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P3468 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "OBD-11 Trouble Code Cylinder 9 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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This code indicates that there is a problem with the intake valve on cylinder number 9. When your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) notices that the measured values of the mass airflow sensor, the throttle position sensor, and the intake control manifold absolute pressure sensor, are not within the predetermined range for V4 mode, the P3468 code will appear.
One cause might be a faulty Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid. It could also be that your Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid circuit is suffering from a poor electrical connection or that your Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness is open or shorted. You may also have poor oil pressure on your lifters, or low oil levels in your engine. You could also have defective lifters.
Basically the two symptoms are a Check Engine light that won’t turn off and a vibrating engine.
Always be sure that your engine oil levels and oil pressure are at the correct levels. You can then use your OBD-II scanner to collect any diagnostic trouble codes that have been stored by the powertrain control module (PCM). Please note that if the PCM has stored other deactivation or oil pressure trouble codes that you will need to work on these first. You should always work in the order that the codes appear on the PCM. Next, use your OBD-II to clear away your trouble codes, and then test the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 by actuating it with a scan tool.
A solenoid that is working as it should will vibrate and make a small ‘click’ noise. If the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 is not working as it should, be sure to check the oil passages for dirt and debris. You may also need to clean your vehicle’s oil passages. In some cases, you may even need to replace your solenoid; however, if the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 is working as it should, then you should inspect the cylinder deactivation solenoid 7.
You test this the same way you tested the other solenoid, that is by actuating it with a scan tool. If all solenoids check out, you should inspect the oil passages to the lifter. Again, clean the passages if you think it is necessary. In extreme cases, the engine block will need to be disassembled and cleaned completely. But make sure that you are trained to do this, since it can become complicated and difficult to reassemble if you don’t know have the proper experience and knowledge.
A common mistake people make when they see a P3468 code is to replace your wheel speed sensors, camshaft, and crankshaft position sensors. Replacing these is not likely to solve the issue. Also, please note that in order to properly diagnose your issue, you will need the right diagnostic equipment. You can acquire this equipment yourself, or you can take your vehicle to a professional technician who can diagnose the problem for you.
A P3468 is serious and, in most cases, should be looked at by a professional technician. Not only is a P3468 a serious issue but it is also difficult to fix, requiring costly and specialized diagnostic equipment. If you do not have this equipment, you will want to see a professional technician and have him or her determine just what is wrong with your vehicle.
One repair is to replace your cylinder deactivation solenoid 1. But if this solenoid seems to be working well, then you may need to replace your cylinder deactivation solenoid 7, which you will test the same way you tested solenoid 1.
You may also need to clear your cylinder deactivation solenoid oil passages of debris and dirt, and then clean out your lifter oil passages. In more extreme cases, you will need to replace the lifters in your engine. If you notice that your engine is packed with debris and dirt, you will probably need to disassemble the entire engine and perform a careful and thorough cleaning. This is difficult job, and you need to do the proper amount of research before starting in.
A P3468 can be a complicated issue to solve. It may require that you dissemble your entire engine, which is time consuming and frustrating if you do not have the proper training and tools. If you are thinking of doing this on your own, you might want to contact a trained technician to ask questions about the best way to solve your problem.
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