Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid or actuator on cylinder 12; Damaged or chafed wiring in the exhaust valve control circuit, causing a short to ground; Corroded or loose electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM; Failed PCM driver for the exhaust valve control circuit; Internal mechanical binding of the exhaust valve mechanism, overloading the circuit; Aftermarket or performance modifications that interfere with the circuit

DTC codes / P34xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P3495

P3495Cylinder 12 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low

Q: What does code P3495 mean?

Cylinder 12 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low. P3495 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low-voltage condition on the electrical circuit that controls the exhaust valve for cylinder 12. This circuit typically operates a solenoid or actuator that adjusts exhaust valve timing or lift, and a low signal means the PCM sees voltage below the expected threshold, which can prevent proper valve operation and affect engine performance and emissions.

P3495 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low-voltage condition on the electrical circuit that controls the exhaust valve for cylinder 12. This circuit typically operates a solenoid or actuator that adjusts exhaust valve timing or lift, and a low signal means the PCM sees voltage below the expected threshold, which can prevent proper valve operation and affect engine performance and emissions.

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 misfire, particularly noticeable at low speeds
Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration
Poor fuel economy due to inefficient combustion
Increased emissions, which may cause a failure in an emissions inspection
In rare cases, a noticeable ticking or tapping noise from the affected cylinder's valvetrain

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty exhaust valve control solenoid or actuator on cylinder 12
Damaged or chafed wiring in the exhaust valve control circuit, causing a short to ground
Corroded or loose electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM
Failed PCM driver for the exhaust valve control circuit
Internal mechanical binding of the exhaust valve mechanism, overloading the circuit
Aftermarket or performance modifications that interfere with the circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Use a scan tool to verify P3495 is current and check for any related codes that might indicate a shared circuit fault
Visually inspect the exhaust valve control solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Measure resistance of the solenoid with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Check for continuity and short-to-ground in the wiring between the solenoid and PCM
Test the PCM output signal with an oscilloscope or a noid light to confirm the driver is functioning
If the solenoid is faulty, replace it and clear the code to see if it returns
If wiring and solenoid are good, diagnose the PCM or mechanical valve issue as a last resort

Don't overlook the exhaust valve solenoid

A low circuit code often results from a short to ground in the wiring harness, which can be caused by rubbing against a sharp metal edge or heat damage.
The exhaust valve control solenoid may test good statically but fail under heat or vibration, so a wiggle test while monitoring live data can reveal intermittent faults.
This code can be set by a mechanical issue that increases current draw, such as a sticking valve, which may not be obvious from electrical tests alone.
Some vehicles use a shared power or ground circuit for multiple cylinders, so a fault on one cylinder can affect others and set additional codes.
After replacing a solenoid, always clear adaptive learning values and perform a relearn procedure if required by the manufacturer to prevent recurrence.

Can I keep driving with P3495?

You can generally drive the vehicle with this code, but avoid aggressive acceleration or heavy loads because the exhaust valve may not function correctly, which can lead to misfires and potential catalytic converter damage. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent worsening performance and emissions.

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.