What is the P0344 Code? Symptoms, Causes, and How Do You Fix It?

It is possible that the Check Engine Light came on, and you have received a P0344 error code from your scanner. This could be causing you to wonder what you can do. You might experience symptoms which can interfere with the normal operation of your engine.

This article will explain what P0344 codes mean. We also cover the symptoms and show how to treat it. 

Definition of the code P0344

P0344 – Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1)

What is the P0344 Codification?

The P0344 shows that there’s an issue with the signal coming out of the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor. The signal from Bank 1 is lost by the PCM, the engine bank holding the first cylinder. This code is used to identify the powertrain of most make/models. 

The code is available for both single and double overhead camshafts. This code deals solely with the signal that’s coming from the camshaft position sensor located in Bank 1. 

This is an occasional issue because it is electrically faulty. It is responsible for timing cylinder 1. It’s also needed to control the beginning of injection and for fuel synchronization. 

RELATED: Bank 1 vs Bank 2 – Sensor 1 & 2 – Meaning

Trouble code P0344 Symptoms

The Check Engine Light will usually come on when the P0344 is activated. Other performance signs you may notice include: 

Below are some things to look out for.

What causes the P0344 code?

It’s clear that the cause of the P0344 code has to do with the camshaft position sensor, but the root of the problem isn’t always obvious.

Below are just a few:

• Defective camshaft position sensor
• Damaged wiring or electrical short
• Tone ring to indicate a malfunctioning sensor for camshaft position
• Issues with PCM, such as deficient or insufficient updates

What is the P0344 code?

Hohe – With an intermittent signal coming from the camshaft position sensor, several dangerous issues can follow. Surging problems can cause the vehicle to run rough. If a repair isn’t made promptly, the vehicle might stall and you could have trouble getting it started again. 

If you don’t want the vehicle left on the side of the road, you should take this trouble code seriously. You can avoid a lot hassle by repairing the vehicle quickly. 

Which Repairs can Fix the P0344 Cod?

This issue can be fixed by many different repairs. Before replacing parts, you should do a thorough diagnosis. Here are some possible fixes to the P0344 error code.

• Repair damaged wiring
• Repair electrical connections
• Replace camshaft position sensor
• Get the latest PCM

Common mistakes in diagnosing P0344

If there is an electrical problem that doesn’t make sense, the battery is often overlooked, even though it can cause a lot of problems. A weak battery can cause problems with various electronic systems. If you can’t seem to figure out what’s going on, try testing the battery voltage.

If P0344 does not disappear and then comes back, it is likely that the problem was wrongly diagnosed. You will need to look at the situation again to see what’s wrong. 

Recommendations for Diagnosis

How to diagnose P0344 Trouble code

These are steps that professional mechanics would use to diagnose P0344 codes.

1. Double-check the battery voltage to ensure the signal isn’t weak. 
2. Check the wiring for the camshaft position sensor. Check for damage or signs such as burnt areas, melting parts or rubbing.
3. Check the connectors for camshaft position sensors. You should find no signs of corrosion or wear.
4. When possible, upgrade the PCM.

The estimated cost of repair

It may be possible to fix the issue yourself depending on the reason. These are the common repairs that have the lowest average repair costs, and include both labor and parts. 

• New Wiring – $50-$1,000
• Camshaft Position Sensor – $150-$300
• Battery – $40-$300
• PCM – $500-$2,500

Here are some mechanics tips about the P0344 code

It’s possible to also see P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit) and P0341 (Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance) trouble codes at the same time. Although these codes may be related to the exact same parts they indicate the duration of the problem and any electrical issues. 

When diagnosing the P0344 code, it’s important that you take all factors into consideration. If you are seeing other electrical problems, it might be more obvious that there’s a battery issue. If the problems are limited to the camshaft position sensor you can expect this to cause the problem or the PCM.