Error Code P0343: What It Means & What To Do?

<<See All OBD Codes

Is your car engine not starting again? Do you notice increased fuel consumption over recent period of time? And is your car engine performance degrading? If all this is true, then there might be a problem with Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit indicating the OBD Code P0343 error.

The ECM (Engine Control Module) illuminates the CEL (Check Engine Light) with P0343 and related codes when it detects a malfunction within the camshaft sensor/circuit. P0343 is set when there is a high electrical condition within the bank 1 circuit.

Error Code P0343 refers to a voltage problem with the camshaft position sensor. This sensor is a fixed electromagnetic sensor connected to the rotating part of the camshaft, which works by recording the position of the “teeth” to indicate the stroke of the pistons, giving the computer of the vehicle or PCM (powertrain control module, also called as ECM or engine control module in other makes) the information to appropriate the right fuel and spark for the engine.

The position of the camshaft makes various gaps between the sensor, and this change in magnetic field changes the voltage from the sensor. Error Code P0343 is set when the voltage detected is not within the parameters set by the manufacturer, and it applies to the Bank 1 sensor that monitors the cylinder 1.

What causes this problem with the Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input (Bank 1)?

• Defective oil solenoid hampering the sensor readings
• Irregular response from the engine
• Use of wrong or contaminated engine oil
• Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
• Valves may be stuck or damaged
• Broken/Damaged wiring/harness causing disruption in the signal flow
• Mechanical/ Electrical shortage leading to wrong reading in the sensor
• ECM (Engine Control Module) picking wrong input from the sensors due to being damaged

1. Camshaft Sensor - The camshaft sensor determines which cylinder is in its power stroke. This information is used to time the spark plug and the fuel injection system. The main indicative of OBD Code P0343 is a faulty exhaust camshaft. Immediate replacement is required. Visit us today to get all camshaft related replacement parts.
2. Crankshaft Sensor - If there is any issue with the sensor or wiring, it will disconnect the signal from the engine and it will start to stall. Buy quality crankshaft replacement parts from now.
3. Powertrain Control Module - P0343 error code also relates to problems with the PCM if there is any issue with the sensor or electrical connection causing problems with receiving proper signal. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
4. Diagnostic Tool - Choose from our diagnostic tools collection that will come handy to detect and correct the OBD error code.
5. Starter Motor - If the starter motor is not functioning properly, it has to be replaced as it will lead to engine misfires and not starting. Buy new starter motor now.
6. Car Battery & Cables - Broken cables and leaky batteries should be replaced immediately and it will directly hamper the functioning of various car parts. Replace faulty cables and battery now!
7. Ignition Spark Plug - Check and replace the damaged spark plugs as it can resolve this issue very easily. Buy new spark plugs now!
8. Timing Belt and Pulleys - Check for the problematic timing belts and pulleys as it might result to wrong information getting passed to the PCM. Replace damaged parts now!

This P0343 error may indicate problems with the fuel delivery system, exhaust manifolds, engine problems, sensors and wiring issues. There are many common symptoms that can easily drive you towards getting a proper check of the vehicle as the immediate symptoms starts hampering the performance as well as your pocket. Visit Parts Avatar Canada for genuine auto parts for all makes and models. This error may also indicate problems that will likely affect:

Common Symptoms

• Loss of engine power and acceleration is the most common symptom
• Increased fuel consumption due to leakages and damages in the fuel delivery system
• Impact on throttle resulting in improper fuel combustion
• Engine stalling and not starting
• Smoke coming out of exhaust and damaged pressure regulators

Some of the common fixes for the problems in the OBD Code P0343 for all makes and models are as follows:

• Replace faulty camshaft position sensor
• Examine fuel injection system and/or the fuel pump and ignition coils for any damages and leakages
• Examine engine performance and cooling system by physically driving the vehicle
• Check for any problems with the sensors and the wiring system for faulty connects and corrosions

Check and replace ECM/PCM if found to not taking the input from other sensors properly

Find and replace faulty stuck valve

We have stocked a wide range of best priced ECM/PCM parts, transmission control systems, Car harness/wiring, solenoids, fuel pressure regulators and a lot more to help fixing your car.

It is advisable to use a high-grade factory level scanning tool to determine the type of OBD error and its possible diagnosis by an experienced technician. Based upon the conditions of the test, possibly clearing the code, and road testing the car while monitoring the data, further diagnosis may be required. Diagnosis may require multiple tools such as:

• At the beginning, the vehicle is hooked up to an OBD-II scanner in order to verify that the code is present, and to check for other codes.
• The initial data frame is to be freeze and the scanning has to be redone to check if the code reoccurs.
• Inspect for any problem in the wiring and connectors to check for loose connections, corrosion, or shorts.
• Use of special scan tools to test the crankshaft and camshaft components may help identify the problem, as well as inspection of the engine timing and exhaust systems.
• Physical problem with the connection, timing belt, manifolds, and delivery systems could cause the timing to go off far enough to trigger a code P0343.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0343

Most of the time the error is treated for against the most common problem of camshaft and crankshaft sensors and/or any other physical connection problems. However, it is important to realise that many other parts can be the reason for P0343 error code. These may include faults in the fuel delivery systems, exhaust intakes, ECM and wiring problems as well as in engine throttle. Thus, proper checks are mandatory.