P3472 code meaning
Cylinder 9 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3472 means
P3472 records a high voltage level on the cylinder 9 exhaust valve control circuit, the pattern of a wire shorted to a supply feed or of a coil with shorted windings. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; J2012 reserves the codes for cylinders 9 to 12 for engines with more than eight cylinders. Engines that could in principle have a cylinder 9 with deactivation include the Mercedes M137 V12, the Lamborghini Aventador V12 and Bentley's W12; for none of them is a separate exhaust actuator documented, and the Bentley engine is described as leaving its valves working during shut-off. A US patent from GM shows that the exhaust side has a sequence of its own: there the exhaust valves stop before the intake valves and also return first. P3469 (open) and P3471 (low) complete the electrical set.
P3472 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 P3472
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation switched off by the control module
Common causes of P3472
- PossibleExhaust actuator wire of cylinder 9 shorted to voltage
- PossibleShorted windings in the exhaust actuator
- Less likelyFaulty engine control module output
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 P3472 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). |
| 72 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3472 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 P3472
What does P3472 mean?
P3472 means "Cylinder 9 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit High". P3472 records a high voltage level on the cylinder 9 exhaust valve control circuit, the pattern of a wire shorted to a supply feed or of a coil with shorted windings. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3472?
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 P3472 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3472 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 P3472 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 P3472 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.