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P3487 Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low GuideMechanic.Com As modern engines continue to evolve, advanced systems like cylinder deactivation have become commonplace, helping to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions without sacrificing performance.
However, the complexity of these systems also means that when a fault occurs, specialized diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are triggered to help identify the problem. One such code is P3487 – Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low.
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the P3487 code, including its meaning, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended repair procedures.
See Also: P3486 Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Performance
P3487 Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
What Is Cylinder Deactivation?
Cylinder deactivation, sometimes referred to as Active Fuel Management (AFM), Displacement on Demand (DoD), or Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), allows an engine to disable some of its cylinders during light-load driving conditions. This technology is especially common in larger V8, V10, and V12 engines.
When fewer cylinders are active, the engine burns less fuel, lowering overall consumption and reducing emissions. When full power is needed, the deactivated cylinders seamlessly re-engage. To accomplish this, the system relies on:
- Engine Control Module (ECM)
- Intake and exhaust valve control solenoids
- Hydraulic lifters and actuators
- Oil pressure regulation
- Sensors and electrical circuits
When any part of this system malfunctions, it can prevent cylinder deactivation from working properly, leading to trouble codes like P3487.
What Does P3487 Mean?
The diagnostic trouble code P3487 – Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low means that the ECM has detected a low voltage condition within the exhaust valve control circuit that governs cylinder 11.
Breaking it down: P3487: The OBD-II trouble code identifier.
Cylinder 11: The specific cylinder involved.
Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low: The ECM senses that voltage is below the normal operating range for the exhaust valve control circuit.
In other words, there may be an electrical fault preventing the ECM from properly activating the exhaust valve control solenoid responsible for disabling cylinder 11.
P3487 Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
How Does the Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Work?
During cylinder deactivation, the ECM controls exhaust valve operation through:
- Exhaust Valve Control Solenoids: Electrically operated valves that redirect oil pressure to deactivate the lifters.
- Hydraulic Lifters: Actuated by oil pressure, they hold the exhaust valves closed when deactivation is commanded.
- Oil Control: Precise oil pressure management ensures the solenoids and lifters operate correctly.
- Sensors and ECM Logic: The ECM continuously monitors inputs to control when cylinders should deactivate or reactivate.
When the ECM detects abnormal voltage in the exhaust valve control circuit, such as a “low” condition, it signals that the system is not receiving adequate electrical input or that excessive resistance is present.
What Causes P3487?
The causes of P3487 generally fall into four categories: electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and control system issues.
Electrical Causes
- Faulty Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid (Cylinder 11): The solenoid may have internal short circuits or partial failures.
- Short-to-Ground Wiring Fault: Damaged wiring that contacts ground reduces voltage and triggers a low circuit condition.
- Loose or Corroded Connectors: Poor connections result in voltage loss.
- Failed ECM Output Driver: The ECM itself may not send the correct voltage.
Hydraulic Causes
- Low Engine Oil Pressure: Without sufficient oil pressure, the hydraulic lifters may not activate as commanded.
- Clogged Oil Passages: Sludge or debris may obstruct oil flow to the solenoids.
- Incorrect Oil Viscosity: Using oil that is too thick or thin compromises hydraulic performance.
Mechanical Causes
- Stuck or Failing Valve Lifters: Malfunctioning lifters may fail to engage or disengage properly.
- Broken or Weak Valve Springs: Affect exhaust valve movement.
- Excessive Engine Wear: Worn engine parts compromise deactivation timing.
Control System Causes
- Outdated ECM Software: Faulty logic or control programming could lead to improper system responses.
Symptoms of P3487
When the P3487 code is triggered, several symptoms may appear depending on the severity of the fault:
- Illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL): The most common and immediate warning.
- Reduced Fuel Economy: Cylinder deactivation may not occur, leading to higher fuel consumption.
- Rough Idle: Uneven combustion can cause engine vibrations, especially when idling.
- Engine Misfire: Hesitation or misfire symptoms during acceleration or cruising.
- Loss of Power: Decreased overall engine performance.
- Unusual Engine Noises: Clicking or tapping sounds from cylinder 11.
