P0344: Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent
P0344 means the engine computer is seeing an intermittent signal from the camshaft position sensor circuit, which can throw off fuel injection and ignition timing. The most common fix is repairing the sensor wiring or replacing the camshaft position sensor, usually about $150 to $450 at an independent shop.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Can I drive?
- Drive with caution
- DIY?
- Possible with some experience
- Repair cost range
- $120 – $2,500
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What does P0344 mean?
The camshaft position sensor tells the engine computer where the camshaft is as the engine runs. The computer uses that signal to control fuel delivery and ignition timing, and to keep the engine synchronized. P0344 sets when that signal cuts in and out instead of staying steady. The problem can be caused by a bad sensor, damaged wiring, a loose connector, or sometimes a timing issue that makes the signal unstable.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting or no-start
- Rough idle
- Engine stalling
- Hesitation or lack of power
- Poor fuel economy
Causes, fixes and costs
P0344: Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent
General guide for most cars. Your car may differ.
The car may run poorly, stall, or refuse to start if the signal gets worse. Stop driving if the engine stalls repeatedly, runs very rough, or the check engine light is flashing.
Most likely causes
- 1
Faulty camshaft position sensorHigh
A sensor that fails only when hot, vibrating, or randomly losing signal can cause an intermittent code with hard starting, rough idle, or stalling.
Quick check: Inspect the sensor connector and then wiggle-test the harness while the engine idles, if accessible. If the code returns and wiring looks good, the sensor is a strong suspect.
- 2
Damaged wiring or loose connectorHigh
Broken insulation, corrosion, oil intrusion, or a connector that is not fully seated can make the signal drop in and out, often with an intermittent check engine light.
Quick check: Look for rubbed-through wires, bent pins, corrosion, or a connector clip that does not lock tightly. Move the harness gently and see if the engine stumbles or the code reappears.
- 3
Timing chain or cam timing problemMedium
If the engine has chain stretch or a cam phaser issue, the sensor signal may not match what the computer expects, causing rough running and performance complaints along with the code.
Quick check: Listen for chain rattle at startup and look for other timing-related codes. A scan tool showing cam/crank correlation problems points this direction.
- 4
Crankshaft position sensor or related circuit problemLow
On some cars, a bad crank signal can confuse cam/crank synchronization and cause intermittent cam sensor faults, especially if the engine cranks long or stalls.
Quick check: Check for crank sensor codes or a tachometer that drops out during cranking. If both cam and crank data look unstable, diagnose both circuits.
Can you fix it yourself?
Possible with some experience
Difficulty: Moderate. Basic DIY checks are possible with a scan tool, flashlight, and a careful inspection of the sensor connector and wiring. Replacing the sensor is usually straightforward, but diagnosing intermittent wiring faults or timing issues often takes more experience.
Show the stepsHide the steps
- Read all stored and pending codes and note freeze-frame data
- Inspect the cam sensor connector for looseness, oil, corrosion, or bent pins
- Trace the harness for chafing, melted insulation, or pinched sections
- Clear the code and test-drive to see if it returns
- If accessible, unplug and reinstall the connector securely
- Replace the camshaft position sensor if the wiring checks good and the code persists
- If the code returns, have the timing and sensor circuits tested with a scan tool and meter
Estimated repair cost
$150 – $450
Camshaft position sensor replacement: parts ~$30-$180, labor ~$120-$270
- Repair cam sensor wiring or connector$120 – $400
- Timing chain or cam timing repair$800 – $2,500
- Crankshaft position sensor replacement$150 – $400
Prices vary by vehicle, engine layout, and local labor rates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0344?
Usually yes for a short time, but drive gently. If the engine stalls, runs very rough, or has trouble starting, get it checked right away.
Will P0344 clear itself?
Sometimes the light may turn off if the problem is momentary, but the fault usually returns if the sensor, wiring, or timing issue is still there. Clearing the code without fixing the cause is temporary.
Can I replace the camshaft position sensor myself?
Often yes if the sensor is easy to reach and you can unplug it without damaging the connector. If the code comes back after a new sensor, the wiring or timing should be tested next.
Will P0344 fail emissions inspection?
In many states, yes, because the check engine light is on and readiness monitors may not be set. The car usually needs the problem fixed and the code cleared before inspection.
Is P0344 the same as P0340?
No. P0344 means the camshaft position sensor circuit signal is intermittent, while P0340 is a more general cam sensor circuit fault.
Related codes
- P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
- P0345 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit (Bank 2)
- P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- P0017 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
This guide covers most cars and is general advice, not an inspection. Prices are typical US independent-shop ranges and vary by region, car and shop. If your brakes, steering or a warning light feel unsafe, stop driving and contact a mechanic.