P0344 code meaning
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 or Single Sensor
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0344 means
P0344 means the signal of the intake camshaft sensor of bank 1 (or the only cam sensor) is disturbed for moments: edges are missing or appear at an unexpected angle. Ford checks this on the five-tooth wheel used with variable cam timing; if edges appear where none are expected, Ford sets P0344 and switches cam timing off (loss of power and torque), from 200 rpm, detected within 5 s. In Ford hybrids (C-Max, Fusion, MKZ 2013–2020) moisture in the engine oil from short trips caused P0340 and P0344 – remedy: new sensor and oil change (SSM 48598). FCA asks for the cam/crank synchronisation event data to be saved before replacing a cam sensor. The 2010 Saab 9-5 2.0 diesel uses P0344 differently for too few cam pulses.
P0344 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0344
- Check engine light on
- Sporadic loss of power (cam timing off)
- Jerking, rough idle
- Occasionally longer cranking
Common causes of P0344
- Most likelyMoisture or oil inside the sensor, dropping out when hot
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the connector
- PossibleTone wheel on the phaser damaged or loose
- PossibleInterference or chafed wiring
- Less likelyCrankshaft signal disturbed (wrong reference)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Camshaft position sensorCamshaft tone wheelSensor wiringEngine control moduleCam phaser intake bank1
What each part of P0344 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 44 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0344 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0344
What does P0344 mean?
P0344 means "Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 or Single Sensor". P0344 means the signal of the intake camshaft sensor of bank 1 (or the only cam sensor) is disturbed for moments: edges are missing or appear at an unexpected angle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0344?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0344 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0344 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0344 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0344 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0344 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.