Back to 2011 Toyota Camry

2011 TOYOTA CAMRY

3.5L V6FWDAUTOMATICgas
5 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs0Labor469Torque2476Fluid6DTC910Battery1Maintenance0Recalls5
P3623critical severityPowertrain

Cylinder Deactivation Lifter Stuck Activated

on 2011 Toyota Camry 3.5L V6 · FWD

What this code means

A cylinder deactivation lifter is mechanically stuck in the deactivated (collapsed) position. The affected cylinder is not firing.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Engine misfire
  • Rough idle and vibration
  • Reduced power
  • Exhaust smell of unburned fuel
  • Catalytic converter damage risk

Common causes

  • Collapsed lifter mechanism
  • Oil sludge jamming lifter
  • Lifter roller bearing failure
  • Oil pressure loss to lifter
  • Excessive wear on lifter body

Diagnostic steps

  1. Identify which cylinder is deactivated permanently
  2. Check oil pressure at affected lifter
  3. Perform compression test on that cylinder
  4. Check for oil sludge
  5. Inspect lifter via valve cover removal if accessible

Repair notes

Replace collapsed deactivation lifter. This requires camshaft and lifter removal. Inspect cam lobe for damage. Full engine oil flush recommended.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →