P3446 code meaning
Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3446 means
P3446 stands for an exhaust valve on cylinder 6 that does not follow a deactivation or reactivation command although its circuit is intact. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. GM watches a closely related failure under a code of its own: on the 2019 L84, P318E (Cylinder 6 Trapped High Pressure Exhaust Charge) looks for an exhaust valve that fails to open and let the burned gas out, recognised by crankshaft jerk in 66 of 100 samples, Type B, with immediate protective action. A Ford patent covers the opposite case, an exhaust valve that keeps opening after shut-off, detected from exhaust pressure. The electrical codes for this exhaust channel are P3445, P3447 and P3448.
P3446 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P3446
- Check engine lamp on
- Knock-like noise or vibration when the cylinder is switched back on
- Possible misfire on cylinder 6 (P0306)
Common causes of P3446
- PossibleExhaust lifter of cylinder 6 switching late or not at all
- PossibleOil pressure too low for reliable switching
- Less likelyExhaust control valve sticking
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder deactivation solenoidLifterEngine oil
What each part of P3446 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). |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3446 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 P3446
What does P3446 mean?
P3446 means "Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Performance". P3446 stands for an exhaust valve on cylinder 6 that does not follow a deactivation or reactivation command although its circuit is intact. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3446?
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 P3446 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3446 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 P3446 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3446 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.