What this code means
P0344 means the CMP sensor A signal may have an intermittent interruption, so the PCM may not always receive a steady camshaft position signal.
What the vehicle may do
- The vehicle may start and run normally at times because the fault can be intermittent.
- The engine may have drivability symptoms when the cam signal drops out.
- The code may only reappear when the same operating conditions are duplicated.
Possible fault areas
- Possible connector or terminal problems at the cam sensor or PCM side.
- Possible engine or body ground connection concerns.
- Possible cam pulse plate damage.
- Possible CMP sensor A concern.
Diagnostic path
Opening context and setup
On this 2010 to 2017 Honda Accord with the 2.4 gas engine, P0344 points to an intermittent interruption in the CMP sensor A circuit. In plain shop terms, the PCM may be losing a clean cam sensor signal at times, so the vehicle may run normally one moment and act up the next. Broadly, this kind of code can involve the sensor signal path, connector or terminal condition, grounds, the PCM connection side, the cam pulse plate, or the sensor itself. Before getting into the test path, record the freeze data and any on-board snapshot, then start with the basic system checks so you know what conditions you’re trying to duplicate.
Duplicate the failure at idle
First, use the HDS to clear the code. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or select ON mode with the engine start/stop button. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 seconds. In the HDS DTC menu, watch the OBD status for P0344. If the status shows FAILED, the failure is duplicated and you move into the circuit and component checks. If it shows PASSED, continue to the road-test verification. If it shows NOT COMPLETED, keep the engine idling until the monitor gives you a result.
Duplicate the failure on a road test
If the idle check passes, test-drive the vehicle for several minutes under the captured freeze data conditions, specifically using the recorded engine speed and vehicle speed as your guide. Keep monitoring the OBD status for P0344 with the HDS. If it shows FAILED, the fault is duplicated and you continue with the physical checks. If it shows PASSED, treat it as an intermittent fault that is not active right now; the system is OK at this time, but check for poor connections or loose terminals at CMP sensor A and the PCM. If the monitor is NOT COMPLETED, retest and check the OBD status again.
Check connectors, terminals, and grounds
Once the failure is duplicated, inspect the connection side before condemning a component. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at CMP sensor A, the PCM, the engine ground, and the body ground. If the connections and terminals are not OK, repair the connection or terminal issue, then go to repair verification. If those checks are OK, continue to the pulse plate inspection.
Inspect the CMP pulse plate and decide the repair path
Next, remove the cylinder head cover and visually check CMP pulse plate A for damage. If the pulse plate is damaged, replace CMP pulse plate A, then verify the repair. If the pulse plate is not damaged, replace CMP sensor A, then verify the repair.
Verify the repair
For verification, turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or select OFF mode with the engine start/stop button. Reconnect all connectors. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or select ON mode. Reset the PCM with the HDS, then do the PCM idle learn procedure. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 seconds, or test-drive the vehicle for several minutes under the same captured freeze data conditions used earlier. Then check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS. If P0344 comes back, check again for poor connections or loose terminals at CMP sensor A and the PCM, then restart the diagnostic path from the beginning. If P0344 is not indicated, this troubleshooting path is complete. If other Pending or Confirmed codes are present, check what they mean first. The takeaway is simple: duplicate the intermittent cam signal fault, inspect the connection path carefully, then separate a damaged pulse plate from a sensor failure and confirm the code stays gone. For more diagnostic training, visit stepdiagnostics.com.
Final check
P0344 is often approached by duplicating the fault first, then checking the connection path, the pulse plate, and the sensor side in order.
For more guided automotive diagnostics, visit STEP Diagnostics.
