What this code means
P0344 can indicate an intermittent interruption in the CMP sensor A circuit signal.
P0344 concerns an intermittent interruption in the camshaft-position signal identified as A. The PCM evaluates the pulses described by the code. An intermittent condition is one that may appear during one operating state and not another, so the confirmation uses the particular conditions given in the procedure.
The inspection path includes the CMP sensor A, its connections, ground connections and the CMP pulse plate A. These are different inspection areas. The code establishes which signal is being investigated; the following checks narrow the fault area through the stated observations.
What the vehicle may do
- The PCM may store P0344 when pulse counts differ from specification.
Possible fault areas
- Possible fault areas include CMP sensor A and its connections.
- Engine ground and body ground connections may have problems.
- CMP pulse plate A may be loose or damaged.
The confirmation begins with the specified idle check. The recorded-condition drive follows where directed, using the snapshot parameters listed in the procedure. Keep the instruction about completing confirmation once the failure has been duplicated attached to that sequence.
The physical inspections then address sensor/PCM connections, ground connections and the CMP pulse plate A. Each has a stated normal condition. The final CMP sensor A conclusion depends on the other inspection items being normal.
Diagnostic path
Understand the stored condition
P0344 means Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor A Circuit Intermittent Interruption. In plain language, the signal in the CMP sensor A circuit can be interrupted from time to time. The PCM checks pulses during certain crankshaft revolutions. It stores this code when the pulse count differs from the specified value.
Check at idle
Follow the confirmation checks in order. If the failure is duplicated, the confirmation procedure is complete. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 seconds or more. Then monitor the HDS [OBD STATUS (PGM-FI)] for DTC P0344. If the failure is duplicated, the confirmation procedure is complete.
Check during the test drive
Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes. Keep Engine Speed and Vehicle Speed in the same range as the recorded on-board snapshot parameters. Then monitor the HDS [OBD STATUS (PGM-FI)] for DTC P0344. If the failure is duplicated, the confirmation procedure is complete.
The recorded Engine Speed and Vehicle Speed provide the reference for the driving condition used here. Matching that range keeps the status observation associated with the condition the procedure asks to reproduce. It also keeps this stage distinct from the earlier idle observation.
Observe the listed signals
Use the HDS function PGM-FI > Data List. Watch Engine Speed and Vehicle Speed.
Check the sensor and PCM connections
Check that the connections at CMP sensor A and the PCM are secure. Look for loose terminals. A normal result means the connections and terminals are in good condition. If you find an abnormal condition, there is a problem with the connections or terminals.
Check the ground connections
Check that the connections at Engine ground and Body ground are secure. Look for loose terminals. A normal result means the connections and terminals are in good condition. If you find an abnormal condition, there is a problem with the connections or terminals.
Check CMP pulse plate A
The cylinder head cover must be removed before this visual check. With the cover removed, visually inspect CMP pulse plate A for looseness or damage. A normal plate has no looseness or damage. If you find an abnormal condition, there is a problem with CMP pulse plate A.
This is the visual-condition check for the CMP pulse plate A. Carry out the stated access preparation before applying the looseness-or-damage criterion. The finding belongs to the pulse plate inspection, while the sensor conclusion later in the procedure has the additional condition that the other checks are normal.
What normal inspection results mean
If all the other inspection items are normal, the results identify CMP sensor A as the cause of the problem.
Final check
CMP sensor A may be the cause when the other inspection items show normal conditions.
The result should identify what was observed during confirmation and which connection, ground or CMP pulse plate A inspection was normal or abnormal. Retain those findings together. The final conclusion about the CMP sensor A is supported by the stated combination of results, not by the intermittent-code description alone.
