P3462 code meaning
Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3462 means
With P3462 the ECM would be saying that the exhaust valve of cylinder 8 ignores deactivation commands even though nothing is wrong electrically. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. GM covers the exhaust side of cylinder 8 on the 2019 L84 with its own code P3190, Cylinder 8 Trapped High Pressure Exhaust Charge: if crankshaft jerk, normalized by engine speed, exceeds a load-dependent threshold while the cylinder is deactivated, the exhaust valve is judged not to have opened, and 66 failures in 100 samples set a Type B code. Ford patented the complementary check for an exhaust valve that keeps opening after deactivation, based on exhaust pressure. Symptoms range from vibration in reduced-cylinder mode to a misfire on cylinder 8 (P0308).
P3462 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 P3462
- Check engine lamp on
- Vibration while cylinders are deactivated
- Misfire on cylinder 8 (P0308)
Common causes of P3462
- PossibleExhaust lifter of cylinder 8 failing to relock in time
- PossibleOil supply to the lifter gallery insufficient
- Less likelyExhaust-side 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 P3462 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). |
| 62 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3462 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 P3462
What does P3462 mean?
P3462 means "Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Performance". With P3462 the ECM would be saying that the exhaust valve of cylinder 8 ignores deactivation commands even though nothing is wrong electrically. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3462?
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 P3462 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3462 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 P3462 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3462 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.