P0346Generic code

P0346 Code: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2)

The P0346 code means the bank 2 camshaft position sensor A gives a signal that is electrically valid but does not match what the computer expects. It can cause hard starting, hesitation or stalling. Missing teeth, electrical noise or a mechanical offset such as a stretched chain are the usual reasons.

Severity
Medium
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$30 to $300
Difficulty
Medium
System
Ignition and Misfires
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0346 code means

This code only exists on V or boxer engines. Sensor A on bank 2 normally reads the intake camshaft on the side opposite cylinder 1.

Position sensors come in two types. An inductive sensor has 2 wires and makes its own alternating voltage as the teeth pass by. A Hall effect sensor has 3 wires: a power supply, a ground and a square wave signal that switches between 0 and 5 V. The computer watches for the presence of the signal, for its shape and for how it lines up with the other position signals.

The P0346 code is a range fault. The signal arrives but does not fit with the other position sensor: missing teeth, electrical noise or a mechanical deviation such as a stretched chain or a damaged tone wheel.

Remember that the code tells you where the computer saw the problem, not necessarily which part is bad. The wiring and the connector fail as often as the sensor itself.

P0346 code symptoms

  • Long cranking time, or the engine does not start at all.
  • Hesitation or cutting out while driving.
  • Engine stalls, especially when it is hot.
  • Loss of power, because variable valve timing is switched off.
  • Check engine light on, sometimes together with misfire codes.

Likely causes of the P0346 code

  1. Connector with oil, corrosion or a loose fit. The most frequent cause on camshaft sensors.
  2. Damaged wiring from heat or rubbing, especially near the exhaust.
  3. Failed sensor. An internal fault that often shows up once the sensor heats up.
  4. Damaged tone wheel or reluctor ring, with broken or dirty teeth.
  5. Timing that is out of phase or a stretched chain. This matters most on range codes.
  6. Missing power reference, either 5 V or 12 V depending on the design.

How to diagnose the P0346 code step by step

  1. Watch rpm and the sync status on the scan tool while someone cranks the engine.
  2. Inspect the connector. Look for oil inside, green pins or a broken locking tab.
  3. Check power and ground on 3-wire sensors: 5 V or 12 V on the supply pin and less than 0.1 V of drop on the ground side.
  4. Measure the signal with an oscilloscope, or with a multimeter in frequency mode while cranking. On inductive sensors, measure AC voltage.
  5. Look at the sensor tip. Metal shavings stuck to it or damage from an impact both matter.
  6. Because this is a range code, check the timing alignment and the stretch of the timing chain.

How to fix the P0346 code

  • Clean or repair the connector and the wiring.
  • Replace the sensor with an original-quality part.
  • Repair the tone wheel or the timing if it is damaged.
  • Run the crankshaft variation learn procedure if the manufacturer requires it.
  • Clear the codes and verify the repair.

Technical reference data

  • Inductive sensor: 2 wires, resistance of 200 to 1,200 ohms.
  • Hall effect sensor: 3 wires, square wave signal from 0 to 5 V.
  • Typical air gap: 0.5 to 1.5 mm (about 0.020 to 0.060 in).
  • These are approximate values. Check the manufacturer data for your engine.

Brand-specific notes

Heat is a common reason these sensors misbehave. The engine dies when hot and starts again once it cools down.

P0346 on Chrysler

On many Chrysler engines the camshaft and crankshaft sensors fail with temperature. The engine stalls when hot and restarts after it cools.

P0346 on Nissan

On many Nissan engines the camshaft and crankshaft sensors fail with temperature. The engine stalls when hot and restarts after it cools.

P0346 on Hyundai

On many Hyundai engines the camshaft and crankshaft sensors fail with temperature. The engine stalls when hot and restarts after it cools.

P0346 on GM

After replacing the CKP sensor on a GM vehicle, you often have to run the variation learn procedure with a scan tool.

P0346 on Ford

After replacing the CKP sensor on a Ford, you often have to run the variation learn procedure with a scan tool.

Frequently asked questions about P0346

Can I drive with a P0346 code?
With caution. If the sensor fails completely, the engine can stall while you are driving. Get it checked soon.
Does the sensor have to be replaced?
Only if the tests confirm it. The connector and the wiring fail just as often as the sensor, so test them first.
What do bank and letter mean?
Bank 1 is the side with cylinder 1 and bank 2 is the opposite side, which only applies to V engines. The letter A or B tells apart sensors of the same type. On camshafts, A is usually intake and B is exhaust.
How much does it cost to fix P0346?
Roughly $30 to $300, depending on how hard the sensor is to reach. A simple connector cleaning is at the low end.
What does the P0346 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code that means the bank 2 camshaft position sensor A signal is present but does not match the other position signal. The signal is valid electrically but incoherent.
Will a P0346 code clear itself?
A P0346 code can clear itself, because the check engine light can go out after several clean drive cycles if the fault was momentary. A loose connector, a heat-sensitive sensor or a worn chain will bring it back, so do not count on it.
What is the most common cause of P0346?
A damaged connector or wiring, often with oil inside the plug. On a range code, also check the timing chain and the tone wheel before you buy a sensor.

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