P0343 Code: Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Input

Table of Contents

1 P0343 Trouble Code Definition
2 What Does the P0343 Code Mean?
3 Symptoms Of P0343 Code
4 Causes of P0343 Code
5 How to Diagnose the P0343 Code?
6 Common P0343 Code Diagnostic Mistakes
7 How Serious is the P0343 Code?
8 How To Fix the P0343 Code?
9 How To Prevent P0343 Code?
10 How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code P0343?
11 FAQ Section

Your car’s engine contains different sensors that constantly control different functions of your engine. The camshaft position sensor (CMP) is one of the major engine sensors. When it has issues, the powertrain control module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) of your vehicle triggers the P0343 code along with a check engine light.

The camshaft position sensor constantly monitors the position of the camshaft and sends this data to the PCM. The PCM utilizes this data to adjust the fuel injection rate and ignition timing. When something goes bad with this sensor, PCM triggers the P0343 diagnostic trouble code (DTC). This article explains the P0343 code meaning, symptoms, causes, and how to fix it.

P0343 Trouble Code Definition

The diagnostic trouble code P0343 stands for “Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High Bank 1 or Single Sensor.”

What Does the P0343 Code Mean?

The P0343 code indicates that the Powertrain Control Module of the vehicle monitors an issue with the camshaft position sensor located at Bank 1.

The camshaft position sensor (CMP) is a crucial component attached to the camshaft. It is responsible for recording the positions of the camshaft’s teeth. This information is relayed to the computer (PCM) to precisely adjust the air/fuel ratio for each piston stroke.

This sensor plays a vital role that enables the PCM to optimize engine efficiency. By receiving data about the camshaft position, the PCM can calculate essential parameters such as variable valve timing, ignition timing, and fuel injection timing, where applicable.

The camshaft position produces gaps that modify the magnetic field, leading to voltage adjustments in the sensor. When a trouble code appears, it means that the voltage is outside the specified limit. Notably, the P0343 code is only specific to the Bank 1 sensor.

P0343 code is most commonly found on Volkswagen, Ford, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, and Chevy models. But since it’s a generic trouble code, it can appear in any vehicle.

Symptoms Of P0343 Code

Illuminated Check Engine Light (MIL): An illuminated check engine light is one of the most common symptoms of the P0343 code.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency: A faulty camshaft position sensor may lead to poor fuel economy due to improper fuel injection timing.
Reduced Engine Performance: The performance of your engine may be reduced by driving with this code.
Engine Surging: Your engine may suddenly experience jerking or surging while driving.
Misfiring: When the camshaft sensor becomes faulty, it disturbs the air-fuel ratio, causing engine misfires.
Rough Idle: When your vehicle’s main computer triggers this error, your engine may have an unstable or rough idle.
Hard Starting Conditions: When your car triggers the error code P0343, your vehicle may become hard to start.

Causes of P0343 Code

Your vehicle’s main computer triggers the P0343 code due to one or more of the below-given causes:

Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring connected to the camshaft position sensor.
Loose or damaged connectors
Bad Camshaft Position Sensor
Issues within the sensor circuit, such as short or open circuits
Damaged timing belt
An oil leakage onto the camshaft sensor
A dead or weak battery
An issue with the ECM or PCM

Read More: P1148 Code Symptoms and Causes

How to Diagnose the P0343 Code?

To diagnose the P0343 code, follow the below-given steps:

Find the fault code saved in the PCM memory by using an OBD-II scanner.
Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor. If there is oil leaking onto the sensor, it may be polluted and require replacement. Depending on the condition, cleaning might be an option, but make sure to fix the leak first before changing or cleaning the sensor.
Use a multimeter to examine the health of your battery. If the battery is dead and requires replacement, prioritize that.
Check for loose connections and remove any battery corrosion to ensure improved conductivity.
Check the sensor’s voltage by using a multimeter. If it’s not getting sufficient power, think about getting a new sensor.
In certain cases, the starter motor can also contribute to the issue. