P0347: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low, Bank 2 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0347 means
The camshaft position sensor (CMP) reports the exact rotational position of the camshaft. RepairPal explains that the engine computer (PCM) uses this signal to control the fuel injectors and ignition coils. OBD-Codes.com describes how it works with the crankshaft position sensor: the crank sensor tells the PCM where the pistons are relative to top dead center, and the cam sensor tells it the position of the intake camshaft lobe relative to that, so the PCM can time fuel injection for each cylinder. OBD-Codes.com defines P0347 as a generic code meaning the sensor's signal is too low, or not strong enough, so it is vague and difficult to interpret, for the bank 2 'A' sensor. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1. Note where the sources differ: RepairPal's title for P0347 is 'Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Low' and does not mention a bank, and its explanation (the PCM sets the code on an irregular signal or no signal) is the same general wording it uses for the other cam sensor codes rather than a specific low-signal condition. The bank 1 version of this code is P0342. Related codes are P0345 (circuit), P0346 (range/performance), P0348 (circuit high) and P0349 (intermittent).
Severity: can I keep driving?
Stop and fix promptly
Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0347 'Urgent' and lists an engine that may not start among the symptoms, and OBD-Codes.com lists lack of power, stalling and hard starting. If the engine stalls, loses power or is hard to start, avoid relying on the car in traffic or on the highway until it's checked.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Lack of power or decreased engine performance
- Stalling (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Hard starting, or the engine may not start
- Increased fuel consumption (listed by RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Failed camshaft position sensor
- Open or shorted sensor wiring harness
- Poor electrical connections at the sensor
- Bad or low battery (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Faulty starter or poor wiring to the starter (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Broken tone ring (reluctor), the toothed ring the sensor reads (listed by RepairPal)
- Engine computer (PCM) failure, which is less likely (listed by RepairPal)
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Read and write down all stored codes and freeze frame data. If other camshaft or crankshaft position codes (such as P0342 for bank 1, P0345 or P0335) are also stored, mention them, since they change where to look.
- Search for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle first, as OBD-Codes.com recommends.
- Check the battery's condition and charge. OBD-Codes.com says a low battery can set this code.
- Check the wiring to the starter for corrosion, loose connections or frayed insulation, and have the starter checked for excessive current draw, which OBD-Codes.com says indicates a weak starter.
- Find the bank 2 camshaft position sensor (on the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1; your repair manual shows its exact location). Inspect its connector for corrosion and bent pins; OBD-Codes.com suggests applying dielectric grease to the pins.
- Don't assume the sensor is the answer. RepairPal warns that just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues, such as a wiring fault or a broken tone ring.
Typical fixes
- Charge or replace a weak battery
- Repair starter wiring or replace a starter that draws too much current
- Repair damaged wiring or clean and repair a corroded or loose connector
- Replace the camshaft position sensor (RepairPal's most common repair for this code)
- Repair a broken tone ring if inspection finds one
- Diagnose and replace the PCM only after the sensor and wiring test good
Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.
🛠 When to call a pro
- The engine won't start or stalls
- The battery, starter, wiring and sensor check out and the code comes back
- Checking the tone ring requires engine disassembly
- Bank 1 (P0342), other cam sensor or crankshaft position codes are also stored
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P0347?
It isn't a good idea for long. RepairPal rates P0347 'Urgent' and says the engine may not start, and OBD-Codes.com lists stalling and hard starting. The car might run now and not restart later.
Is P0347 always a bad camshaft sensor?
No. Replacing the sensor is RepairPal's most common repair, but both sources list wiring and connection problems. OBD-Codes.com also lists a bad battery and a weak starter or poor starter wiring, and RepairPal lists a broken tone ring and PCM failure. Check the battery, starter and wiring before buying parts.
What's the difference between P0342 and P0347?
Both mean camshaft position sensor A's signal is too low. P0342 is bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1) and P0347 is bank 2, per OBD-Codes.com. RepairPal's title for P0347 doesn't mention the bank, so check your vehicle's service information to confirm which sensor it means.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.