Failed exhaust valve control solenoid or its electrical connector; Sticking or seized exhaust rocker arm or valve bridge; Low engine oil pressure or sludge blocking the oil control passage to the valve actuator; Worn or damaged exhaust camshaft lobe or follower; Faulty oil control valve filter screen or restricted oil gallery; Internal mechanical failure of the variable valve timing phaser or actuator; Damaged wiring or poor ground connection at the valve control solenoid circuit

DTC codes / P34xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P3446

P3446Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Performance

Q: What does code P3446 mean?

Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Performance. P3446 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a performance fault in the exhaust valve control system for cylinder 6, typically on engines equipped with variable valve timing or cylinder deactivation. The computer monitors the exhaust valve's ability to switch between low-lift and high-lift profiles, and it sets this code when the commanded state does not match the actual valve motion within a calibrated time window.

P3446 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a performance fault in the exhaust valve control system for cylinder 6, typically on engines equipped with variable valve timing or cylinder deactivation. The computer monitors the exhaust valve's ability to switch between low-lift and high-lift profiles, and it sets this code when the commanded state does not match the actual valve motion within a calibrated time window.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or misfire sensation, especially when the engine is cold or under light load
Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration when the exhaust valve fails to change profile
Audible ticking or tapping from the valve cover area on the affected bank
Poor fuel economy or increased emissions due to incorrect valve timing
Intermittent hesitation or stumble during steady-speed cruising

Common causes, most likely first

Failed exhaust valve control solenoid or its electrical connector
Sticking or seized exhaust rocker arm or valve bridge
Low engine oil pressure or sludge blocking the oil control passage to the valve actuator
Worn or damaged exhaust camshaft lobe or follower
Faulty oil control valve filter screen or restricted oil gallery
Internal mechanical failure of the variable valve timing phaser or actuator
Damaged wiring or poor ground connection at the valve control solenoid circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify oil level and condition, then perform an oil and filter change if the oil is dirty or low
Scan all modules for stored and pending codes, and check freeze-frame data for engine speed, load, and oil temperature
Inspect the exhaust valve control solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins
Measure resistance of the exhaust valve control solenoid and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Command the exhaust valve actuator with a bidirectional scan tool and listen or observe for proper activation
Remove the valve cover and inspect the rocker arm, valve bridge, and camshaft lobe for wear or sticking
Perform an oil pressure test at the affected cylinder head gallery to confirm adequate supply to the actuator

Oil quality and solenoid screens matter most

A clogged oil control valve filter screen is one of the most frequently overlooked causes of P3446, and it can mimic a failed solenoid even when the solenoid tests good electrically.
Technicians often replace the exhaust valve solenoid only to find the code returns because sludge in the oil gallery restricts flow to the new part under load.
This code does not always mean the exhaust valve itself is mechanically damaged; electrical circuit faults and low oil pressure can set the same performance code.
On engines with cylinder deactivation, a failed exhaust valve control can cause the affected cylinder to remain in low-lift mode, leading to misfire codes that appear unrelated at first glance.
A sticking rocker arm may only act up when the engine is cold, so a road test after a cold soak is essential before condemning the solenoid.

Can I keep driving with P3446?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration and sustained high-speed driving because the affected cylinder may run with incorrect valve timing and cause catalyst damage. If the check engine light begins flashing or the engine runs very rough, stop driving and arrange a tow.

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.