P3479 code meaning
Cylinder 10 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3479 means
P3479 shows a short to ground, or another cause of a low signal, on the control line of the cylinder 10 exhaust valve actuator. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; J2012 reserves the codes for cylinders 9 to 12 for engines with more than eight cylinders. Engines with ten or more cylinders that deactivate cylinders include Audi's R8 V10, Lamborghini's Huracán V10 and Aventador V12, and Bentley's W12; the published descriptions of all of them talk about whole banks, not about a valve actuator per cylinder. If an engine does carry one, the check mirrors the intake low test known from GM's V8s: resistance to ground with the output off. Repair is wiring or actuator work around cylinder 10. Siblings: P3477 (open), P3480 (high), P3475 (intake low).
P3479 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 P3479
- Check engine lamp on
- Fuel-saving cylinder shut-off inactive
Common causes of P3479
- PossibleExhaust actuator wire of cylinder 10 shorted to ground
- PossibleExhaust actuator shorted internally
- Less likelyControl module output stage faulty
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 P3479 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). |
| 79 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3479 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 P3479
What does P3479 mean?
P3479 means "Cylinder 10 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low". P3479 shows a short to ground, or another cause of a low signal, on the control line of the cylinder 10 exhaust valve actuator. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3479?
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 P3479 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3479 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 P3479 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 P3479 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.