P0346 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Facing issues like abnormal drive and problems with the throttle? Did you notice drop in the fuel efficiency and the constant stalling of the engine? Is your car’s Check Engine Light turning on more recently? All these indicate problems with the camshaft position sensor/circuit, flashing OBD Code P0346 error.

If the PCM detects an incorrect voltage reading or waveform from the camshaft position sensor circuit for camshaft sensor “A” in engine bank 2, it triggers OBD code P0346. The camshaft position sensor is a stationary electromagnetic sensor that works in conjunction with teeth or notches on the camshaft. The teeth or notches on the camshaft interrupt the sensor’s magnetic field (as perceived by the PCM) to input camshaft position data. This data is used in calculating fuel delivery and ignition timing. Thus, incorrect reading from the camshaft sensor will disrupt the decision-making capability of PCM and it will store P0346 error in the system.

What causes this problem with the Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)?

• Problematic camshaft sensor
• Problematic crankshaft sensor
• Open or shorted camshaft position sensor harness
• Poor connection in the camshaft position sensor circuit
• Faulty starter motor
• Faulty starting system circuit
• Dead or weakened battery
• Faulty PCM, in rare cases

1. Camshaft Sensor - Faulty sensor will send wrong data to the computer system and thus needs to be replaced immediately.
2. Powertrain Control Module - Replace faulty PCM components as they’ll need replacement or the PCM might need complete replacement or reprogramming. Buy new components now!
3. Diagnostic Tool - Buy factory grade diagnostic tools to solve any OBD related problems. Visit us today for exciting new offers.
4. Starter Motor - Damaged starter motor components and coils will affect the car working causing engine stalling and sometimes not starting. Buy new motor now!
5. Car Battery & Cables - Is the car battery discharging frequently? Are the battery cables and wires damaged? Replace with new auto parts now!
6. Ignition Spark Plug - Check for damaged ignition spark plugs and replace them immediately when noticed. Buy new spark plugs now!
7. Timing Belt And Pulleys - Inspect for faults in the timing belts and pulleys and replace as needed. Buy new parts now!

This P0346 error may be an indication of reduced acceleration and power from the engine and it may run rough, or the engine may crank/stall and also not start. There is typically an illuminated Check Engine light as well. At Parts Avatar Canada find genuine replacement parts and performance parts for your vehicle available for all makes and model. This error may also indicate problems that will likely affect:

Common Symptoms

• Engine stalling & failing to start due to affected engine control unit
• Significant Drop in engine power resulting in stalling
• Poor driveability & acceleration hampering the overall performance
• Reduced fuel economy and increased fuel consumption
• Abnormal throttle response due to failed fuel injection system
• General reduction in efficiency as the engine timing is off
• Altered power bands causing lack of response from the engine

Some of the common fixes for the problems in the OBD Code P0346 for all makes and models are as follows;

• Providing enough clean oil in the engine
• Make sure the engine oil has the proper oil specifications
• All problems related to fuel injection system and/or the fuel pump and ignition coils needs to be acknowledged immediately
• Proper check of the car engine operation, transmission and cooling system leaks needs to be done and addressed
• Replace/repair camshaft and crankshaft sensor and other wiring issues if found faulty
• If the fault is from the ECM/PCM, then they should be changed
• Replace stuck valve to avoid engine and fuel delivery system failures

To do all this, you will need few high-quality auto parts such as Position Sensor, Powertrain Control Module, Ignition spark, Battery, Starter Motor. From where will you get them? From your local store? Well, why go there when you can order quality parts with us while sitting in the comfort of your home. So, just browse through our website and order your needed parts today.

P0346 is properly diagnosed with an advanced scan tool with ability of factory sensor readings to capture the true problem. A qualified technician can easily read the data from the advanced scan tool to determine the problem. Based upon the conditions of the test, the diagnosis may require multiple tools and steps such as:

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• The first step involves, hooking the vehicle up to an OBD-II scanner in order to verify that the code is present, and check for other codes.
• This scanned data along with the earlier freeze frame data is recorded, and the codes are then cleared to see if the error reoccur.
• A visual inspection of the wiring and connectors must be done to check for loose connections, corrosion, or shorts.
• A specialized tool may be used to test the camshaft sensor that may help pinpoint the problem, as well as inspection of the engine timing is advisable.
• If any physical problem with the timing belt is found, it could cause the timing to go off far enough to trigger a code P0346.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0346

Although most of the times the problem is with the sensor only, but it is important to follow each and every step to do the right diagnosis. Most of the times, some crucial component is left unattended that can later be the reason for the same error to reoccur. Thus, it is important to match the sensor data with the scanned output always before coming to conclusion as the problem might be too simple and cheap that what is perceived by you.