P3476 code meaning
Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3476 means
P3476 is logged when the control circuit of the cylinder 10 deactivation or intake valve actuator sits at too high a level, usually a short to a battery-fed wire found while the output is active. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; J2012 reserves the codes for cylinders 9 to 12 for engines with more than eight cylinders. On the V10s that offer shut-off, Audi describes the bank being stopped by cutting fuel injection and ignition in the upper gears, so cylinder 10 has no valve actuator there. A twelve-cylinder engine with valve switching, such as Mercedes' M137 with its oil-pressure solenoid pack, is the kind of design this code was written for. The control module then usually blocks deactivation for the rest of the trip. Electrical siblings: P3473 and P3475.
P3476 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 P3476
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation locked out for the drive
Common causes of P3476
- Most likelyCylinder 10 control wire shorted to a supply
- PossibleCylinder 10 actuator coil with shorted turns
- Less likelyControl module output stage defective
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 P3476 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). |
| 76 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3476 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 P3476
What does P3476 mean?
P3476 means "Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High". P3476 is logged when the control circuit of the cylinder 10 deactivation or intake valve actuator sits at too high a level, usually a short to a battery-fed wire found while the output is active. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3476?
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 P3476 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3476 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 P3476 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 P3476 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.