P3422 indicates that the engine control module has detected a performance problem in the exhaust valve control circuit for cylinder 3. This circuit manages the exhaust‑valve actuator (often part of a variable‑valve‑timing or cylinder‑deactivation system) and the code is set when the expected electrical signal or actuator response is missing or out of range.
The solenoid that commands the exhaust valve may be stuck, have an internal short/open, or fail to move as commanded, causing the PCM to detect a performance fault.
Damaged wires between the PCM and the solenoid can interrupt the signal or create incorrect voltage readings, triggering the code.
Poor contact in the connector can increase resistance or cause intermittent signal loss, which the PCM interprets as a circuit performance problem.
If the valve or its actuator mechanism is mechanically bound, the solenoid may operate correctly but the valve does not respond, leading to a performance fault.
The PCM’s internal driver for the exhaust‑valve control circuit could fail, but this is uncommon and should be considered only after wiring and solenoid checks.
PCM failure is very rare for this code. In most cases the fault lies in the exhaust valve control solenoid, its wiring, or the connector. Replace the PCM only after those components have been tested and found good.
Yes. If the harness is chafed, shorted, or the connector is corroded, repairing or replacing the wiring/connector often resolves the P3422 code.
Driving is possible but you may experience rough idle, reduced power, and decreased fuel economy. Prolonged operation with a faulty exhaust‑valve control could increase emissions or cause further engine wear, so prompt diagnosis is recommended.
Clearing the code only turns off the Check Engine light; if the underlying fault remains, the code will return shortly after driving.