P0346 code meaning
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0346 means
P0346 is the bank 2 counterpart of P0341: the intake camshaft sensor on the side without cylinder 1 delivers pulses, but their number or pattern does not fit the crankshaft. GM applies the same counting criteria as for P0341, e.g. on the 3.0 twin-turbo V6 (LGW): 4 to 6 pulses in the first 12 reference events and 398 to 402 per 100 engine cycles on the 4X wheel, set after two trips. On the Saab 9-4X V6 (GM LAU) the code means too many or too few pulses per crank revolution, or no correlation with crank position, for more than 1 s or 10 s cumulatively, also after two trips. Ford gasoline engines do not use the code and report such faults under P0349. Result: cam timing on bank 2 switched off, loss of power, rough running.
P0346 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0346
- Check engine light on
- Longer cranking before the engine starts
- Loss of power (cam timing held in its base position)
- Rough idle, occasionally stalling
Common causes of P0346
- Most likelyBank 2 sensor with disturbed signal, air gap
- PossibleTone wheel on the bank 2 phaser damaged or wrongly fitted
- PossibleConnector, wiring or interference
- Less likelyCrankshaft reference signal disturbed
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 bank2
What each part of P0346 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. |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0346 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 P0346
What does P0346 mean?
P0346 means "Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2". P0346 is the bank 2 counterpart of P0341: the intake camshaft sensor on the side without cylinder 1 delivers pulses, but their number or pattern does not fit the crankshaft. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0346?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0346 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0346 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0346 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 P0346 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0346 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.