What this code means
P0344 may indicate an intermittent interruption in the camshaft position sensor A signal, where the PCM can lose or question the expected camshaft position information.
What the vehicle may do
- The vehicle may have intermittent starting or running complaints.
- The check engine light may be present.
- The concern can be intermittent and may only show up under certain operating conditions.
Possible fault areas
- Possible CMP sensor A circuit connection or terminal issues.
- Possible engine or body ground connection issues.
- Possible CMP pulse plate looseness or damage.
- Possible CMP sensor A fault after the other inspections are normal.
Diagnostic path
Opening context
On this 2020 to 2025 Honda CR-V 2.0 Hybrid, P0344 means the PCM is seeing an intermittent interruption in the camshaft position sensor A signal. In plain language, the cam signal may drop out or may not line up the way the PCM expects during crankshaft rotation. The vehicle may have intermittent running or starting complaints, and the possible fault areas can include the CMP sensor A circuit connections, related grounds, the CMP pulse plate, or the sensor itself. Start with the basic system checks and follow a structured diagnostic approach before you get into the code-specific checks.
Duplicate the fault in maintenance mode
First, try to duplicate the fault in the controlled idle check. Enter maintenance mode, start the engine, and let it idle for 10 seconds or more. Then monitor the HDS OBD STATUS under PGM-FI for P0344. If the failure duplicates here, the confirmation part is complete and you can move into the circuit and component checks.
Duplicate the fault under captured driving conditions
If it does not duplicate during the idle check, move to the road-test confirmation. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes in the same range as the captured Engine Speed and Vehicle Speed conditions. Then monitor the HDS OBD STATUS under PGM-FI for P0344. Use the HDS PGM-FI Data List to watch Engine Speed and Vehicle Speed while you are matching those conditions. If the failure duplicates during this procedure, the confirmation part is complete.
Check the CMP sensor A circuit connections
Once the failure has been confirmed, go after the intermittent connection possibilities first. Check the connectors at CMP sensor A and at the PCM for a secure connection and for loose terminals. Normal is that the connections and terminals are OK. If anything is abnormal there, treat it as a connection or terminal problem before moving on.
Check the ground-side connections
Next, check the engine ground and body ground connectors for the same type of issue: secure connection and no loose terminals. Normal is that those connections and terminals are OK. If this inspection is abnormal, the problem is in the connections or terminals on that side of the circuit.
Inspect CMP pulse plate A
If the connection and terminal checks are normal, move to the mechanical target for the sensor signal. Remove the cylinder head cover as preparation, then visually inspect CMP pulse plate A for looseness or damage. Normal is no looseness and no damage. If this inspection is abnormal, the fault area is CMP pulse plate A.
Isolate CMP sensor A last
If the connector checks, ground checks, and CMP pulse plate inspection all indicate normal condition, then the remaining fault area in this diagnostic path is CMP sensor A. Do not jump to that conclusion early; get there only after the earlier inspections check out.
Closing takeaway
The clean path for P0344 is to duplicate the intermittent cam signal problem first, match the captured operating conditions when needed, then work through connections, grounds, the pulse plate, and finally the sensor call. For more diagnostic training, visit stepdiagnostics.com.
Final check
Duplicate the intermittent condition first, then follow the inspection order before making the final sensor call.
For more guided automotive diagnostics, visit STEP Diagnostics.