- Stalling or Hard Starting (in severe cases): Rare but possible in extreme failures.
Some drivers may not immediately notice any symptoms beyond the CEL, but prolonged operation without repair can lead to further engine damage or decreased efficiency.
Diagnosing P3487
An accurate diagnosis is key to resolving the issue efficiently. The following steps are typically followed:
1. Retrieve Stored Codes
- Use an advanced OBD-II scanner to pull codes and freeze frame data.
- Note under what conditions (speed, load, temperature) the fault was logged.
2. Perform Visual Inspection
- Inspect the wiring harness to cylinder 11’s exhaust valve control solenoid.
- Look for damaged insulation, pinched wires, or loose connectors.
- Verify that ground connections are secure and corrosion-free.
3. Test the Solenoid
- Disconnect the solenoid electrical connector.
- Measure resistance with a multimeter (typical reading is 10–20 ohms).
- A significantly lower resistance or zero reading suggests a shorted solenoid.
4. Test for Short-to-Ground Conditions
- Use a multimeter to check continuity between power supply and ground.
- Look for unintentional grounding that causes voltage drops.
5. Check Voltage Supply
- With ignition on, test the solenoid connector for proper supply voltage.
- Low voltage may indicate ECM or circuit issues.
6. Inspect Oil Condition
- Verify oil level, quality, and viscosity.
- Perform an oil pressure test if necessary.
- Check for sludge buildup in oil passages.
7. Examine Mechanical Components
- If electrical and hydraulic components are functioning, inspect lifters, valve springs, and camshafts for wear or binding.
8. Evaluate ECM Function
- As a last step, consider ECM diagnostics or software updates if no other faults are found.
P3487 Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
How to Repair P3487
Once the cause of P3487 has been identified, proper repairs can be made:
Electrical Repairs
- Replace Faulty Solenoid: Replace if resistance is abnormal or if a short is present.
- Repair Wiring Harness: Replace or repair damaged or shorted wiring.
- Clean or Replace Connectors: Address corrosion or looseness.
- Repair or Replace ECM: If confirmed defective after thorough testing.
Hydraulic Repairs
- Perform Oil Change: Use manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity and quality.
- Flush Oil Passages: Remove sludge that may be restricting oil flow.
- Repair Oil Pressure Problems: Address low oil pressure if found.
Mechanical Repairs
- Replace Faulty Lifters or Valve Springs: Restore proper valve function.
- Repair or Replace Camshafts or Related Components: If mechanical wear or damage is found.
Control System Repairs
- ECM Software Update: Reflash or update ECM software if applicable.
P3487 Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Estimated Repair Costs
Repair costs for P3487 vary based on the specific cause:
- Oil Change and Flush: $100 – $250
- Solenoid Replacement: $200 – $600
- Wiring Repairs: $150 – $400
- Mechanical Repairs (Lifters, Springs, Camshaft): $1000 – $3500
- ECM Reprogramming or Replacement: $500 – $1500
Labor rates and part prices can fluctuate depending on vehicle make, model, and region.
Preventing P3487
Routine maintenance is the most effective way to prevent issues like P3487:
- Consistently Change Engine Oil: Use correct oil type and adhere to service intervals.
- Inspect Electrical Systems Regularly: Look for wear, damage, or rodent activity in wiring harnesses.
- Use High-Quality Replacement Parts: OEM or quality aftermarket components reduce the risk of premature failure.
- Avoid Short Trips: Allow the engine to reach full operating temperature to reduce sludge formation.
- Conduct Periodic Diagnostic Scans: Early detection of small problems prevents major repairs.
Conclusion
The P3487 code, Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low, signals that the cylinder deactivation system is experiencing a low voltage condition in the exhaust valve control circuit for cylinder 11.
Although this may seem highly technical, it often involves common electrical issues such as wiring damage, a failed solenoid, or oil-related problems.
Accurate diagnosis is critical to avoid unnecessary repairs and costs. With proper troubleshooting and maintenance, issues like P3487 can be quickly identified and resolved, keeping your engine running smoothly, efficiently, and reliably.
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