What the P3444 code means
This code indicates that there is a problem with your intake valve on cylinder number 6. Your vehicle’s control module identifies that the measured values from the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, the throttle position (TP) sensor, and the mass airflow (MAF) sensor are no longer within the range of the intended values for cylinder deactivation mode.
What causes the P3444 code?
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. We will discuss below various ways to repair these issues.
What are the symptoms of the P3444 code?
Your Check Engine light will come on to tell you that something has malfunctioned. If you see this, you need to either take your vehicle to a technician, or do the proper amount of research to diagnose and then solve the problem yourself.
How does a mechanic diagnose the P3444 code?
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 gather any diagnostic trouble codes that have been stored by the powertrain control module (PCM). Keep in mind that if the PCM has stored other deactivation or oil pressure trouble codes that you will need to attend to these first.
Always work in the order that the codes appear on the PCM. Next, use your OBD-II to clear away your trouble codes. Next, 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 little clicking noise. If the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 is not working properly, be sure to check the oil passages for dirt and debris and, if necessary, you should clean your vehicle’s oil passages.
In some cases, you may need to replace your solenoid. However, if the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 is working well, then you should inspect the cylinder deactivation solenoid 7. You test this 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 need to. In extreme cases, the engine block will need to be disassembled and cleaned. But be sure that you are trained well enough to do this, since it can become complicated and difficult to reassemble.
Common mistakes when diagnosing the P3444 code
A common mistake is to replace your camshaft, wheel speed sensors, and crankshaft position sensors. Replacing these is not likely to solve the problem. In order to properly diagnose your issue, you will need the proper 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.
How serious is a P3444
A P3444 is serious and in most cases should be looked at by a professional technician. Not only is a P3444 a serious issue but it is also difficult to fix, requiring expensive, specialized diagnostic equipment. If you do not have this equipment (and many people will not) you will want to get to a professional technician and have him or her solve the problem for you.
What repairs can fix the P3444 code?
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. You may need to clear your cylinder deactivation solenoid oil passages of debris and dirt, or clean out your lifter oil passages. In more extreme cases you will need to replace the lifters in your engine. If your engine is packed with debris and dirt, you will need to disassemble the entire engine and perform a careful and thorough cleaning.
Additional comments for consideration regarding the P3444 code
A P3444 can be a complex 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. Therefore, it is very important to do the proper amount of research before you attempt any labor. 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.
Need help with a P3444 code?
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