P3455 code meaning
Cylinder 7 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3455 means
P3455 points to a ground fault on the line that would drive an exhaust-only actuator on cylinder 7. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. On GM V8 engines, AFM and DFM alike, a single lifter oil solenoid serves intake and exhaust of each cylinder, so a grounded line there sets the intake-side code P3451: the low-side driver is switched off, the output reads under 0.5 ohm to ground, and 20 of 25 checks taken every 250 ms must fail (Type B). On FCA's Hemi, MDS wiring rubbed through by the heat shield behind the driver-side head, next to cylinder 7, shows up as P3449. With its control line grounded, the actuator could switch on uncommanded, so the cylinder may lose its valve motion while fuel still flows. P3453 is the open, P3456 the short to power.
P3455 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 P3455
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation locked out
- Rough running or misfire on cylinder 7 if the actuator pulls in unbidden
Common causes of P3455
- Most likelyActuator wire chafed through against the cylinder head or a heat shield
- PossibleActuator coil shorted to its housing
- 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 P3455 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). |
| 55 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3455 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 P3455
What does P3455 mean?
P3455 means "Cylinder 7 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low". P3455 points to a ground fault on the line that would drive an exhaust-only actuator on cylinder 7. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3455?
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 P3455 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3455 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 P3455 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 P3455 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.