Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0346
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2
Technical Description P0346
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2
What Does This Mean P0346?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC), which means it covers all makes/models from 1996 and newer. Anecdotally, the code may be more commonly seen on Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Audi VW Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Scion and Ford vehicles, but any make vehicle can be affected. Specific troubleshooting steps will vary depending on the vehicle.
This P0346 code basically means that the powertrain control module (PCM) detected a problem with the camshaft signal "A" for bank 2. Bank 2 refers to the bank of cylinders in the engine that does not contain cylinder #1.
It's important in today's vehicles to understand what these sensors are and how they interact. All distributorless ignition vehicles use a crank and cam sensor to take the place of the module and trigger wheel found in an electronic distributor.
The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) signals the engine control module the location of the pistons relative to top dead center in preparation for injecting fuel and firing the spark plugs. The CMP signals the position of the camshaft intake lobe relative to the CPS signal and the opening of the intake valve for fuel injection on each cylinder.
The crank and cam sensors provide an "on and off" signal. Both are either hall effect or magnetic in function.
A hall effect sensor uses an electro-magnetic sensor and a reluctor. The reluctor is shaped like small cups with squares cut out of the sides making it resemble a picket fence. The reluctor spins while the sensor is stationary and mounted very close to the reluctor. Every time a post passes in front of the sensor a signal is produced, and when the post passes, the signal is off.
A magnetic pickup uses a stationary sensor and a magnet attached to the rotating part. Every time the magnet passes in front of the sensor a signal is produced.
A hall effect crank sensor is located on the harmonic balancer in the front of the engine. The magnetic pickup can be in the side of the engine block where it uses the center of the crankshaft for a signal, or it can be in the bellhousing where it uses the flywheel as a trigger. The camshaft sensor mounts in the front or rear of the camshaft. P0346 specifically refers to bank 2 which is the bank of cylinders that does not contain cylinder #1.
This P0346 code basically means that the powertrain control module (PCM) detected a problem with the camshaft signal "A" for bank 2. Bank 2 refers to the bank of cylinders in the engine that does not contain cylinder #1.
It's important in today's vehicles to understand what these sensors are and how they interact. All distributorless ignition vehicles use a crank and cam sensor to take the place of the module and trigger wheel found in an electronic distributor.
The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) signals the engine control module the location of the pistons relative to top dead center in preparation for injecting fuel and firing the spark plugs. The CMP signals the position of the camshaft intake lobe relative to the CPS signal and the opening of the intake valve for fuel injection on each cylinder.
The crank and cam sensors provide an "on and off" signal. Both are either hall effect or magnetic in function.
A hall effect sensor uses an electro-magnetic sensor and a reluctor. The reluctor is shaped like small cups with squares cut out of the sides making it resemble a picket fence. The reluctor spins while the sensor is stationary and mounted very close to the reluctor. Every time a post passes in front of the sensor a signal is produced, and when the post passes, the signal is off.
A magnetic pickup uses a stationary sensor and a magnet attached to the rotating part. Every time the magnet passes in front of the sensor a signal is produced.
A hall effect crank sensor is located on the harmonic balancer in the front of the engine. The magnetic pickup can be in the side of the engine block where it uses the center of the crankshaft for a signal, or it can be in the bellhousing where it uses the flywheel as a trigger. The camshaft sensor mounts in the front or rear of the camshaft. P0346 specifically refers to bank 2 which is the bank of cylinders that does not contain cylinder #1.
Symptoms P0346
1
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination (a.k.a. check engine light)
2
Lack of power
3
Possible no start condition
4
Stalling
Possible Causes P0346
1
Faulty camshaft position sensor (CMP)
2
Poor wiring connection at cam sensor
3
Electrical short or open condition in associated wiring
4
Low/bad battery
Solutions & Repair Steps P0346
A good starting point is always a technical service bulletin (TSB) search for your particular vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer may have a PCM flash/reprogram to cover this issue, and it pays to check on this before you find you've gone down a long/wrong path. Off-hand we are aware of a service bulletin where the fix is to recalibrate the PCM. That bulletin # is EG010-05.
Example photo of a camshaft position sensor (CMP):
Often replacing the sensor fixes this code, but not necessarily. Therefore it's important to check the following:
Related Camshaft Trouble Codes: P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0345, P0347, P0348, P0349, P0365, P0366, P0367, P0368, P0369, P0390, P0391, P0392, P0393, P0394.
Example photo of a camshaft position sensor (CMP):
Often replacing the sensor fixes this code, but not necessarily. Therefore it's important to check the following:
Related Camshaft Trouble Codes: P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0345, P0347, P0348, P0349, P0365, P0366, P0367, P0368, P0369, P0390, P0391, P0392, P0393, P0394.