OBD CodesWhat it means
The camshaft position sensor tells the computer which cylinder is on its firing stroke, so injectors and coils fire in the right order. Many engines can still run on the crankshaft signal alone, but start slowly and run less smoothly.
Codes in this group
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P0340 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit fault, bank 1 |
| P0341 | Camshaft position sensor A reading out of range, bank 1 |
| P0342 | Camshaft position sensor A signal low, bank 1 |
| P0343 | Camshaft position sensor A signal high, bank 1 |
| P0344 | Camshaft position sensor A signal cuts in and out, bank 1 |
| P0345 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit fault, bank 2 |
| P0346 | Camshaft position sensor A reading out of range, bank 2 |
| P0347 | Camshaft position sensor A signal low, bank 2 |
| P0348 | Camshaft position sensor A signal high, bank 2 |
| P0349 | Camshaft position sensor A signal cuts in and out, bank 2 |
Bank 1 is the side of the engine that has cylinder 1. Sensor 1 is before the catalytic converter and sensor 2 is after it. More terms explained.
What you may notice
- Long cranking before the engine starts
- Rough running or hesitation
- Occasional stalling
- Sometimes no symptom
Common causes
Most likely first:
- A failed sensor
- Oil leaking into the connector
- Damaged wiring
- A stretched timing chain (if the reading is "out of range")
What to check first
- Check the sensor plug for oil
- If P0016 to P0019 are stored too, the timing chain or belt should be checked first
Have a mechanic confirm. A fault code tells you which system reported a problem, not which part has failed. The same code can have several causes, and they differ between car models. Use this page to understand the code, then have a qualified mechanic test the car before any part is replaced.
After the repair
Once the cause is fixed, the code can be cleared with a scan tool, or the warning light goes out by itself after several trips without the fault. Clearing a code without fixing the cause only hides it for a while. More about clearing codes.
Related codes
Crankshaft and camshaft timing do not agree (P0016), Engine misfire (P0300), Knock sensor (P0325), Crankshaft position sensor (P0335), Ignition coil circuits (P0350), Glow plugs (diesel) (P0380). All codes.
Written in November 2026. These are generic OBD-II codes, the same on all makes. Causes and repair steps differ between models.