P3495 code meaning
Cylinder 12 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3495 means
P3495 points to a low signal, usually a short to ground, on the control line of the cylinder 12 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. The twelve-cylinder engines with deactivation (Bentley W12, Lamborghini Aventador V12, Mercedes M137) are not documented with a dedicated exhaust actuator per cylinder; the newer ones shut entire banks and keep the valves moving, as Bentley states for its W12. Where such an actuator does exist, the diagnosis follows the usual path: connector unplugged, resistance of the wire to ground, then the coil itself. P3493 is the open circuit, P3496 the short to voltage, and P3491 the low fault on the intake side of cylinder 12.
P3495 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 P3495
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation inactive
Common causes of P3495
- PossibleExhaust actuator wire of cylinder 12 grounded
- PossibleExhaust actuator with internal short
- Less likelyControl module output 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 P3495 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). |
| 95 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3495 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 P3495
What does P3495 mean?
P3495 means "Cylinder 12 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low". P3495 points to a low signal, usually a short to ground, on the control line of the cylinder 12 exhaust valve actuator. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3495?
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 P3495 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3495 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 P3495 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 P3495 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.