P341D code meaning
Deactivation/Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Performance Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P341D means
P341D appears once the bank 2 exhaust valves respond wrongly to a deactivation or reactivation request while the electrical side is intact. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. Timing is the critical part: a GM patent application has the exhaust valves stop before the intake valves when a cylinder is switched off and resume before them when it comes back, so that burnt gas is expelled and no fresh charge is trapped. GM's DFM V8, as NHTSA describes it, reverses this and stops the intake side first. If the exhaust side lags, the planned order breaks. CARB expects outputs like this to be checked for proper function. The circuit code for this bank is P340D, the bank 1 equivalent P341C, the intake function on bank 2 P341B. Expect a lamp, harsh mode changes and higher fuel use.
P341D 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 P341D
- Check engine lamp on
- Bump or shudder during mode changes
- Higher fuel consumption
Common causes of P341D
- PossibleExhaust lifter or rocker on bank 2 switching late or not at all
- PossibleOil too thin, too old or too low for fast switching
- Less likelySluggish bank 2 exhaust actuator valve
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 P341D 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). |
| 1D | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P341D 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 P341D
What does P341D mean?
P341D means "Deactivation/Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Performance Bank 2". P341D appears once the bank 2 exhaust valves respond wrongly to a deactivation or reactivation request while the electrical side is intact. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P341D?
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 P341D fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P341D 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 P341D to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P341D 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.