P3471 code meaning
Cylinder 9 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3471 means
A low reading on the control line of the cylinder 9 exhaust valve actuator triggers P3471, most often a wire grounded against the engine or body. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; J2012 reserves the codes for cylinders 9 to 12 for engines with more than eight cylinders. Because known shut-off systems on engines above eight cylinders either drop a whole bank by fuel and spark (Audi R8 V10) or close the valves with one shared actuator per cylinder (as in GM's design), a separately wired exhaust actuator on cylinder 9 would be unusual. If such a circuit is present, test it the same way as the intake circuit: resistance to ground with the connector unplugged, then the coil. P3469 is the open-circuit fault, P3472 the short to voltage, P3467 the matching intake code.
P3471 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 P3471
- Check engine lamp on
- Partial-cylinder mode unavailable
Common causes of P3471
- PossibleExhaust actuator wire of cylinder 9 grounded
- PossibleInternal short in the exhaust actuator
- Less likelyEngine control module output 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 P3471 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). |
| 71 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3471 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 P3471
What does P3471 mean?
P3471 means "Cylinder 9 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low". A low reading on the control line of the cylinder 9 exhaust valve actuator triggers P3471, most often a wire grounded against the engine or body. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3471?
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 P3471 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3471 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 P3471 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 P3471 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.