P34C5 code meaning
A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P34C5 means
P34C5 mirrors P34C4 on bank 2 for intake actuator A: the driver powering the electric phaser motor on the second cylinder bank has measured too much current or run too hot and protects itself. Only V or boxer engines with one electric intake phaser per bank can log it. Two banks give a handy cross-check: if the fault stays on bank 2 after the motors trade places, wiring or the module are to blame; if it moves with the motor, the motor is. The Aisin patent explains why heat and current are judged together, as pressing the phaser hard against its stop lifts both at once. NTN-SNR places it on the bank 2 inlet side. No carmaker publishes P34C5; Nissan's module bulletin NTB18-016 for the 2018 Pathfinder only shows the hardware type. Bank 1: P34C4.
P34C5 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P34C5
- Check engine light on
- Bank 2 intake timing frozen, banks run unevenly
- Slightly rough idle and less torque at low engine speed
Common causes of P34C5
- Most likelyBank 2 phaser stiff or stuck at an end stop
- PossibleMotor lead to the bank 2 actuator chafed or shorted
- PossibleElectric motor of the bank 2 actuator worn or internally shorted
- Less likelyBank 2 output stage in the phaser control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cam actuator a driver b2Cam actuator a b2
What each part of P34C5 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 3 | Mixed range: generic and manufacturer-specific codes. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| C5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P34C5 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 P34C5
What does P34C5 mean?
P34C5 means "A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High Bank 2". P34C5 mirrors P34C4 on bank 2 for intake actuator A: the driver powering the electric phaser motor on the second cylinder bank has measured too much current or run too hot and protects itself. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P34C5?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P34C5 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P34C5 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P34C5 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 P34C5 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P34C5 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.