P3422 code meaning
Cylinder 3 Exhaust Valve Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3422 means
P3422 would apply if cylinder 3's exhaust valves disregard an order to stop or restart even though the wiring checks out. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. How such a fault can be spotted is shown in patents: Ford patented a way to catch an exhaust valve still lifting after shutdown by its mark in the exhaust pressure trace; the engine then brings the cylinder back, blocks further deactivation and may store a code. A Delphi patent does the same for the intake side by timing pressure pulses against crank angle. GM folds both valves of cylinder 3 into one mechanical check, P349A. A leaking exhaust valve pumps air through the cold cylinder, which upsets fuel trim and can cause a misfire count on cylinder 3.
P3422 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 P3422
- Uneven running in reduced-cylinder mode
- Fuel trim or misfire codes alongside
- Check engine lamp on
Common causes of P3422
- PossibleExhaust-side switching lifter or rocker of cylinder 3 stuck
- PossibleOil level or quality outside specification
- Less likelyRestricted oil passage to the exhaust switching element
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 P3422 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). |
| 22 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3422 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 P3422
What does P3422 mean?
P3422 means "Cylinder 3 Exhaust Valve Control Performance". P3422 would apply if cylinder 3's exhaust valves disregard an order to stop or restart even though the wiring checks out. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3422?
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 P3422 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3422 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 P3422 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3422 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.