What P0346 means
P0346 is the bank 2 counterpart of P0341: the intake camshaft sensor on the side without cylinder 1 delivers pulses, but their number or pattern does not fit the crankshaft.
How the engine computer detects it
GM applies the same counting criteria as for P0341, e.g. on the 3.0 twin-turbo V6 (LGW): 4 to 6 pulses in the first 12 reference events and 398 to 402 per 100 engine cycles on the 4X wheel, set after two trips. On the Saab 9-4X V6 (GM LAU) the code means too many or too few pulses per crank revolution, or no correlation with crank position, for more than 1 s or 10 s cumulatively, also after two trips. Ford gasoline engines do not use the code and report such faults under P0349. Result: cam timing on bank 2 switched off, loss of power, rough running.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Longer cranking before the engine starts
- Loss of power (cam timing held in its base position)
- Rough idle, occasionally stalling
Common causes
- Bank 2 sensor with disturbed signal, air gap Most likely
- Tone wheel on the bank 2 phaser damaged or wrongly fitted Possible
- Connector, wiring or interference Possible
- Crankshaft reference signal disturbed Less likely
How to diagnose P0346
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: camshaft position sensor, camshaft tone wheel, sensor wiring, engine control module, cam phaser intake bank2.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 3
- Ignition system or misfire
- 46
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0346?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0346?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Will P0346 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Can I fix P0346 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.