P3497: Cylinder deactivation system, bank 2: the engine computer sees the hardware that shuts off cylinders on bank 2 not doing what it was told

Cylinder deactivation system fault (bank 2)

Severity: Inspect soon

P3497 means the oil-pressure-driven system that switches cylinders off to save fuel is not responding correctly on bank 2. Honda ties it to misfire codes, so cylinders may be pausing when they should fire. The engine usually still runs, but rough running and misfire need checking soon.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The check engine light starts flashing. That means misfire heavy enough to overheat and damage the catalytic converter; avoid further driving and get it checked.
Stop: The red oil pressure warning light comes on, or the engine starts knocking. The deactivation system runs on oil pressure, and driving with low oil pressure can ruin the engine; shut it off and check the oil.

Source: how we rate severity

P3497 in short

P3497 means the engine computer sees the bank 2 cylinder deactivation system not responding as commanded. It is driven by oil pressure, so check the oil first. Honda lists it with misfire codes on 2013 Pilot and Odyssey V6s. Get it inspected soon; stop driving if the light flashes.

Some V6 and V8 engines (Honda VCM, GM and Ram V8s, and some Mazda four-cylinders) shut off cylinders at light load. Oil pressure, switched by a solenoid or oil control valve, unlocks the rocker arms or lifters so the valves stay closed. P3497 sets when the computer sees that bank 2 did not switch the way it commanded.

Honda names P3497 after the rocker arm oil pressure switch that reports whether oil reached the rockers (switch C). A wrong reading here often comes with misfire codes because a cylinder that pauses unexpectedly looks like a misfire.

Because the whole system is hydraulic, oil level, oil grade and oil pressure come first. Several makers have also fixed it with software or by clearing a plugged oil control valve.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low oil level, old oil or the wrong viscosity
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
Cylinder deactivation is switched by oil pressure, so low level, sludge or the wrong grade is the free first check; this bank 2 code uses the same oil-fed system as P3400.
What would change this
Rises if the dipstick is low, the oil is overdue or the grade differs from the owner's manual; falls if the oil is full, fresh and correct.
Cause 2: Faulty oil pump relief valve spring (2013 Honda Pilot and Odyssey)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Honda bulletin 13-055 lists P3400 and/or P3497 with misfire codes P0301-P0304 on the 2013 Pilot; repair write-ups describe the cause as a relief valve spring that lets cold-start oil pressure run high enough to pause cylinders without a command.
What would change this
Rises on a 2013 Pilot or Odyssey with misfire codes on cylinders 1-4, especially on cold starts; a dealer VIN check confirms whether the bulletin applies.
How to test the engine oil pump
Cause 3: Rocker arm oil pressure switch C or its wiring
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
Honda names P3497 after rocker arm oil pressure switch C, so a failed switch or a wiring fault can give a false reading. No bulletin found blames the switch alone for this code.
What would change this
Rises if the switch reading on a scan tool does not change when the system is commanded, or the connector is oily or damaged.
Cause 4: Engine computer software
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ram released a PCM update for 2023 Ram 1500 trucks setting P3400/P3497 with misfire codes.
What would change this
Rises on a vehicle covered by a software bulletin; a dealer can check whether the latest calibration is installed.
How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.
Low riskTool: dipstick, owner's manual
- IfOil is low, overdue, sludgy or the wrong viscosity
  It meansCorrect the oil first, clear the code and drive; the hydraulic system may work normally again.
  Points to: Low oil level, old oil or the wrong viscosity
- IfOil is full, fresh and the right grade
  It meansLook at the other stored codes.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Read all stored codes and freeze frame with a scan tool, and ask a dealer to check the VIN for open bulletins or software updates.
Low riskTool: scan tool
- IfMisfire codes P0301-P0304 are stored too on a 2013 Honda Pilot or Odyssey
  It meansMatches the Honda relief valve spring bulletin.
  Points to: Faulty oil pump relief valve spring (2013 Honda Pilot and Odyssey)
- IfA software bulletin covers the VIN
  It meansHave the update installed first.
  Points to: Engine computer software
- IfNo bulletin applies
  It meansCheck how the switch and solenoid respond.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: With a scan tool, watch the bank 2 deactivation command and the rocker arm oil pressure switch status (names vary by make) while the system is commanded on and off.
Low riskTool: scan tool with live data
- IfThe switch status never changes when the command changes
  It meansEither oil is not reaching the rockers or the switch or its wiring has failed.
  Go to step 4
- IfThe switch follows the command
  It meansThe hydraulic side works; look at wiring for intermittent faults and at software.
  Points to: Rocker arm oil pressure switch C or its wiring
Step 4: Have a shop test the deactivation solenoid or oil control valve, check its screen and passages for debris, and measure oil pressure with a gauge.
Best left to a shopTool: oil pressure gauge, service information
Warning:Removing the oil control valve and fitting a pressure gauge involves hot oil and exact torque specs; a mistake can starve the engine of oil.
- IfDebris is plugging the valve or screen
  It meansClean or replace the valve and change the oil.
  Points to: Low oil level, old oil or the wrong viscosity
- IfOil pressure is higher than specified on a cold start
  It meansMatches the relief valve fault.
  Points to: Faulty oil pump relief valve spring (2013 Honda Pilot and Odyssey)
- IfThe switch reads wrong with good oil pressure
  It meansReplace the switch or repair its wiring.
  Points to: Rocker arm oil pressure switch C or its wiring

