P3444 code meaning
Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3444 means
P3444 is set when the output that switches the cylinder 6 deactivation solenoid to ground still sees supply voltage while it is turned on, meaning the line has a short to power instead of a path through the coil. GM tests this on the 2019 L84, L86 and LT4 V8s with a limit of 0.5 ohm to controller power, 20 errors out of 25 samples at 250 ms intervals and Type B lamp logic. On the L84, whose solenoids also have a switched high-side feed, a short to voltage on that feed has the separate GM code P3115. Because the ECM can no longer energize the valve, cylinder 6 simply keeps firing and the engine gives up four-cylinder operation. Compare P3441 (open) and P3443 (short to ground).
P3444 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 P3444
- Check engine lamp on
- Engine runs on all eight cylinders permanently
- Slightly higher fuel consumption at light load
Common causes of P3444
- Most likelyCylinder 6 control wire in contact with a supply wire in the harness
- PossibleShorted turns in the cylinder 6 solenoid coil
- Less likelyFaulty output stage in the engine control module
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 P3444 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). |
| 44 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3444 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 P3444
What does P3444 mean?
P3444 means "Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High". P3444 is set when the output that switches the cylinder 6 deactivation solenoid to ground still sees supply voltage while it is turned on, meaning the line has a short to power instead of a path through the coil. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3444?
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 P3444 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3444 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 P3444 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 P3444 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.