P0344: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
Severity: high
What it means: The engine computer is getting an on-and-off or unstable signal from the camshaft position sensor (the sensor that tells it where the camshaft is). Because the signal drops out only sometimes, the engine may run fine and then suddenly stumble or shut off.
Safe to drive? Use caution. An intermittent cam sensor signal can make the engine stall without warning or refuse to restart.
Common symptoms
- Check-engine light with P0344
- Engine cuts out or stalls, then may restart
- Hard start or crank-no-start
- Tachometer drops to zero while driving (on some trucks)
Likely causes, ranked
- Loose, corroded or oily sensor connectorDIY
- Failing camshaft position sensorDIY or shop
- Chafed or damaged wiringShop
- Timing chain or valve-timing problemShop
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Vehicle-specific notes
- :
DIY or shop?
Checking the connector and replacing the sensor is DIY on many engines. Wiring and timing problems are shop work.
Before you replace parts
- Inspect the sensor plug for corrosion, oil or a loose fit.
- Wiggle-test the wiring with the engine idling and watch for a stumble.
- Use a quality replacement sensor; cheap sensors are a common repeat failure.
- Clear the code after the repair and confirm it doesn't return.
Vehicle notes
- Ford 7.3 Powerstroke diesel (1999–2003 F-250/F-350): a failing cam position sensor is the classic cause of the engine dying while driving. See the related 7.3 answer.
Sources
- OBD-Codes.com — P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
- YourMechanic — P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent
Safety / mechanic note
A sudden stall in traffic is dangerous. Verify with a mechanic. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.
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