P0348: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High, Bank 2 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0348 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 adds that the PCM uses the cam signal to confirm the crankshaft sensor signal, to time it to cylinder 1, and to synchronize fuel injection. OBD-Codes.com defines P0348 as a generic code for 'Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High Input (Bank 2)', an electrical circuit fault in which the sensor's signal goes missing, typically at engine start-up, and says this code only sets on Hall effect (3-wire) sensors. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1. Note where the sources differ: RepairPal's title for P0348 is 'Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit High' 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. Also, the body text of the OBD-Codes.com article mentions the signal from 'Bank 1' even though its title and definition say bank 2, so go by the bank 2 definition and confirm with your vehicle's service information. The bank 1 version of this code is P0343. Related codes are P0345 (circuit), P0346 (range/performance), P0347 (circuit low) and P0349 (intermittent).
Severity: can I keep driving?
Stop and fix promptly
Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0348 'Urgent' and lists an engine that may not start among the symptoms, and OBD-Codes.com says the engine may die out, or run fine until it's shut off and then not restart. If the engine stalls, bucks or surges, avoid relying on the car in traffic or on the highway until it's checked.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Bucking or surging (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Engine dies out, but may restart if the problem comes and goes
- May run fine until it's shut off, then will not restart; RepairPal says the engine may not start
- Decreased engine performance and increased fuel consumption (listed by RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Open in the ground circuit to the camshaft position sensor (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Open in the signal circuit between the sensor and the PCM (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Signal circuit shorted to 5 volts (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Failed camshaft position sensor, for example internally shorted to voltage
- Broken tone ring (reluctor), the toothed ring the sensor reads (listed by RepairPal)
- Engine computer (PCM) failure, which is less likely
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. OBD-Codes.com notes that P0340 or P0341 may be stored at the same time; if bank 1 (P0343) or crankshaft position codes are also stored, mention them, since they change where to look.
- Search for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle first. OBD-Codes.com notes the maker may have a PCM reflash for this issue.
- Find both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors (your repair manual shows the bank 2 cam sensor's location). OBD-Codes.com says they share power and ground circuits, so inspect both connectors and wiring for chafing, bare wires, burn spots, melted plastic, and corroded or green terminals.
- Clean corroded terminals with electrical contact cleaner, let them dry, and apply dielectric grease, then clear the code and see if it returns.
- If it returns and you have a multimeter, OBD-Codes.com's next checks are the sensor's 5 V (or 12 V, per your wiring diagram) supply, 5 V on the signal wire, and a good ground using a test light while wiggling the harness.
- 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
- Repair an open ground or signal wire, or a signal wire shorted to voltage
- Clean and repair a corroded or loose connector
- Install a PCM software update if a TSB calls for one
- 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 wiring and connectors look fine and the code comes back
- You find 12 volts where the wiring diagram says 5 volts, which can point to a wiring short or a bad PCM
- Bank 1 (P0343), 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 P0348?
It isn't a good idea for long. RepairPal rates P0348 'Urgent' and says the engine may not start, and OBD-Codes.com says it may run fine until it's shut off and then not restart. You could get stranded.
Is P0348 always a bad camshaft sensor?
No. OBD-Codes.com lists wiring faults (an open ground, an open signal wire or a signal wire shorted to 5 volts) first and the sensor only occasionally. RepairPal lists the sensor alongside a broken tone ring, wiring and PCM failure. Check the connectors and wiring before buying parts.
What's the difference between P0343 and P0348?
Both mean camshaft position sensor A's circuit input is high. P0343 is bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1) and P0348 is bank 2, per OBD-Codes.com. RepairPal's title for P0348 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.