P3437 code meaning
Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3437 means
P3437 is reserved for an open circuit in a separate exhaust valve actuator on cylinder 5. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. GM, the main user of cylinder 5 deactivation codes (2007 V6, 3.6 L V6, L84 V8), only publishes the intake-side group P3433 to P3436, because its systems switch both valves of a cylinder together; NHTSA's description of Dynamic Fuel Management states that each solenoid feeds intake and exhaust lifters. CARB still expects any emission-relevant actuator to be checked for continuity, which is what this code would report. P3438 to P3440 are the other exhaust codes for cylinder 5, P3433 the intake-side open.
P3437 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 P3437
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation locked out
Common causes of P3437
- PossibleBroken wire or connector to the cylinder 5 exhaust actuator
- PossibleOpen actuator coil
- 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 P3437 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). |
| 37 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3437 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 P3437
What does P3437 mean?
P3437 means "Cylinder 5 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open". P3437 is reserved for an open circuit in a separate exhaust valve actuator on cylinder 5. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3437?
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 P3437 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3437 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 P3437 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 P3437 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.