Engine

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

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0346 means

The engine computer compares the Bank 2 camshaft sensor signal with the crankshaft sensor signal. If the pulses are late, missing or distorted, it sets P0346. This data is used to determine valve timing, fuel injection and spark, and to control variable valve timing. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Reduced power or hesitation
  • Possible stalling
  • Hard starting or long cranking
  • Limp mode in some cases
  • Rattle or noise from the timing drive

Possible causes

  1. Failed Bank 2 camshaft position sensor
  2. Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector
  3. Stretched or worn timing chain or belt, or jumped timing
  4. Damaged or dirty camshaft reluctor (tone ring)
  5. Loose sensor or incorrect air gap
  6. Faulty VVT solenoid or oil problems
  7. PCM failure (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data and note related crankshaft, VVT or misfire codes
  2. Inspect the Bank 2 sensor, its mounting, connector and harness for oil, chafing and corrosion
  3. Test the sensor circuit with a multimeter: power, ground and signal, and check the wiring for opens and shorts
  4. Compare the camshaft and crankshaft signals on a scope
  5. Inspect the reluctor wheel and check the air gap
  6. Check oil level and condition, and test the VVT solenoid
  7. Check timing marks and chain or belt stretch, and measure cam timing correlation if needed
  8. If everything checks out, verify PCM power and grounds

Common fixes

  • Replace the Bank 2 camshaft position sensor
  • Repair the wiring or replace a damaged connector
  • Replace the timing chain or belt with tensioners and set the timing to marks
  • Replace the VVT solenoid or reluctor wheel
  • Reprogram or replace the PCM only after ruling out other causes

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0346 code?

Only a short distance to a shop. The engine may stall or fail to restart, and if timing is the cause, further driving can cause serious damage.

Will replacing the cam sensor fix P0346?

Not always. The sensor is a common cause, but check the wiring, connector, reluctor wheel and timing chain or belt first.

What does Bank 2 mean?

It is the side of the engine that does not have cylinder 1. On V and flat engines it is usually the opposite cylinder head.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.