P349E code meaning
Cylinder 7 Deactivation/Intake Valve Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P349E means
P349E covers cylinder 7: deactivation was commanded, yet the cylinder kept its valve events. In GM's DFM design the intake lifter is unlocked first, while the exhaust lifter can only release once its cam lobe is back on the base circle; a sluggish pin therefore tends to leave the exhaust side working. GM's L84 and L87 check spots this through manifold pressure at each 90 degrees of crank rotation and stores a Type B code once 22 out of 25 opportunities have failed. Tula Technology, a specialist in skip-fire control, patented a check that combines intake pressure pulses with measured versus modelled crankshaft acceleration (US9891137B2). The wiring codes for cylinder 7 are P3449, P3451 and P3452. A driver may hear ticking and see the lamp.
P349E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 14 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P349E
- Ticking from the valve train
- Check engine lamp on
- Cylinder deactivation inhibited, higher consumption
Common causes of P349E
- Most likelySluggish locking pin, mostly in the exhaust lifter of cylinder 7
- PossibleOil solenoid of cylinder 7 not opening fully
- PossibleLow, thin or aerated oil
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
LifterValve trainCylinder deactivation solenoidEngine oil
What each part of P349E 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). |
| 9E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P349E 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 P349E
What does P349E mean?
P349E means "Cylinder 7 Deactivation/Intake Valve Performance". P349E covers cylinder 7: deactivation was commanded, yet the cylinder kept its valve events. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P349E?
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 P349E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P349E 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 P349E to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 14 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P349E 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.