BMW DTC P3491 – Cylinder 12 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
DTC P3491 meaning on BMW
DTC P3491 on a BMW indicates an issue with the Cylinder 12 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit being detected as low. This means that there is a problem with the electrical circuit responsible for controlling the deactivation of cylinder 12 or the intake valve in the engine.
BMW DTC P3491 symptoms
Symptoms of DTC P3491 on a BMW may include engine misfires, rough idling, reduced engine performance, and potentially an illuminated check engine light on the dashboard.
BMW DTC P3491 causes
The causes of DTC P3491 on a BMW can vary, but common reasons include faulty wiring or connectors in the intake valve control circuit, a malfunctioning intake valve control solenoid, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).
BMW DTC P3491 seriousness
While DTC P3491 may not always result in immediate drivability issues, it is important to address this problem promptly to prevent potential engine damage and ensure optimal performance of the vehicle.
How to diagnose DTC P3491 on BMW
To diagnose DTC P3491 on a BMW, a mechanic would typically use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault codes stored in the ECM. They would then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the intake valve control circuit, test the intake valve control solenoid, and check for any other potential causes of the issue.
How to fix DTC P3491 on BMW
Fixing DTC P3491 on a BMW may involve repairing or replacing any damaged wiring or connectors in the intake valve control circuit, testing and replacing the intake valve control solenoid if necessary, and ensuring that the ECM is functioning correctly. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s diagnostic and repair procedures for this specific fault code.
How to erase DTC P3491 on BMW
Once the underlying issue causing DTC P3491 on a BMW has been identified and fixed, the fault code can be erased using a diagnostic scanner. This will clear the code from the ECM’s memory and turn off the check engine light on the dashboard.
Recommended tools & DTC Scanners for BMW
Best Diagnostic App for modern BMWs: BimmerLink
Recommended Bluetooth adapter for Bimmerlink: OBDLink CX
Cable adapter for Bimmerlink: Enet Cable USB Type C
For older BMWs we recommend: Autel AutoLink AL319 (2024 version)
Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter
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