P3445 code meaning
Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3445 means
P3445 is defined for a break in the wiring of a stand-alone actuator that would control the exhaust valves of cylinder 6. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. The engines that deactivate cylinder 6 today, GM's AFM and DFM V8s and Chrysler's Hemi with MDS, publish only intake-side codes for this cylinder (P3441, and at GM also P3443 and P3444). NHTSA's description of GM's DFM hardware explains why: a single solenoid per cylinder sends oil to the intake and the exhaust lifters alike, which then unlock one after the other. An engine with its own exhaust-side actuators would have to check their wiring for continuity under CARB's rules for output components, and that is the fault this code names. P3446 to P3448 complete the exhaust group.
P3445 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 P3445
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation disabled
Common causes of P3445
- PossibleBroken wire or loose connector at the cylinder 6 exhaust actuator
- PossibleActuator coil interrupted
- Less likelyOutput stage in the control module faulty
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 P3445 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). |
| 45 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3445 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 P3445
What does P3445 mean?
P3445 means "Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open". P3445 is defined for a break in the wiring of a stand-alone actuator that would control the exhaust valves of cylinder 6. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3445?
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 P3445 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3445 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 P3445 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 P3445 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.