What does code P0344 mean?

P0344 means the camshaft position signal on bank 1, or on the single sensor of the engine, is intermittent. The engine computer relies on it to time injection and to control variable valve timing, so the engine can hesitate or stall when the signal drops out.

What is the difference between P0340 and P0344?

P0340 is a general circuit fault in the camshaft sensor signal. P0344 means the signal is intermittent: it drops out and returns. P0344 often needs a wiggle test of the harness and a check with the engine hot to find the fault.

Can I drive with a P0344 code?

It is a risk. If the engine runs normally you may be able to make a short trip to a workshop, but the signal can drop out and cause stalling or loss of power. If it stalls or runs badly, stop and have it checked.

The usual causes are a failing camshaft position sensor, damaged or chafed wiring, and a corroded connector or one with oil in it. A damaged pulse wheel and timing chain stretch are less common.

Does P0344 mean the timing chain is worn?

Not by itself. A bad sensor or wiring is more likely. If P0016 is stored together with P0344, or the engine rattles on a cold start, have the cam timing checked as well.

How much does it cost to fix P0344?

Replacing a camshaft position sensor typically costs 20 to 80 EUR in parts plus 30 to 120 EUR labour. Wiring repairs usually cost less. A timing chain job is far more expensive, so rule out the sensor and wiring first.

P0344: Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0344 means the engine computer is getting an intermittent signal from the camshaft position sensor on bank 1, or the only sensor on the engine. The computer uses the camshaft signal to know which cylinder is on which stroke, and to control variable valve timing. When the signal comes and goes, the engine can hesitate, stall or start hard, then run normally again.

Severity: Moderate · Ignition
Estimated repair cost: From €30 to €1400+, varies by vehicle

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What does P0344 mean?

P0344 is a ignition-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0344 and illuminates the check engine light.

Where it is on the car

Crankshaft sprocket and position sensor
Timing chain or belt
Camshaft sprockets with VVT phasers
Camshaft position sensor
VVT oil control solenoid

What are the symptoms of P0344?

If your vehicle has triggered P0344, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

Check engine light on
Hard starting or longer cranking, then normal running
Occasional stalling
Hesitation or rough running that comes and goes
Reduced power or limp mode on some cars
Rough idle

What causes P0344?

Here are the most common causes of P0344:

Failing camshaft position sensor, especially one that drops out when hot
: high
Damaged or chafed wiring to the sensor
: high
Corroded, loose or oil-soaked connector at the sensor
: medium
Oil seeping into the sensor connector, for example from a leaking cam cover gasket
: medium
Damaged camshaft pulse wheel, or timing chain stretch moving cam timing
: low
Engine control unit fault (rare)
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0344?

No - address this immediately. The camshaft signal drops out and returns, so the engine can hesitate, run roughly or stall, and may be hard to start. Variable valve timing can also be affected. Diagnose it before long drives, and stop driving if it stalls or loses power.

How do you diagnose P0344?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0344:

Read all codes and freeze-frame data, and check for P0016, P0340, P0341 or crankshaft codes, because a timing or correlation fault changes the diagnosis
Inspect the sensor connector for oil, corrosion, bent or pushed-back pins and a loose lock tab
Inspect the harness for chafing, heat damage and broken strands, and gently wiggle it with the engine running while listening for a stumble. A generic OBD2 reader cannot display the camshaft signal itself; that needs an oscilloscope or manufacturer-level software
Check the sensor tip and mounting for oil, debris and a loose fit
Test supply voltage, ground and signal against the manufacturer specification, ideally with the engine hot
Inspect the camshaft pulse wheel and check cam timing if the sensor and wiring are good
Clear the code and road-test, and confirm it does not return

How much does P0344 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0344 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Workshop diagnosis of an intermittent fault	€0–€0	€30–€80	€30–€80	Professional
Replace camshaft position sensor	€20–€80	€30–€120	€50–€200	Moderate
Repair wiring or connector to sensor	€10–€50	€50–€150	€60–€200	Moderate
Replace cam cover gasket and clean the sensor connector (oil contamination)	€60–€200	€100–€350	€160–€550	Moderate
Replace timing chain and tensioner	€100–€400	€300–€1000	€400–€1400	Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

P0344 on specific vehicles

P0344 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0344 on Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf

See Volkswagen-specific causes & cost

P0344 on Saab

Saab 9-5

See Saab-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0344 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0344

What does code P0344 mean?: P0344 means the camshaft position signal on bank 1, or on the single sensor of the engine, is intermittent. The engine computer relies on it to time injection and to control variable valve timing, so the engine can hesitate or stall when the signal drops out.
What is the difference between P0340 and P0344?: P0340 is a general circuit fault in the camshaft sensor signal. P0344 means the signal is intermittent: it drops out and returns. P0344 often needs a wiggle test of the harness and a check with the engine hot to find the fault.
Can I drive with a P0344 code?: It is a risk. If the engine runs normally you may be able to make a short trip to a workshop, but the signal can drop out and cause stalling or loss of power. If it stalls or runs badly, stop and have it checked.
What causes P0344?: The usual causes are a failing camshaft position sensor, damaged or chafed wiring, and a corroded connector or one with oil in it. A damaged pulse wheel and timing chain stretch are less common.
Does P0344 mean the timing chain is worn?: Not by itself. A bad sensor or wiring is more likely. If P0016 is stored together with P0344, or the engine rattles on a cold start, have the cam timing checked as well.
How much does it cost to fix P0344?: Replacing a camshaft position sensor typically costs 20 to 80 EUR in parts plus 30 to 120 EUR labour. Wiring repairs usually cost less. A timing chain job is far more expensive, so rule out the sensor and wiring first.

Read our detailed guides

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