P0346

What it means

P0346 means the engine control unit has found that the signal from camshaft position sensor A on bank 2 is out of range or does not make sense when compared with the crankshaft position signal. The ECU expects the camshaft and crankshaft signals to line up in a fixed pattern. If the timing relationship is wrong or the cam signal is erratic, it sets this code. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1, and it only applies to V, flat or other multi-bank engines.

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Long cranking or hard starting
• Rough running or misfire
• Loss of power or hesitation
• Poor fuel economy
• Engine stalling or cutting out intermittently

Possible causes

• Faulty or failing camshaft position sensor on bank 2 (sensor A, usually the intake cam; confirm for the specific engine)likely
• Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring, or a poor connector at the bank 2 camshaft sensorlikely
• Stretched timing chain or belt, or worn tensioner or guides, causing cam-to-crank timing errorpossible
• Variable valve timing (VVT) fault, such as a faulty actuator or phaser, low oil level or dirty oil, causing the cam position to be out of rangepossible
• Damaged or loose reluctor or trigger wheel on the camshaft, or incorrect sensor air gap or mountingpossible
• Faulty crankshaft position sensor or signal interference giving a poor reference for comparisonpossible
• Fault within the engine control unitrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data. Note engine speed, load and temperature when the code set, and look for related crankshaft, VVT or misfire codes.
2. Check the engine oil level and condition, as low or dirty oil can affect VVT operation and sensor readings.
3. Visually inspect the bank 2 camshaft sensor, its connector and the wiring back along the loom for chafing, heat damage, oil contamination, corrosion or loose pins.
4. Check the sensor is fitted securely and that its mounting and seal are undamaged, and inspect it for metal debris or damage.
5. With a scan tool, compare live cam and crank data and any cam timing correction or angle values with the manufacturer's specification for the engine.
6. Test the sensor supply, earth and signal circuits for correct voltage, continuity and shorts, following the procedure for that model. Use an oscilloscope to check the signal pattern against the crank signal if available.
7. Inspect the reluctor wheel and check mechanical cam timing, including timing chain stretch or tensioner condition, as the procedure depends on the engine.
8. Check the VVT actuator or solenoid operation and the oil supply to it, following model-specific procedures.

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors or terminals in the bank 2 cam sensor circuit.
• Replace the bank 2 camshaft position sensor if it tests faulty or the signal is erratic.
• Correct the oil level and change the oil and filter if it is dirty or incorrect for the engine, then repair any VVT component found faulty.
• Replace the timing chain, belt, tensioner and guides if timing is out of specification, and reset the timing correctly.
• Replace a damaged reluctor wheel or correct the sensor mounting or air gap.
• If an outdated ECU calibration is a known cause for that engine, have the software updated by a suitably equipped workshop.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0345GenericCamshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 2
• P0347GenericCamshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Bank 2