than 800 rpm; for the 2019 DFM engine L84, the ECM expects over 200 kohm whenever its low-side output rests, 20 of 25 checks, Type B. That controller also watches a high-side driver for the same solenoid under separate codes, and GM warns that P3419 may appear alongside. The LTA and LT2 V8s also put cylinder 3 to rest, together with 2, 5 and 8 (bulletin 20-NA-038). As long as the circuit is open, every cylinder keeps firing.
P3417 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 P3417
- Check engine lamp on
- Reduced-cylinder mode no longer engages
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
Common causes of P3417
- Most likelyBroken or chafed wire between control module and cylinder 3 solenoid
- PossibleOpen winding in the cylinder 3 deactivation solenoid
- PossibleLoose, oily or corroded solenoid connector
- Less likelyFailed 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 P3417 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). |
| 17 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3417 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 P3417
What does P3417 mean?
P3417 means "Cylinder 3 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open". P3417 flags a broken path in the drive circuit of the cylinder 3 deactivation solenoid. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3417?
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 P3417 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3417 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 P3417 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 P3417 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.