P3497 code meaning
Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3497 means
P3497 is the bank 2 counterpart of P3400: the control unit concludes that deactivation on the bank that lacks cylinder 1 is failing as a whole, and it blames no single cylinder circuit. Honda's VCM V6 links it to rocker arm oil pressure switch C (P3400 belongs to switch B); bulletin 13-055 for the 2013 Odyssey and Pilot shows both codes after cold starts with oil pressure above 92 psi, which moved the spool valves and cut cylinders the ECU had not selected. The fix there was a new relief valve spring. Ram lists P3497 for the 2023 5.7 l Hemi eTorque and cures it with PCM software (18-002-25). Expect a warning lamp, misfire codes and rough running during warm-up.
P3497 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 P3497
- Check engine lamp on
- Misfire codes on bank 2 cylinders, mostly after a cold start
- Rough idle while the engine warms up
- Reduced-cylinder mode no longer used, higher fuel use
Common causes of P3497
- Most likelyLow oil level, wrong grade or overdue oil change on bank 2
- PossibleExcess oil pressure on cold start, e.g. weak relief valve spring
- PossibleSwitchable rocker arm or lifter on bank 2 sticking or not latching
- Less likelyRocker arm oil pressure switch of bank 2 reporting wrongly
- Less likelyEngine control software needing an update
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder deactivation solenoidLifterOil control valveOil pressure switch
What each part of P3497 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). |
| 97 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3497 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 P3497
What does P3497 mean?
P3497 means "Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 2". P3497 is the bank 2 counterpart of P3400: the control unit concludes that deactivation on the bank that lacks cylinder 1 is failing as a whole, and it blames no single cylinder circuit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3497?
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 P3497 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3497 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 P3497 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3497 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.