P3435 code meaning
Cylinder 5 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3435 means
P3435 flags a short to ground on the control line of the cylinder 5 deactivation valve. GM documents it codewise twice: in the 2019 tables for the L84 V8, with under 0.5 ohm to ground in the driver-off state, 20 of 25 samples at 250 ms and Type B, and in an engineering bulletin for 3.6 L V6 engines (LGX, LGZ) where P3435 appears along with P3433 and P3409 when oil leaks from the rocker arm control valve. Oil that wicks into the connector can create exactly such a leakage path. P3433 is the open circuit, P3436 the short to power, P3434 a mechanical failure. In daily driving the engine simply stays on all cylinders.
P3435 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 P3435
- Check engine lamp on
- Oil wetness at the valve cover around the control valve (V6)
- No fuel-saving cylinder deactivation
Common causes of P3435
- Most likelyOil in the cylinder 5 valve connector creating a leakage path (GM 3.6 L V6)
- PossibleControl wire shorted to ground
- PossibleShorted cylinder 5 solenoid
- Less likelyEngine control module driver 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 P3435 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). |
| 35 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3435 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 P3435
What does P3435 mean?
P3435 means "Cylinder 5 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low". P3435 flags a short to ground on the control line of the cylinder 5 deactivation valve. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3435?
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 P3435 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3435 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 P3435 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 P3435 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.