P3487: Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low
Cylinder 11 exhaust valve control voltage below expected range — short to ground. The exhaust control valve modulates exhaust backpressure or routing (EGR feed, sound, regen support); a malfunction shifts torque mapping and may trigger limp mode.
What P3487 means
P3487 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the timing, cam & crank group. In plain English: the computer sees a voltage on that circuit that is lower than it should ever be — often a short to ground, an open, or a failed sensor.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Wiring shorted to groundMost likely
- 02Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
- 03Harness chafing through insulationLess likely
Can I drive with P3487?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P3487
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P3487. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P3462, P3455, P3454, P3453. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the cylinder 11 exhaust valve actuator and actuator wiring for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Wiring shorted to ground; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P3487 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- cylinder 11 exhaust valve actuator
- Actuator wiring
P3487 FAQ
What does P3487 mean?
P3487 means “Cylinder 11 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit Low”. Cylinder 11 exhaust valve control voltage below expected range — short to ground. The exhaust control valve modulates exhaust backpressure or routing (EGR feed, sound, regen support); a malfunction shifts torque mapping and may trigger limp mode.
Is P3487 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P3487 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P3487?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Wiring shorted to ground; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; Harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P3487?
Typical labor is about $65–$375 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P3487 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P3487 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.