P3497 if I don't let engine warm up in cold weather?

Tiny
ETERNALARIANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 215,000 MILES
So a few years ago a replaced the front VTEC solenoid (and alternator) due to it leaking oil. Ever since then when it's really cold outside and I crank then engine it will throw the P3497 code if I don't let it warm up for a few minutes. If I shut it off and clear the code with a scanner, then crank it back up it runs fjne.

I thought maybe it was the cheap oil I used so last time I changed the oil, I used the higher quality stuff, but the issue persists. It never happens when it's warmer weather.
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 AT 7:15 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 55,047 POSTS
On Honda V6s with VCM, this code almost always points to insufficient oil pressure reaching the rear (bank 2) VTEC/VCM spool valve during cold starts.

P3497 - Cylinder Deactivation System (Bank 2) Stuck Off

Chances are the oil sludge has plugged up the oil pump pick up inside the oil pan, I would drop the pan down to clean the engine oil pan and pick up screen. Then clear the codes and the problem should be fixed. Ken
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Friday, January 23rd, 2026 AT 8:57 AM
Tiny
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Ah ok so this is referring to the rear VTEC solenoid, not the front one I replaced
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Friday, January 23rd, 2026 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, then I would replace the VTEC solenoid you didn't replace to see if that fixes it. Does the inside of the engine have sludge?
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Saturday, January 24th, 2026 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
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Last time I changed the oil just a few weeks ago and it looked fine down the oil fill hole. Oil that was drained also wasn't sludgy. I dread replacing the rear solenoid it's harder to get to lol
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Saturday, January 24th, 2026 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Lol, yep, hang in there you will get it done, if you need help upload images for the problem so I can walk you through the repairs.
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Saturday, January 24th, 2026 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
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Alright I was going to order the rear VTEC solenoid it had a warning that I should change the oil when I replace it. Since I just changed the oil like a month ago, I'm going to wait and replace it when I change the oil next time. I also noticed the rear solenoid has the oil pressure sensor in it, so that makes sense that it's throwing the code when it's cold and can't build the pressure until it warms up.
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Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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So did the oil change fix it? That is very possible, when the oil is dirty or worn the camshaft controls do not work correctly.
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Thursday, February 5th, 2026 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
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No oil change didn't help so I'm going to replace the rear solenoid the next time I change oil
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Thursday, February 5th, 2026 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Good call, that should fix it, watch for metal particles on the valve as well.
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Friday, February 6th, 2026 AT 7:32 AM

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