P3443 code meaning
Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3443 means
Here the engine computer has found the cylinder 6 solenoid's switched lead pulled to ground. GM spells out the test for its 2019 V8s (L84, L86 and the LT4 Corvette): while the low-side driver is off, an impedance under 0.5 ohm toward ground is a fault, and 20 hits among 25 checks while the powertrain relay supplies at least 11 V store a Type B code. GM adds that some controllers record the open-circuit code P3441 at the same moment, so the pair does not prove two separate faults. On the L84 each solenoid also has a high-side feed, and a short to ground there carries GM's own code P3114. P3444 is the short to voltage on this channel. Cylinder deactivation stays off until the fault is repaired.
P3443 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 P3443
- Check engine lamp on from the second faulty trip
- Four-cylinder mode no longer available
- P3441 stored at the same time on some GM controllers
Common causes of P3443
- Most likelyInsulation of the cylinder 6 control wire worn through to ground
- PossibleCylinder 6 solenoid shorted internally to its housing
- Less likelyMoisture or oil bridging the pins of the solenoid connector
- Less likelyOutput stage in the engine control module damaged
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 P3443 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). |
| 43 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3443 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 P3443
What does P3443 mean?
P3443 means "Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low". Here the engine computer has found the cylinder 6 solenoid's switched lead pulled to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3443?
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 P3443 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3443 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 P3443 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 P3443 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.