Symptoms

Check engine light on, often with misfire codes (P0300-P0304 on Honda V6s)
Rough running or vibration at light cruise
Flashing check engine light Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Oil pressure warning light or engine knocking Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Car shaking with the check engine light on

How to fix

Step 1: Check the oil level and top it up to the full mark with the grade listed in your owner's manual.
Warning:Engine off and on level ground; wait a few minutes for oil to drain back.
Step 2: If the oil is overdue or the wrong grade, change the oil and filter with the specified oil, clear the code and drive normally to see whether it returns.
Warning:Let the engine cool before draining; hot oil burns. Support the car on ramps or stands, never just a jack.

Parts and cost context

Engine oil pump:On the 2013 Honda Pilot and Odyssey the bulletin repair replaces only the relief valve spring, not the whole pump. Ask a dealer whether the VIN is covered before paying for parts.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

2013 · Pilot
Supported by vehicle data
Honda lists P3497 with cylinder 1-4 misfire codes on the 2013 Pilot (and Odyssey). Ask a dealer to check bulletin A-13-055 for the VIN before other repairs.

A-13-055Status unverified
P0301-P0304, P3400 and/or P3497 with MIL on
2013pilot · NHTSA 10052924
Misfire codes on cylinders 1-4 with P3400 and/or P3497 stored. Repair write-ups describe a replacement oil pump relief valve spring.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Honda 2013 rocker arm switch bulletinStatus unverified
Misfire codes with P3400 (rocker arm oil pressure switch B) and/or P3497 (switch C)
2013odyssey, pilot · NHTSA 10128532
Lists P3400 and P3497 alongside misfire codes P0301-P0304 on the 2013 Odyssey and Pilot.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ram

2023 · 1500
Supported by vehicle data
A PCM software update covers P3497 with misfire codes on 2023 Ram 1500 trucks.

18-002-25Status unverified
PCM update for misfire and cylinder deactivation codes
20231500 · NHTSA 11013168
PCM flash for trucks setting misfire codes or P3400/P3497 cylinder deactivation codes.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

P3497 questions

Why do I have P3497 and misfire codes together?

When a cylinder is paused by the deactivation system without the computer asking for it, that cylinder stops firing and is counted as a misfire. Honda lists both together on 2013 Pilot and Odyssey V6s, so fix the deactivation fault and the misfire codes usually go with it.

Can an oil change fix it?

Sometimes. The system runs on oil pressure, so low or wrong-grade oil can set the code. On some Mazdas, though, a careless oil filter removal is what plugged the valve, so mention any recent oil change to the shop.

Sources and review

Honda service bulletin: misfire P0301-P0304 with P3400 (rocker arm oil pressure switch B) and/or P3497 (switch C), 2013 Odyssey/Pilot — American Honda Motor Co.
Honda A-13-055: P0301-P0304, P3400 and/or P3497 with MIL on, 2013 Pilot — American Honda Motor Co.
Understanding a Honda P3400 and P3497 code — Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
What To Do If Your Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light Is On — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley)
P3400 - Cylinder Deactivation System - Bank 1 — MechanicBase (Magnus Sellén) , February 12, 2023
Honda service bulletin A-13-055 summary (2013 Pilot): P0301-P0304, P3400 and/or P3497 — RecallCheck.net
Honda P3400 P3497 — Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice
FCA 18-002-25: PCM flash for misfire and cylinder deactivation codes including P3400/P3497, 2023 Ram 1500 — FCA US LLC

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low oil level, old oil or the wrong viscosity

Cause 2: Faulty oil pump relief valve spring (2013 Honda Pilot and Odyssey)

Cause 3: Rocker arm oil pressure switch C or its wiring

Cause 4: Engine computer software

What to test first

Step 1: With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.

Step 2: Read all stored codes and freeze frame with a scan tool, and ask a dealer to check the VIN for open bulletins or software updates.

Step 3: With a scan tool, watch the bank 2 deactivation command and the rocker arm oil pressure switch status (names vary by make) while the system is commanded on and off.

Step 4: Have a shop test the deactivation solenoid or oil control valve, check its screen and passages for debris, and measure oil pressure with a gauge.