P3464 code meaning
Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3464 means
P3464 is stored once the line to a stand-alone cylinder 8 exhaust actuator sits at a high level, typically a wire touching battery voltage. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. According to GM bulletin 20-NA-038, cylinder 8 is switched off only by DFM engines and by the LTA and LT2, whose fixed pattern is 2, 3, 5 and 8; classic AFM uses 1, 7, 6 and 4. On those engines a single solenoid also moves the exhaust lifter, and GM lists a short to power on it as P3460: with the low-side driver commanded on, less than 0.5 ohm to supply, 20 of 25 samples, Type B. Its malfunction text says cylinder 7, a copy slip in the 2019 table. The shorted output cannot pull in, so cylinder 8 simply stays active. P3463 is the ground fault.
P3464 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 P3464
- Check engine lamp on
- Engine keeps running on all eight cylinders, slightly higher fuel use
Common causes of P3464
- PossibleControl wire of the cylinder 8 actuator touching a battery feed
- PossibleShorted turns in the actuator coil, resistance far too low
- Less likelyOutput stage in the engine control module failed
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 P3464 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). |
| 64 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3464 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 P3464
What does P3464 mean?
P3464 means "Cylinder 8 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High". P3464 is stored once the line to a stand-alone cylinder 8 exhaust actuator sits at a high level, typically a wire touching battery voltage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3464?
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 P3464 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3464 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 P3464 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 P3464 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.