P0349 Code: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)

What the P0349 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 P0349 code is set when the signal cuts out or jumps at random. An intermittent signal is the typical signature of a bad connection or of a sensor that fails when it gets hot.

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. Because the fault comes and goes, it can be gone when you test it.

P0349 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 P0349 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 P0349 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. Wiggle the harness while you watch for dropouts.
5. Look at the sensor tip. Metal shavings stuck to it or damage from an impact both matter.
6. On range codes, check the timing alignment and the stretch of the timing chain.

How to fix the P0349 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.

P0349 on Chrysler

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

P0349 on Nissan

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

P0349 on Hyundai

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

P0349 on GM

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

P0349 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 P0349