P0344

What it means

P0344 is the generic code for an intermittent fault in the camshaft position sensor A circuit on Bank 1 or a single-sensor engine. The engine control unit saw the camshaft signal drop out, become erratic or lose sync with the crankshaft signal, rather than failing completely. Because the fault comes and goes, the car may run normally between episodes.

Symptoms

• Intermittent engine misfire or hesitation
• Occasional long cranking or hard starting
• Engine stalling, often when hot
• Engine warning light on, sometimes going out again
• Reduced power or the car entering limp mode
• Rough idle or poor fuel economy

Possible causes

• Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring to the camshaft sensor, or a loose connectorlikely
• Failing camshaft position sensor with an intermittent internal faultlikely
• Oil contamination or moisture in the sensor connector or sensor bodypossible
• Loose sensor, damaged sensor mounting or incorrect air gappossible
• Worn, stretched or incorrectly fitted timing belt or chain causing cam and crank timing to driftpossible
• Damaged or contaminated reluctor or trigger wheel on the camshaftrare
• Low battery voltage or poor earth connections causing signal dropoutsrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including engine speed, temperature and load when the fault set
2. Check for related codes such as crankshaft sensor, misfire or timing correlation codes, which help separate a sensor fault from a timing fault
3. Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for chafing, heat damage, oil ingress, corrosion and bent or loose pins
4. Check the battery condition and the charging voltage, and inspect main earth connections
5. Wiggle test the harness and connector with the engine running while watching live camshaft and crankshaft signal data for dropouts
6. Remove the sensor and check it for damage, metal debris, oil contamination and correct seating, and check the mounting and O-ring
7. Test the sensor supply, earth and signal circuits for continuity, shorts and resistance against the manufacturer's specification, as values vary by model
8. Check the cam and crank timing correlation and the condition of the timing belt or chain, and inspect the reluctor wheel if the sensor and wiring test good

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or renew corroded or oil-soaked connectors
• Replace the camshaft position sensor if it fails testing or shows dropouts, using a part suited to the engine
• Secure or replace the sensor mounting and renew the seal so the sensor sits correctly
• Correct the valve timing or replace a worn timing belt or chain and tensioner as required
• Replace a damaged reluctor or trigger wheel
• Restore battery condition and repair poor earth connections, then clear the code and road test to confirm it does not return

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0343GenericCamshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High Bank 1 or Single Sensor
• P0345GenericCamshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 2