P3426 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 4 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

EXCELLENT RATING ON

Cost of diagnosing the P3426 code

P3426 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 4 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance". 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.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P3426 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P3426 code definition

The P3426 code indicates that the deactivation performance of the cylinder 4 valve is not within the correct range.

What the P3426 code means

In order to maximize fuel economy, certain cylinders will be deactivated during specific driving conditions. This is accomplished by not allowing an intake valve to open on the cylinder. Data is measured by the MAF sensor, the MAP sensor, and the TP sensor to ensure that the cylinder deactivation was performed correctly. If this data does not match the manufacturer’s specifications in relation to the deactivation of cylinder 4, the P3426 code will be stored.

What causes the P3426 code?

The most probable causes for the P3426 code include:

  • Low oil pressure
  • Faulty cylinder deactivation solenoid
  • Restricted oil passage
  • Open or shorted cylinder deactivation solenoid harness
  • Poor electrical connection in the cylinder deactivation solenoid circuit
  • Faulty MAF, MAP, or TP sensors

What are the symptoms of the P3426 code?

When the P3426 code is detected, the Check Engine Light will be illuminated. It may take more than one drive cycle for this indicator to be activated.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P3426 code?

After an OBD-II scanner detects the P3426 code, a technician should perform a visual inspection of all the wiring, connectors, and other components related to the cylinder intake valve, as well as to the MAF sensor, the MAP sensor, and the TP sensor; any damaged components should be replaced, reconnected, or repaired as necessary. After the code is cleared, they should then retest the system. If the code returns, then the P3426 code points to a larger issue that should be repaired.

How serious is the P3426 code?

If the P3426 code is being detected, repairs should be made as soon as possible. While a driver may or may not notice any chance in their vehicle’s performance due to the cause of this code, the engine’s inability to control the intake valve of a cylinder may result in a more serious issue in the future.

What repairs can fix the P3426 code?

There are many ways that a mechanic may address a P3426 code detection. They include:

  • Replacing a faulty cylinder deactivation solenoid.

  • Clearing a restricted oil passage.

  • Replacing or repairing an open or shorted cylinder deactivation solenoid harness.

  • Replacing electrical components in the cylinder deactivation solenoid circuit to improve the connection.

  • Replacing faulty MAF, MAP, or TP sensors.

Need help with a P3426 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

Check Engine Light
trouble codes
P3426

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P3426 code.

SCHEDULE P3426 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


More related articles

P0514 OBD-II Trouble Code: Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
What What the P0514 code means The P0514 code indicates that there is a malfunction in the battery temperature sensor. What causes the P0514 code? There may be one or more causes for the P0514 code. One may be a...
P0803 OBD-II Trouble Code: Upshift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction
P0803 P0803 code definition The P0803 code is known as the 1-4 Upshift (Skip Shift) Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction. What the P0803 code means The P0803 fault code is only found in manual vehicles, because it’s part of the system...
P0714 OBD-II Trouble Code: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent
P0714 code means there is an abnormal transmission temperature often due too low transmission fluid and faulty parts.

Related questions

i have a check engine light on
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 2004 Toyota Camry. Code P0012 relates to the camshaft position sensor which monitors the speed of the camshaft and relays this information to your car's computer, which helps to control ignition timing...
What is the code P1128 on a 09 Chrysler Town and country
Code p1128 refers to "Closed loop fueling not achieved", meaning that for some reason the engine is not reaching a state where it is able to run using the information from the engine sensors. When the engine is first started,...
My honda CRV shows -28 on the screen . What does that mean?
The screen may be displaying a trouble code tied to a fault picked up by the vehicles computers. The code may stand for an item that needs to be reset or an electrical fault. Consider hiring an experienced technician like...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com