P0344: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent, Bank 1 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What P0344 means

The camshaft position sensor (CMP) reports the rotational position of the camshaft. RepairPal explains that the engine computer (PCM) uses this signal to control the fuel injectors and ignition coils, and that on vehicles from about 2000 on it also feeds the variable valve timing system. OBD-Codes.com adds that the PCM uses it to confirm the crankshaft sensor signal is timed to cylinder 1 and to synchronize the start of fuel injection. OBD-Codes.com defines P0344 as a generic code, 'Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1)', and describes it as an electrical circuit fault where the bank 1 cam sensor signal goes missing at times when it shouldn't. It's intermittent, so it isn't there all the time. Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder 1. OBD-Codes.com says the code seems more common on Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Jeep, BMW and Acura vehicles, and that P0340 or P0341 may be stored at the same time; the difference between the three is how long the problem lasts and the type of electrical fault. Note where the sources differ: RepairPal's definition ('Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent') doesn't mention a bank. OBD-Codes.com says the engine intermittently dies out but restarts right away, while RepairPal lists an engine that dies and won't restart. The cause lists also differ: OBD-Codes.com focuses on intermittent opens and shorts in the sensor's power, ground and signal circuits, plus tone ring damage and occasionally the crankshaft sensor, while RepairPal adds mechanical causes such as a stretched or jumped timing chain or belt and a misfiring engine. The bank 2 version of this code is P0349. Related codes are P0340 (circuit), P0341 (range/performance), P0342 (circuit low) and P0343 (circuit high).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0344 'Urgent' and lists stalling, hard starting and an engine that dies and won't restart among the symptoms. OBD-Codes.com describes intermittent bucking or surging and an engine that dies out but restarts right away. Either way, a stall in traffic is a real risk, so avoid relying on the car on the highway until it's checked.

Common symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Intermittent bucking or surging (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
• Engine hesitation or stalling
• Engine dies out; OBD-Codes.com says it restarts right away, while RepairPal says it may not restart
• Hard starting, or cranking without starting (listed by RepairPal)
• Metallic or rattling engine noises, which point to timing chain or belt problems (listed by RepairPal)
• In many cases, no other symptoms (per RepairPal)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

1. Intermittent open or short in the sensor's power supply, ground or signal circuit, such as chafed or broken wiring
2. Loose, corroded or burnt connector terminals at the camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
3. Failed camshaft position sensor (RepairPal lists this first)
4. Damaged camshaft tone ring (reluctor wheel), the toothed ring the sensor reads
5. Crankshaft position sensor producing intermittent signals (OBD-Codes.com calls this occasional; RepairPal lists a defective crank sensor)
6. Stretched or jumped timing chain or timing belt (listed by RepairPal)
7. Rough-running or misfiring engine (listed by RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

1. Read and write down all stored codes and freeze frame data. If P0340, P0341, misfire or crankshaft position codes are also stored, note them, since they change where to look.
2. Search for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle first. OBD-Codes.com notes the manufacturer may have a PCM reprogram for this issue.
3. Locate both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors (your repair manual shows where) and inspect the connectors and wiring for chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic.
4. Unplug the connectors and look for corroded, burnt or green terminals. Clean them with electrical contact cleaner, let them dry, apply dielectric grease, then clear the code and see if it returns.
5. Because the fault comes and goes, OBD-Codes.com suggests wiggling the harness while checking the sensor's ground with a test light; a flicker points to an intermittent connection. With a multimeter and wiring diagram you can also check the sensor's 5 volt supply and signal circuits.
6. Listen for rattling from the front of the engine at startup. RepairPal warns that the cam sensor is often replaced when the real cause is a crank sensor, poor wiring, a misfire or a worn timing component.

Typical fixes

• Clean and repair corroded or loose connector terminals
• Repair chafed, broken or shorted wiring in the sensor circuits
• Apply a PCM software update if a TSB covers your vehicle
• Replace the camshaft position sensor, or the crankshaft position sensor if testing points there
• Repair a damaged tone ring if inspection finds one
• Repair a stretched or jumped timing chain or belt if timing checks find one (a shop job on most engines)

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

Related codes

• P0343 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High (Bank 1)
• P0345 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)
• P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low (Bank 1)
• P0346 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2)
• P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance

Also listed in this guide:

All Cam/crank timing & sensor codes →

FAQs

Sources

1. OBD-Codes.com: P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1), by Randy Worner, ASE Certified Master Technician
2. RepairPal: P0344 OBD-II code (rated Urgent)