What Does P3436 Mean?
The ECM has detected an abnormally high voltage in the cylinder 5 intake valve deactivation solenoid control circuit. The circuit voltage exceeds the expected maximum when the solenoid is not being commanded, indicating a short to voltage or a driver fault. This prevents the ECM from properly controlling cylinder 5 deactivation for fuel economy mode.
Common Causes
35%
Short to battery voltage in the cylinder 5 intake valve solenoid control wiring
30%
Failed cylinder 5 intake valve solenoid with internal short to power
20%
ECM high-side driver failure causing uncontrolled voltage on the circuit
15%
Damaged or miswired connector at the VLOM with crossed pins contacting B+ source
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: With KOEO, backprobe the cylinder 5 intake valve solenoid control wire at the VLOM connector. Voltage should be near 0V when not commanded. Voltage above 5V confirms the high condition.
2
Step 2: Disconnect the solenoid and recheck voltage on the harness side. If voltage drops to normal, the solenoid has an internal fault. If voltage remains high, the fault is in the wiring.
3
Step 3: Trace the harness from the VLOM connector toward the ECM, checking for areas where it may contact power supply wires, fuse box outputs, or other energized circuits.
4
Step 4: Measure solenoid resistance across terminals — expect 5-12 ohms. Also check from each terminal to the solenoid body for shorts.
5
Step 5: If wiring and solenoid test normal, use bi-directional scan tool control to command the solenoid while monitoring voltage. Inability to pull the circuit low suggests ECM driver failure.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $800
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected an abnormally high voltage in the cylinder 5 intake valve deactivation solenoid control circuit. The circuit voltage exceeds the expected maximum when the solenoid is not being commanded, indicating a short to voltage or a driver fault. This prevents the ECM from properly contro...
The most common cause of P3436 (Cylinder 5 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High) is: Short to battery voltage in the cylinder 5 intake valve solenoid control wiring
Typical repair costs for P3436 range from $150 to $800, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Generally safe to drive. Cylinder deactivation will be disabled by the ECM. The short-to-voltage condition should be repaired to prevent potential ECM driver damage from prolonged exposure.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P3436 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Cylinder Deactivation System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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