What this code means
P0344 may mean the ECM/PCM is seeing an intermittent signal from camshaft position sensor A.
What the vehicle may do
- The vehicle may run normally at times.
- It can have a warning light, rough running, hesitation, stalling, or hard starting depending on when the signal concern occurs.
Possible fault areas
- Possible fault areas can include the camshaft position sensor signal path, connector or terminal condition, grounds, the pulse plate, or the sensor itself.
Diagnostic path
Opening context
On this 2017 to 2025 Honda CR-V with the 1.5 turbo engine, P0344 points to an intermittent camshaft position sensor A signal as seen by the ECM/PCM. The vehicle may run normally at times, but it can also have a light on, rough running, hesitation, stalling, or a hard-start condition depending on when the signal drops out. Broadly, the fault area may be the sensor signal path, connector fit, terminal condition, grounds, the pulse plate, or the sensor itself. Before getting deep into the checks, start with the basic system checks and follow a structured diagnostic approach so you are not chasing a symptom caused by something more basic.
How the code sets
The logic for this code is based on the cam signal pulses compared during crankshaft rotation. If those pulses are not what the PCM expects during certain crankshaft revolutions, it judges that as an abnormal signal and stores P0344. Treat this as an intermittent signal-quality diagnosis: first duplicate it under the right conditions, then inspect the signal path and related mechanical trigger parts in order.
Confirm the fault first
Start the engine and let it idle for 10 seconds or more. While it is idling, watch the HDS OBD status in PGM-FI for P0344. If the failure duplicates here, the confirmation part is complete. If it does not duplicate at idle, move to the road-test confirmation. Drive the vehicle for several minutes in the same range as the recorded on-board snapshot for engine speed and vehicle speed, then monitor the HDS OBD status again for P0344. The point is to recreate the conditions where the PCM originally saw the intermittent cam signal problem.
Check the circuit connections
Once the fault path is confirmed, check the CMP sensor A circuit connectors. Inspect the connections at CMP sensor A and at the PCM for secure fit and loose terminals. Normal here means the connections and terminals are okay. If this inspection is abnormal, the problem is in the connections or terminals, and that needs to be corrected before moving deeper into the diagnosis.
Check the grounds
Next, check the related terminals at the engine ground and body ground. You are looking for secure connections and no loose terminals. Normal here again means the connections and terminals are okay. If this ground-side inspection is abnormal, stay with the connection or terminal problem instead of condemning the sensor.
Inspect the pulse plate
After the connector and ground checks, the next step is the CMP pulse plate A visual inspection. This inspection is done with the cylinder head cover removed. Look at CMP pulse plate A for looseness or damage. Normal is no looseness and no damage. If the inspection is abnormal, the problem is with CMP pulse plate A.
Final sensor determination
If the connector inspection, ground inspection, and pulse plate inspection all indicate normal conditions, the remaining determination in this diagnostic path is a problem with CMP sensor A. That conclusion comes after the earlier checks pass, not before.
Close and takeaway
The clean way to approach P0344 is to duplicate the intermittent cam signal fault first, then work through the connectors, grounds, pulse plate, and finally the sensor determination in that order. Do not skip straight to the last item unless the earlier inspections are normal. For more diagnostic training, visit stepdiagnostics.com.
Final check
Confirm the intermittent fault under the captured operating conditions, then inspect the circuit connections, grounds, pulse plate, and sensor path in order.
For more guided automotive diagnostics, visit STEP Diagnostics.
