P0344 – Camshaft position (CMP) sensor A, bank 1 circuit intermittent

By Benjamin Jerew (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-08-22
ASE Master Tech

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P0344 Mean?
2. What are the common causes of code P0344 ?
3. What are the symptoms of code P0344 ?
4. How do you troubleshoot code P0344 ?
5. Codes Related to P0344
6. Get Help with P0344

What Does Code P0344 Mean?

A properly running engine is essentially the precise timing of gasoline-fueled explosions. Depending on engine speed (RPM) and load the engine control unit (ECU) controls the timing and amount of fuel injection, timing of spark ignition, and in the case of engines with variable valve timing (VVT), intake- and exhaust-valve timing adjustments. The two main timing and position sensors used by the ECU are the crankshaft position sensor (often CKP) and camshaft position sensor (often CMP). If there are two banks on a VVT-equipped engine, then there will be two camshaft position sensors.

The camshaft position sensor reacts to a toothed wheel on the camshaft, which gives the ECU constant information on its speed and position. Of course, the CMP is located on the engine, usually somewhere on the cylinder head, so it transmits CMP data to the ECU using wires. If the ECU intermittently detects a CMP signal, it will set DTC P0344 or DTC P0349 – Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction. If your engine has only one CMP, such as an inline-four-cylinder, the only CMP code available is for Bank 1, P0344. On the other hand, V6 or V8 engines have two banks, Bank 1 and Bank 2, and would therefore have two CMPs, so DTC P0349 would refer to Bank 2.  Sensor A indicates that the malfunction is occurring with the camshaft position sensor circuit that pertains to the intake camshaft.  Sensor B codes pertain to the exhaust camshaft.

What are the common causes of code P0344 ?

Depending on year, make, and model, DTC P0344 or P0349 may have number of causes. Here are some of the most common.

Faulty Sensor – If the sensor coil is open or shorted, then it will generate no signal.
Poor Installation – A good CMP signal is highly dependent on placement. Generally, the sensor needs between 0.020” and 0.050” clearance to the reluctor ring or camshaft tooth. If the sensor is cocked to one side or not firmly seated, the clearance will be wrong and the signal will be too weak for the ECU to detect. If the reluctor ring is rubbing on the sensor, the signal will be distorted.
Ford Trucks / Mustang GT – An alternator phase problem, such as a blown diode or open coil, may cause so much electrical interference that the CMP signal gets distorted, causing a P0344 / P0349 DTC to set, among others, in spite of there being no actual problem with the CMP sensor or wiring.
Cars in Storage – If your car has been in storage for any length of time, rodents may find it a great nesting place. Unfortunately, while looking for nesting materials and cleaning house, these little critters might find your wiring offensive or even tasty, resulting in open circuit problems.
Older Cars – Over time, plastic and rubber tends to become brittle and less flexible, which can lead to connector breakage and wire insulation damage. In turn, this may cause corrosion, open circuits, or short circuits.

Generally, the camshaft position sensor is pretty resilient and long-lived, which doesn’t necessary rule it out as a problem, but most of the time, the problem lies in the wiring and connectors for the sensor, or something else entirely. Before you just jump right on a new sensor, make sure you can rule out the rest of the system, first.

What are the symptoms of code P0344 ?

Because the CMP signal is so critical to ignition and fuel injection, you may experience a no-start or start-stall condition. Some vehicle ECUs may be able to use the CKP signal to estimate camshaft position, so the engine will run, but may experience hard starting, rough running, misfiring, or poor acceleration.

How do you troubleshoot code P0344 ?

Because P0344 and P0349 refer to a circuit problem, do not automatically condemn the CMP sensor. That’s not to say that it might not be the sensor itself, but replacing the sensor is not always going to fix the problem. Get out your wiring diagram and DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter) for this next part.

1. Visual Inspection – At the CMP sensor, make sure it is plugged in and firmly seated. Also, follow the wiring harness to look for damage, such as from recent engine repairs, aftermarket installations, impact damage, or rodent damage.
2. Sensor Inspection
   1. Resistance Check – Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance. An open-circuit, ∞ Ω, or short-circuit, 0 Ω, at this point would tell you that the sensor itself is at fault.
   2. Signal Check – The proper way to do this would be with a digital oscilloscope, but you can get a rough estimation of CMP sensor function by putting your DVOM in AC V mode. When cranking, you should be able to see at least 20 mV.
3. Electrical Inspection – Disconnect the ECM and CMP connectors, and put a short pin across the terminals of the CMP connection. You can use a small paperclip or wire for this.
   1. From the ECM side, check for resistance in the circuit itself. With the short pin in place, you should read less than 0.1 Ω. Any higher, and the ECU will be unable to detect the signal. Look for a broken wire or corrosion somewhere in the circuit.
   2. Remove the short pin and check for open circuit, ∞ Ω. If there is some amount of resistance, suspect a short circuit. Water in an intermediary connector could easily be the cause of a short-circuit.
   3. Check for short-to-ground by taking one of the leads and connecting it to body-ground or the negative battery terminal. You should read an open circuit, ∞ Ω. Any unintentional connection to ground could distort or weaken the signal.
4. Other Problems – In case no problems can be found in the CMP sensor or its wiring, it may be that P0344 or P0349 are simply auxiliary fault codes. A jumped timing belt, faulty crankshaft position sensor signal or circuit, or engine misfire, may be the primary problem. Double check these before coming back to the CMP.

Codes Related to P0344

DTC P0344 or P0349 may be accompanied by other DTCs, such as P0300 Random Misfire, P0725 Engine Speed Sensor Circuit, or P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction.

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