P3447 code meaning
Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3447 means
P3447 is about a ground fault on the lead of a stand-alone exhaust actuator for cylinder 6. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. GM, the one maker publishing the full set of cylinder 6 circuit codes, switches both valves of the cylinder with one solenoid and reports a ground short as the intake-side P3443: impedance below 0.5 ohm toward ground while the driver is off, 20 of 25 samples, Type B. A comparable test would apply here, because CARB requires circuit monitoring for every emission-relevant output. NHTSA notes that GM inhibits deactivation as soon as a solenoid driver circuit fault is present, so the practical result is an engine running on all cylinders. P3445 (open) and P3448 (short to power) are the neighbouring exhaust codes.
P3447 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 P3447
- Check engine lamp on
- Engine stays in full-cylinder mode
Common causes of P3447
- PossibleExhaust actuator wire of cylinder 6 chafed against the engine
- PossibleInternal short to ground in the exhaust actuator
- Less likelyDamaged driver 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 P3447 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). |
| 47 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3447 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 P3447
What does P3447 mean?
P3447 means "Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low". P3447 is about a ground fault on the lead of a stand-alone exhaust actuator for cylinder 6. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3447?
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 P3447 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3447 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 P3447 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 P3447 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.