P0346 The bank 2 camshaft position sensor A signal is out of range or not behaving as expected

Camshaft position sensor A range/performance (bank 2)

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

TroubleCodes.net describes a sensor signal fault where the engine may still run on crankshaft data, but no source rates driving risk and some owners report no-start, so the class is not set.

Source: how we rate severity

P0346 in short

P0346 means the camshaft position sensor A signal on bank 2 does not match what the computer expects. Causes include the sensor, its wiring and connector, a poor air gap, interference or, on some engines, a cam timing problem. The engine may run rough or fail to start, so have it checked.

The camshaft sensor tells the computer where the cams are so it can time fuel and spark. P0346 says the bank 2 sensor A signal is out of range or does not make sense compared with other data.

TroubleCodes.net lists a bad sensor, a wrong air gap, damaged wiring or connectors and electrical interference. The cache has bulletins from Subaru, GM, Toyota and Lexus that name P0346; Subaru also published reprogramming files for P0341 and P0346 on 2013-2014 models.

Several owners see P0346 together with cam timing codes such as P0012, P0021 and P0022 and noisy engines, which points to mechanical timing or oil trouble on those engines rather than a sensor alone.

Most likely causes

  1. Camshaft sensor, wiring or connector fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists an open or shorted sensor coil, wiring damage, corrosion and rodent damage first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor resistance or wiring fails a check or the connector is damaged. Falls if they test good.
    How to test the camshaft position sensor

  2. Engine computer software update (some Subaru models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Subaru 11-137-14 has reprogramming files for P0341 and P0346 on 2013-2014 Forester and WRX. The summary does not say what the files change.
    What would change this
    Rises if the dealer finds an open update for your VIN. Falls if the computer is already current.

  3. Cam timing or oil-related engine problem alongside cam codes

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Escape and Santa Fe owners list P0346 with P0012, P0021 or P0022 and a dealer wanting an engine inspection, or a tapping noise with oil use. Those statements do not prove the cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if cam timing codes are stored with it, the oil is low or the engine is noisy. Falls if P0346 stands alone.

  4. Low system voltage or charging fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A Veracruz owner reads P0346 along with a dropping charging voltage. The owner does not say which came first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the battery or charging voltage is low when the code sets. Falls if the voltage is normal.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and note whether cam timing codes (P0012, P0021, P0022) or P0341 are stored with P0346.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. With the engine off and cool, check the bank 2 camshaft sensor connector and wiring for damage, rodent chewing or corrosion, and check the battery voltage.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop test the sensor resistance, signal and air gap against the maker specification, and ask about software updates for your VIN.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, scope

    Warning:The sensor sits near the timing cover or valve cover on a hot engine, and bank 2 can be under the intake; the engine must be off and cool.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough running or misfire
  • Hard starting or no-start on some vehicles
  • Tapping noise or heavy oil use together with cam timing codes Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and the battery is charged.

  2. Check the oil level and top it up if low, then tell the shop.

Parts and cost context

  • Camshaft position sensor:Test wiring and air gap before replacing the sensor. TroubleCodes.net says the fault is often in the wiring and connectors. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Subaru

  • 2013–2014 · Forester

    Supported by vehicle data

    Subaru 11-137-14 offers reprogramming for P0341 and P0346 and 11-130-13R covers camshaft position codes on FA/FB engines. Whether either is still current is not verified.

  • 11-130-13RStatus unverified

    Camshaft position and misfire DTCs (FA/FB)

    2013brz, forester, impreza, legacy, outback, crosstrek · NHTSA 10089963

    Gives inspection and repair procedures for intake and exhaust camshaft position-related and misfire codes.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 11-137-14Status unverified

    Reprogramming for P0341 and P0346

    2013–2014forester, wrx · NHTSA 10067885

    Reprogramming files are available for the engine computer for P0341 and P0346.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Toyota

  • 00205Status unverified

    MIL on with P0346

    2004sienna · NHTSA 10015533

    The NHTSA summary gives the code title; it does not give the repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2009 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    Two 2009 Escape owners list P0346 with P0012 and P0341; one cites bulletin 11-12-5. No bulletin is on file here.

Hyundai

  • 2017 · Santa Fe

    Supported by vehicle data

    A 2017 Santa Fe owner lists P0346, P0021 and P0087 with oil use and a tapping noise. No bulletin is on file here.

  • P0341Camshaft position sensor signal out of expected range (bank 1 or single sensor)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0341 is the bank 1 camshaft sensor range/performance code; Subaru, GM and Ford cases list it with P0346.

  • P0365Camshaft position sensor B circuit, bank 1: the engine computer sees a missing or faulty signal from the bank 1 exhaust camshaft sensor

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0365 is a camshaft position sensor B circuit code; Subaru 11-130-13R lists it with P0346.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

Sources and review

  1. P0346 trouble code explanation — TroubleCodes.net
  2. Subaru 11-137-14: reprogramming files for P0341 and P0346 — Subaru of America
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11062913 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11574809 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11649873 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. Subaru 11-130-13R: camshaft position and misfire DTCs on FA/FB engines — Subaru of America
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 10525992 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  8. Toyota 002-05: 2004 Sienna, MIL on with P0346 — Toyota Motor Sales
  9. GM PIP4333: 3.6L LY7/LLT, DTCs P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0366, P0391 — General Motors
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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