P3482 code meaning
Cylinder 11 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3482 means
P3482 is the functional check for cylinder 11: the actuator circuit is electrically fine, but the cylinder does not actually go dormant or wake up when told to. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; J2012 reserves the codes for cylinders 9 to 12 for engines with more than eight cylinders. Bentley's Bentayga and Continental W12 can run on six of twelve cylinders, yet the published description has the valves keep working, so a valve-switching failure cannot arise there. Engines that do close valves rely on oil pressure acting on switching lifters, as NHTSA's review of GM's lifter design lays out in detail; contaminated or low oil and worn locking pins are the usual reasons for a missed switch. The electrical counterparts on cylinder 11 are P3481, P3483 and P3484.
P3482 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 P3482
- Check engine lamp on
- Misfire on cylinder 11 (P0311)
- Noticeable shudder when switching modes
Common causes of P3482
- Most likelyContaminated or insufficient oil for switching cylinder 11
- PossibleWorn or sticking locking pins at cylinder 11
- PossibleOil screen to the cylinder 11 actuator clogged
- Less likelyActuator seal leaking pressure
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 P3482 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). |
| 82 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3482 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 P3482
What does P3482 mean?
P3482 means "Cylinder 11 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance". P3482 is the functional check for cylinder 11: the actuator circuit is electrically fine, but the cylinder does not actually go dormant or wake up when told to. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3482?
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 P3482 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3482 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 P3482 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3482 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.