P3433 indicates the powertrain control module has detected an open electrical circuit in the intake valve deactivation solenoid control for cylinder 5. This means the expected electrical path to the solenoid is interrupted, preventing the cylinder deactivation system from operating properly. The fault typically lies in the solenoid itself, the connecting wiring, or the related electrical connectors.
The solenoid that controls intake valve deactivation for cylinder 5 can fail internally with an open coil, breaking the circuit the PCM expects to see.
Damage, chafing, or breaks in the wiring between the solenoid and the PCM create an open circuit that sets this code.
Poor pin contact, moisture intrusion, or a partially disconnected solenoid connector can introduce enough resistance to be read as an open circuit.
A weak or open ground connection for the solenoid circuit prevents current return, causing the PCM to log an open-circuit fault.
Although rare, an internal PCM driver failure can prevent the circuit from completing properly; this should only be considered after the solenoid and wiring are verified good.
Short-term driving is usually safe, but the check engine light will stay on and fuel economy may drop because the cylinder deactivation system is disabled.
The code indicates an electrical control fault rather than internal mechanical damage, though prolonged operation without deactivation can reduce efficiency and may eventually affect related valvetrain components.
No. Although the PCM is sometimes unnecessarily replaced for this code, the root cause is almost always a failed solenoid, wiring issue, or connector problem.
Low or dirty oil can cause mechanical deactivation failures, but a circuit/open code specifically points to an electrical discontinuity in the solenoid control circuit, not an oil pressure issue.