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DTC codes / P34xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P3497

P3497Cylinder Deactivation System (Bank 2)

P3497 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a fault within the cylinder deactivation system for bank 2 of the engine, which is the side that does not contain cylinder number one. The computer monitors the system's ability to smoothly switch between full-displacement and reduced-displacement operation, and it sets this code when the actual response does not match the commanded state.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • A slight vibration or shudder during light-throttle cruising when the system attempts to deactivate cylinders
  • Reduced fuel economy compared to normal operation
  • A noticeable loss of power or hesitation when accelerating from a steady cruise
  • In some cases, the engine may enter a limp-home mode with reduced performance

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty oil control solenoid or solenoid harness connector for the bank 2 cylinder deactivation system
  2. Collapsed or restricted lifter oil gallery, preventing proper oil flow to the deactivation lifters
  3. Sticking or failed cylinder deactivation lifter on bank 2
  4. Low engine oil level or degraded oil condition affecting the hydraulic operation of the system
  5. Wiring damage, corrosion, or poor connection at the bank 2 solenoid or control module
  6. Internal mechanical wear in the bank 2 valve train components associated with deactivation

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify engine oil level and condition, and change the oil and filter if the oil is dirty or the level is incorrect
  2. Scan all modules for stored and pending codes, and check for related misfire or oil pressure codes that could point to a root cause
  3. Inspect the bank 2 cylinder deactivation solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
  4. Test the bank 2 oil control solenoid for proper resistance and function according to the manufacturer's procedure
  5. Check oil pressure at the gallery feeding the bank 2 deactivation lifters to confirm adequate supply
  6. Remove and inspect the bank 2 valve cover and lifters for mechanical binding or collapse
  7. Repair or replace the faulty solenoid, lifter, or wiring as identified, then clear codes and verify the system operates correctly

What most technicians overlook on P3497

  • A low oil level or heavily degraded oil is a frequent culprit because the cylinder deactivation system relies on clean, pressurized oil to actuate the lifters, and owners often skip oil changes.
  • The code can be set by a momentary electrical glitch in the solenoid circuit that does not repeat, so always check for intermittent connection issues before condemning mechanical parts.
  • Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine opposite cylinder number one, and misidentifying the bank can lead to replacing parts on the wrong side of a V-style engine.
  • A failing bank 2 lifter may not produce an obvious misfire code, so technicians who only look for misfire data can miss the true cause of the deactivation fault.
  • After repairs, the system may require a relearn or adaptation reset with a scan tool before the code will stay cleared and the deactivation function returns to normal.

Can I keep driving with P3497?

You can generally continue driving with P3497, but avoid heavy acceleration and sustained high-speed driving until the fault is repaired, as continued operation with a deactivation fault may lead to further mechanical damage or reduced fuel economy.

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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