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P3418 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 3 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.
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This code indicates that there is a problem with your intake valve on cylinder number 3. Your vehicle’s control module detects that the measured values from the TP sensor, MAP sensor, and MAF sensor are not within the range of the calculated values for cylinder deactivation mode.
There are a few possible causes for the P3418 code. One is a faulty cylinder deactivation solenoid. Other causes could be that your cylinder deactivation solenoid circuit is suffering from a poor electrical connection, or that your Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid harness is shorted or open.
Your check engine light will come on to indicate that something is wrong. If you see this, you need to investigate the problem immediately.
First, you should be sure that your engine oil levels and pressure are correct. You can use your OBD-II scanner to collect any diagnostic trouble codes stored by the powertrain control module (PCM). Remember that if the PCM has stored other deactivation or oil pressure trouble codes that you need to attend to these first. Always work in the order that the codes appear. Next, use your OBD-II to clear the trouble codes and to then test the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 by actuating it with a scan tool.
A solenoid that is working well will vibrate and make a tiny clicking noise. If the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 is malfunctioning, be sure to check the oil passages for debris and if necessary to clean the oil passages carefully. You may also need to replace your solenoid. However, if the cylinder deactivation solenoid 1 is working well, then you will need to inspect the cylinder deactivation solenoid 7. You test this the same way: by actuating it with a scan tool. If your solenoids check out, you need to 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.
A common mistake is to replace your wheel speed sensors, camshaft, and crankshaft position sensors. However, this will probably not solve the problem. This is why it is vital that you use the proper diagnostic equipment or take your vehicle to a professional technician who will diagnose the problem for you.
A P3418 is very serious and in most cases should be examined by a professional technician. Not only is a P3418 serious, but it is also difficult to fix, requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. If you do not have this equipment, your best bet is to get to a professional technician and have him or her solve the issue for you.
Depending on the specific issue, several repairs can be done to fix a P3418. One is to replace your cylinder deactivation solenoid 1. However, 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. In the worst-case scenario, or if your engine is packed with debris and dirt, you will need to disassemble the entire engine and perform a thorough cleaning.
A P3418 can become complicated and may require that you dissemble your vehicle’s engine, which is time consuming if you do not have the proper training. Therefore, it is important to do the proper amount of research before you begin to work. If you are thinking of doing this yourself, you might want to contact a professional technician to ask questions about the best way to solve your problem.
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