Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The circuit for Camshaft Position Sensor A is experiencing intermittent issues on Bank 1.
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that applies to all makes and models from around 2003 onwards. While this code is more commonly found in Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Jeep, BMW, and Acura vehicles, it can affect any make of vehicle. The specific troubleshooting steps will vary depending on the vehicle.
These vehicles may have a single camshaft in the engine block, or a single (SOHC) or dual (DOHC) overhead camshafts. However, this code specifically relates to the absence of the incoming signal from the camshaft position sensor(s) on Bank 1 at certain times when it should be present. This is an intermittent electrical circuit fault that does not occur constantly. Bank #1 refers to the bank of the engine that contains cylinder #1.
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) uses the Camshaft Position Sensor to determine the accuracy of the Crankshaft Sensor signal, the timing of a given Crankshaft Position Sensor signal in relation to Cylinder #1, and for fuel injector synchronization and start of injection.
Codes P0340 or P0341 may also be present alongside the P0344 code. The only difference between these three codes is the duration of the problem and the type of electrical issue affecting the sensor/circuit/engine controller. Troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, type of camshaft position sensor, and wire colors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a P0344 engine code may include:
Potential Causes
The typical causes for this code are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is to search for any technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to your specific vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer may have a PCM flash/reprogram available to address this issue, so it’s worth checking before pursuing other troubleshooting steps.
Next, locate both the Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors on your vehicle. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for any signs of chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Separate the connectors and carefully examine the terminals (metal parts) inside. Check for corrosion, burning, or any unusual green coloration, as opposed to the normal metal color. If necessary, you can use Electrical Contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol and a light plastic bristle brush to clean the terminals. After cleaning, allow them to air dry and apply some dielectric silicone compound (the same type used for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) where the terminals make contact.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory and see if this code returns. If it does not, then the issue was likely related to the connections.
If the code does return, you will need to test the sensor and its associated circuits. The next steps will depend on the type of sensor you have: Hall Effect or Magnetic Pickup. You can usually determine the type by the number of wires coming from the sensor. If there are 3 wires, it is a Hall Effect sensor. If there are 2 wires, it is a Magnetic Pickup style sensor.
Hall Effect Sensor
If you have a Hall Effect sensor, disconnect the harnesses going to the Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors. Use a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) to test the 5V power supply circuit for each sensor, ensuring that it is receiving power (Red lead to the 5V power supply circuit, black lead to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts to the sensor, repair the wiring from the PCM to the sensor or consider the possibility of a faulty PCM.
If the power supply circuit is functioning correctly, use the DVOM to check for 5V on each signal circuit going to the sensors, confirming that they have a signal circuit (Red lead to the sensor signal circuit, black lead to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts to the sensor, repair the wiring from the PCM to the sensor or consider the possibility of a faulty PCM.
Next, check for a good ground at each sensor. Connect a test light to 12V and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit for each sensor. If the test light does not illuminate, this indicates a problem with the circuit. If the test light does illuminate, wiggle the wiring harness going to each sensor to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.
Magnetic Pickup Style Sensor
If you have a Magnetic Pickup style sensor, you can test the sensor itself to determine if it is functioning properly. Perform the following tests:
With the sensor disconnected, use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance between the two terminals of the Camshaft / Crankshaft Position Sensor. Compare the measured resistance to the specifications for your vehicle, typically ranging from 750 to 2000 ohms. While still on the ohms setting, disconnect one lead of the ohmmeter from the sensor and connect it to a good ground on the vehicle. If you obtain any resistance reading other than infinite or OL (open loop), the sensor has an internal short to ground. Avoid touching the metal part of the leads with your fingers, as this can affect the readings.
Reconnect the two leads of your DVOM to the two terminals of the Camshaft / Crankshaft Position Sensor. Set your meter to read A/C voltage. While cranking the engine, measure the A/C voltage output on your DVOM. Compare the reading to the manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle. As a general guideline, a reading of approximately 0.5V AC is considered good.
