Faulty intake valve control solenoid or actuator on bank 2; Damaged, chafed, or disconnected wiring in the bank 2 intake valve control circuit; Corroded or loose electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM; Failed powertrain control module driver for that circuit (rare); Engine oil sludge or debris clogging the solenoid or oil passages; Internal mechanical failure of the variable valve timing phaser or rocker arm (less common)

DTC codes / P34xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P340B

P340BDeactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Bank 2

Q: What does code P340B mean?

Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Bank 2. P340B indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an electrical fault in the intake valve control circuit for bank 2, which is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The circuit typically controls an oil control solenoid or actuator that varies intake valve timing or lift, and the computer sets this code when the commanded state does not match the actual circuit feedback.

P340B indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an electrical fault in the intake valve control circuit for bank 2, which is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The circuit typically controls an oil control solenoid or actuator that varies intake valve timing or lift, and the computer sets this code when the commanded state does not match the actual circuit feedback.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or unstable engine operation, especially when cold
Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration due to disabled variable valve timing
Poor fuel economy or increased emissions
Engine may enter limp mode, limiting RPM
In rare cases, a no-start condition if the valve control system is severely affected

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty intake valve control solenoid or actuator on bank 2
Damaged, chafed, or disconnected wiring in the bank 2 intake valve control circuit
Corroded or loose electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM
Failed powertrain control module driver for that circuit (rare)
Engine oil sludge or debris clogging the solenoid or oil passages
Internal mechanical failure of the variable valve timing phaser or rocker arm (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related pending or history codes
Inspect the bank 2 intake valve control solenoid connector and wiring for damage or corrosion
Measure resistance of the solenoid and compare to manufacturer specifications
Check for oil sludge or contamination at the solenoid and clean or replace as needed
Test the control circuit from the PCM to the solenoid for continuity and short to ground or power
If the circuit and solenoid test good, perform an active test of the solenoid with a scan tool to confirm operation
Replace the faulty solenoid or repair wiring as necessary, then clear codes and verify the repair with a road test

What the code does not always mean

A P340B is often set by a dirty or clogged oil control solenoid rather than a failed solenoid, so cleaning the solenoid and oil passages can resolve the issue without replacement.
The code can be triggered by low engine oil level or pressure, so always check the oil condition and level before condemning electrical parts.
On some engines, the bank 2 intake valve control circuit is shared with other components, and a fault in a related system can cause a false P340B.
A loose or corroded ground connection for the engine or PCM can cause intermittent circuit faults that set this code, so inspect grounds thoroughly.
Replacing the PCM without confirming a driver failure is a common misdiagnosis; always test the circuit with a load to rule out a faulty PCM.

Can I keep driving with P340B?

You can generally drive the vehicle with this code, but avoid heavy acceleration and high speeds because the variable valve timing may be disabled, reducing performance and fuel economy. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent potential engine damage from ignored oil flow issues.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.