What Is the P3497 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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The P3497 code is an engine misfire code that refers to when your Powertrain Control Module (PCM), your car’s computer, detects that there’s an issue with your car’s cylinder deactivation system. This system is commonly found in cars with six or more engine cylinders. The cylinder deactivation operation is necessary because the variable displacement of select cylinders can help your engine to conserve power when excess power isn’t needed, such as when you’re idling or driving down a highway.
The P3497 cylinder deactivation code affects Bank 2 specifically.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P3497 Code?
Some of the most common symptoms of this fault code include decreased fuel efficiency, the check engine light flashing on, and bad engine performance, which can adversely affect driving conditions overall. You may also notice your Engine Control Module (ECM) activating other check engine codes or fault codes.
Unfortunately, these will be the only symptoms that tend to appear with this code. It’s a subtle issue that most people won’t even realize they’re dealing with until they reach catastrophic engine failure. Staying alert and knowing what to look for is always a good first step.
What Are Some Causes of a P3497 Code?
Code P3497 can be caused by low engine oil level, cramped oil passages, bad oil pressure sensor, defective variable valve timing solenoids, open or shorted cylinder deactivation circuits, compressed exhaust system, unlocked cylinder deactivation solenoid wiring harness, powertrain control module issues, and even malfunctioning engine mechanical condition.
How Serious Is the P3497 Code?
This code is quite serious and should never be taken lightly. Of course, the check engine light on can also indicate several other hidden issues that may have a domino effect on your engine’s other systems and functions. A weak engine can be annoying at best and dangerous at worst. The moment you notice any of the above symptoms, however small, take your car to a reputable auto repair shop as soon as you can.
Can I Still Drive with a P3497 Code?
Though you may still drive with this code activated, it’s not a good idea. Most casual DIYers can’t detect when their cylinder deactivation system is defective or stuck. However, the longer you ignore these issues, the more likely your engine power will continue to decrease or even fail altogether. This can be extremely dangerous, especially in the middle of the road or on a highway. Therefore, whenever you notice your check engine light on or even if you have a cold engine, you should see an expert at a local repair shop.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P3497 Code?
This code can be quite difficult for a casual DIYer. One of the most basic repairs is to check your engine oil level to see if it’s adequate. You may need to perform a manual oil pressure test if you can’t determine the actual engine oil pressure.
However, you should take your car to a repair shop for more complicated repairs. The experts will have the right scan tools to properly diagnose your car. It may even save your engine from total failure or shutdown.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P3497 Code?
This will depend on the extent of the damage to the cylinder deactivation system. You may notice some defective wiring or cylinders. The more advanced DIYer might then look to online sources for tips on how to fix this issue.
Please note that technical service bulletins can be a handy vehicle information source, but mostly for advanced DIYers or car experts. Because the engine and its various components affect one another, you should instead leave any engine mechanical repairs to the experts at a local repair shop. Experts will have a diagnostic scanner and other tools to correctly diagnose your car’s issues.
Need Additional Help with Your P3497 Code?
The P3497 code can greatly impact your engine’s functionality and your car overall. Unfortunately, the symptoms for these fault codes can be quite subtle, and you may not even notice an issue until your engine fails.
This is why the check engine light is so important. It indicates that you should take your car to a repair shop to get an accurate diagnosis of the issues your car faces. You may also find the Kelley Blue Book OBD-II database to be helpful for informational purposes as well. These OBD-II codes can inform you of the various error codes your car may display at any time. This will also help auto repair shop experts better understand the issue when you take your car in for the necessary repairs.
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