P3473 code meaning
Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3473 means
P3473 reports an open circuit to the deactivation or intake valve actuator of cylinder 10, the last cylinder of a V10. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; J2012 reserves the codes for cylinders 9 to 12 for engines with more than eight cylinders. The V10 engines known for cylinder shut-off are Audi's 5.2 FSI in the R8 and Lamborghini's Huracán from model year 2016. Audi says its system idles one bank in the upper four gears by switching off injection and ignition, so it needs no valve actuator that this code could watch. On a twelve-cylinder engine with valve deactivation the code would mean a broken wire, an open coil or a bad connector at cylinder 10. P3475 and P3476 deal with shorts, P3474 with the mechanical result, P3477 with the exhaust valve.
P3473 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 P3473
- Check engine lamp on
- Engine no longer switches to reduced-cylinder mode
Common causes of P3473
- Most likelyWire to the cylinder 10 actuator open or chafed
- PossibleCylinder 10 solenoid coil open
- PossibleCorroded or loose connector at cylinder 10
- Less likelyEngine control module driver 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 P3473 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). |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3473 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 P3473
What does P3473 mean?
P3473 means "Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open". P3473 reports an open circuit to the deactivation or intake valve actuator of cylinder 10, the last cylinder of a V10. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3473?
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 P3473 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3473 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 P3473 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 P3473 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.