What Does P3444 Mean?
The ECM has detected an abnormally high voltage on the cylinder 6 intake valve deactivation solenoid control circuit. The voltage exceeds the expected maximum when the solenoid is not commanded, indicating a short to voltage in the circuit. This prevents proper control of the cylinder 6 intake valve for deactivation mode.
Common Causes
35%
Short to battery voltage in the cylinder 6 intake valve solenoid control wiring
30%
Failed cylinder 6 intake valve solenoid with internal short to power
20%
ECM high-side driver failure producing uncontrolled voltage
15%
Crossed pins or miswired connector at the VLOM
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: With KOEO, measure voltage at the cylinder 6 intake valve solenoid control wire. It should be near 0V when not commanded. Above 5V confirms the high circuit fault.
2
Step 2: Disconnect the solenoid and recheck harness voltage. If voltage normalizes, the solenoid is faulty. If it remains high, the wiring or ECM is at fault.
3
Step 3: Trace the harness routing and inspect for contact with B+ wires, especially near the alternator, starter, and fuse box areas.
4
Step 4: Measure solenoid resistance (expect 5-12 ohms) and test each terminal to the solenoid body for internal shorts.
5
Step 5: Use scan tool bi-directional control to command the solenoid on/off while monitoring voltage. If the ECM cannot control the circuit, suspect driver failure.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $800
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected an abnormally high voltage on the cylinder 6 intake valve deactivation solenoid control circuit. The voltage exceeds the expected maximum when the solenoid is not commanded, indicating a short to voltage in the circuit. This prevents proper control of the cylinder 6 intake valve...
The most common cause of P3444 (Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit High) is: Short to battery voltage in the cylinder 6 intake valve solenoid control wiring
Typical repair costs for P3444 range from $150 to $800, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to drive with cylinder deactivation disabled. Address the short-to-voltage condition to protect the ECM from potential driver damage.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P3444 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Cylinder Deactivation System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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