What does it mean?
P3445 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Cylinder 6 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open . This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.
Symptoms
- MIL (check engine lamp) on with the exhaust valve function disabled
- Engine lacks its usual pull as the revs rise and feels one-dimensional
- Rough or uneven idle with an irregular exhaust beat
- Ticking from the valve train around cylinder 6
- Fuel consumption above normal and possible cylinder 6 misfire
- Hesitation during part-throttle acceleration
Likely causes
- Solenoid connector loose, unlatched or with a terminal pushed out of its housing
- Control wire broken, or worn through where it passes the cylinder head
- Oil migrating along the harness and insulating the terminal contact faces
- Open coil inside the exhaust valve control solenoid
- Blown fuse or lost supply feed to the valve control solenoid group
- Connector or wire insulation degraded by exhaust heat
How to fix it
- Read freeze frame and determine whether the fault is present now or comes and goes
- Unplug the solenoid and inspect both connector halves for oil, corrosion and terminal push-back
- Measure coil resistance at the solenoid pins; an infinite reading condemns the coil
- Check continuity of the control wire back to the module and confirm supply voltage with the key on
- Wiggle test the harness branch while monitoring resistance for momentary opens
- Inspect the fuse and any relay feeding this group of solenoids
- Repair the wiring or replace the solenoid, then command the output with a scan tool to verify the circuit responds