P3433 code meaning
Cylinder 5 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3433 means
P3433 reports an open control circuit to the deactivation valve of cylinder 5, and GM has used it across three generations. The 2007 V6 with Displacement on Demand, which shut off cylinders 1, 3 and 5, already flagged a short or open after 30 failures in 100 samples at 250 ms above 800 rpm. On the 3.6 L V6 (LGX, LGZ) cylinder 5 is an active fuel management cylinder, and GM tied P3433 to oil leaking from the rocker arm control valve in the camshaft cover. The 2019 L84 V8 tests every cylinder with a 200 kohm limit. Each time it is a Type B code. P3434 to P3436 are the function and short codes for the same cylinder.
P3433 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 P3433
- Check engine lamp on
- Oil seepage at the valve cover control valve (V6)
- Reduced-cylinder mode no longer used
Common causes of P3433
- Most likelyOil leaking at the cylinder 5 control valve into its connector (GM 3.6 L V6)
- PossibleBroken wire or spread terminal in the solenoid circuit
- PossibleOpen coil in the cylinder 5 solenoid
- Less likelyEngine control module output 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 P3433 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). |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3433 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 P3433
What does P3433 mean?
P3433 means "Cylinder 5 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open". P3433 reports an open control circuit to the deactivation valve of cylinder 5, and GM has used it across three generations. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3433?
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 P3433 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3433 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 P3433 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 P3433 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.