P0349 OBD-II Trouble Code: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)

P0349 code definition

Your vehicle’s PCM has found an improper wave form or voltage reading from the camshaft circuit A in engine bank 2.

What the P0349 code means

The camshaft position sensor works with the notches, or teeth, on your camshaft to regulate ignition timing and fuel delivery. This code means that there is a deviation that is placing your camshaft in a bad position. When this happens, your Check Engine Light will come on, and a P0349 code will be stored. Some vehicles will do this on the first occurrence, but others will require at least three occurrences before activating the Check Engine Light. The code will still be stored, but the light will not come on.

What causes the P0349 code?

Any deviation from the vehicle manufacturer’s specific value can trigger a P0349 code. This code indicates that your camshaft is not in the right position.

What are the symptoms of the P0349 code?

You might not notice any symptoms early on. If the condition is not corrected, though, you may notice:

• Rough idling
• Hesitation when accelerating
• Poor engine performance
• Engine will not start at all

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0349 code?

An electromagnetic sensor (the camshaft sensor) works with a gear on the end of the camshaft to regulate your engine timing. When the timing is off, a P0349 code will be stored, and then it is up to your mechanic to diagnose the code properly. To do this, he or she will use a scanner, ohmmeter, and also perhaps an oscilloscope.

Your mechanic will:

• Visually inspect all the wiring and connectors
• Replace any defective, corroded or shorted wiring and connectors
• Re-test your car’s system once this is done, to ensure that the repairs were done successfully
• Re-connect the scanner to determine if the codes have cleared
• Test drive the vehicle to make sure that the malfunction was not intermittent
• If the malfunction does seem to be intermittent, use the oscilloscope to evaluate the waveforms delivered by the camshaft, crankshaft and distributor connectors
• Examine the circuitry for contamination that may have leaked out of the engine
• Check the voltage at the camshaft sensor to make sure that it is compatible with the voltage recommended by the manufacturer

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0349 code

Sometimes, mechanics replace the PCM before considering other reasons for the P0349 code. The reality is that the problem is hardly ever in the PCM – it very seldom fails.

How serious is the P0349 code?

How badly do you want to get to work? If your car engine doesn’t start, then that could be very serious, not in terms of your safety, but in terms of your getting where you want to be when you want to be there. Stuttering and stalling might not be a huge issue, unless you’re on the freeway, and then it could be fairly serious. This problem isn’t going to get any better, so although you don’t exactly have to panic and get to a garage immediately, it would probably be a good idea to get the problem taken care of as soon as you can.

What repairs can fix the P0349 code?

A qualified mechanic can replace or repair any damaged wiring that is causing the PCM to record a P0349 code. If the PCM itself is faulty (which is unlikely), then that can also be repaired or replaced.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0349 code

Your vehicle contains numerous sensors, and yards and yards of wiring. There can be problems anywhere in the system. Diagnostics can be complex and time-consuming. A P0349 code may not be something that can be diagnosed quickly or easily. Mechanics need time to find out what is wrong and get your vehicle back into proper working order.

Need help with a P001F code?

At YourMechanic, our qualified technicians will be glad to go to your home or workplace and help you with any problems you have with your carCall us at 1-800-701-6230 to arrange for an appointment, or if you prefer, use our online form. Our mechanics are ready to assist you with all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs.