P3474 code meaning
Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3474 means
P3474 is about function rather than wiring: cylinder 10 should shut down or come back, but measured engine behaviour says it did not, while its control circuit is intact. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; J2012 reserves the codes for cylinders 9 to 12 for engines with more than eight cylinders. Audi's R8 V10, one of the few ten-cylinder engines with shut-off, works without valve switching; Audi reserves the valve-closing method with zero-lift cams on axially sliding sleeves for its 4.0 TFSI V8. Where valve deactivation is used, causes lie in the oil supply or in a sticking switching element, and NHTSA's description of GM's lifters with oil-pressure locking pins shows how small leaks spoil the switch. P3473, P3475 and P3476 are the electrical codes of cylinder 10.
P3474 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 P3474
- Check engine lamp on
- Misfire on cylinder 10 (P0310)
- Tapping noise from the valve train
Common causes of P3474
- Most likelyOil pressure or oil condition not sufficient to switch cylinder 10
- PossibleLifter or cam sleeve at cylinder 10 sticking
- PossibleOil screen or passage to the cylinder 10 actuator blocked
- Less likelyLeaking seal at the actuator
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 P3474 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). |
| 74 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3474 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 P3474
What does P3474 mean?
P3474 means "Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance". P3474 is about function rather than wiring: cylinder 10 should shut down or come back, but measured engine behaviour says it did not, while its control circuit is intact. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3474?
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 P3474 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3474 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 P3474 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3474 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.