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DTC codes / P34xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P3473

P3473Cylinder 10 Deactivation/lntake Valve Control Circuit/Open

P3473 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open circuit or electrical fault in the control circuit for the cylinder 10 deactivation/intake valve, which is part of a variable displacement or cylinder deactivation system. The PCM monitors the circuit for expected voltage or current and sets this code when the signal is outside the normal range, typically indicating a broken wire, poor connection, or failed solenoid.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light (malfunction indicator lamp) on the dashboard.
  • Often no noticeable symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent.
  • Rough engine idle or vibration if the affected cylinder remains deactivated or fails to deactivate properly.
  • Reduced fuel economy if the cylinder deactivation system is disabled due to the fault.
  • Possible misfire or hesitation during light-load cruising if the intake valve control is stuck.
  • In some vehicles, a message indicating reduced engine power or a service engine soon notice.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Damaged or disconnected wiring harness to the cylinder 10 deactivation solenoid or intake valve control actuator.
  2. Failed cylinder deactivation solenoid or intake valve control actuator (open coil or internal fault).
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM.
  4. Open circuit inside the PCM driver for that specific cylinder circuit (rare but possible).
  5. Rodent damage or chafing of the wiring harness near the engine.
  6. Poor ground connection for the deactivation system circuit.
  7. Aftermarket modifications or improper previous repairs affecting the circuit.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Perform a visual inspection of the wiring harness and connectors at the cylinder 10 deactivation solenoid for damage, corrosion, or looseness.
  2. Use a scan tool to command the cylinder deactivation solenoid on and off while monitoring the circuit status to confirm the fault is present.
  3. Measure resistance of the solenoid coil with a multimeter and compare to manufacturer specifications to check for an open or shorted coil.
  4. Check for continuity and voltage drop on the control circuit between the PCM and the solenoid to identify an open or high-resistance wire.
  5. Inspect and clean the ground connections for the deactivation system, ensuring tight and corrosion-free contact.
  6. If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good solenoid or actuator to see if the code clears, confirming a faulty component.
  7. If all external circuits and components test good, diagnose the PCM driver circuit or reprogram/replace the PCM as a last resort.

Cylinder 10 deactivation circuit quirks

  • A common oversight is assuming the code always means the solenoid is bad; often the real issue is a chafed wire or corroded connector that only acts up under vibration or temperature changes.
  • The PCM may set P3473 even if the deactivation solenoid is mechanically functional but electrically out of specification, so resistance testing is more reliable than just swapping parts.
  • On some engines, the cylinder deactivation system shares wiring with other circuits, so a fault in a neighboring circuit can cause this code to set as a secondary effect.
  • Intermittent open circuits can be caused by a loose pin in the connector that may not show up during a static test; a wiggle test while monitoring live data is essential.
  • After repairing the circuit, the PCM may require a relearn or drive cycle before the code clears and the system resumes normal operation.

Can I keep driving with P3473?

You can generally continue driving with P3473, but avoid heavy loads and aggressive acceleration because the cylinder deactivation system may be disabled, potentially affecting fuel economy and emissions. If the engine runs rough or misfires, have it diagnosed promptly to prevent damage to the catalytic converter.

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.

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