P0349 code meaning
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0349 means
P0349 is the bank 2 counterpart of P0344: the signal of the intake camshaft sensor on the side without cylinder 1 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 P0349 and switches cam timing on bank 2 off, from 200 rpm, detected within 5 s. FCA also uses the code and asks for the cam/crank synchronisation event data to be saved before the sensor is replaced, because a disturbed crank reference can look like a cam fault. GM does not use P0349. Typical causes are a loose contact at the bank 2 connector, a sensor dropping out when hot or soaked with oil moisture, and a damaged tone wheel.
P0349 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0349
- Check engine light on
- Sporadic loss of power (cam timing off)
- Rough running
- Occasionally longer cranking
Common causes of P0349
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the bank 2 connector
- PossibleSensor dropping out when hot or due to oil moisture
- PossibleTone wheel of bank 2 damaged
- Less likelyInterference or chafed wiring
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 P0349 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. |
| 49 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0349 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 P0349
What does P0349 mean?
P0349 means "Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent Bank 2". P0349 is the bank 2 counterpart of P0344: the signal of the intake camshaft sensor on the side without cylinder 1 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 P0349?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0349 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0349 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0349 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 P0349 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0349 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.