P0346: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - expect harder starting and reduced performance.
Symptoms
- Hard starting
- Rough idle
- Reduced power
Likely causes, most common first
- Bank 2 camshaft sensor signal irregular
- Timing chain stretched on that bank
- Sensor or reluctor contaminated with metal debris
- Wiring fault
Read P0346 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0346 is a performance fault on the bank 2 camshaft sensor: the signal arrives but its pattern or timing is not what the computer expects. That wording matters, because a range or performance code points at the mechanical relationship more often than at the electronics.
On engines with variable valve timing, this code frequently arrives together with a camshaft timing code such as P0024. When both appear on the same bank, the sensor is usually reporting honestly and the chain or phaser is the part that has moved.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0346
“I have 80,000 miles on this vehicle. My check engine came on. I have hesitation when giving it gas. I have a vibration when car is running and in drive I took to a ford dealership, they check for the issued ans it came up with a codes, p0012, p0022, p0341, p0346 related to 11-12-5. The dealer stated they would need to tear down the engine to inspect, not repair, but inspect. Estimated cost would be $1500. My car only have 80000, should this be under a warranty.ford need to stand behind their product and repair my car. I'm confused why would my car have this issue when it only have 80000 miles and not 10 years old.”2009 Ford Escape · Nov 2017
Cars that report P0346 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0346?
Yes with care - expect harder starting and reduced performance.
How much does it cost to fix P0346?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (camshaft position sensor) to $3,000 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0346. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.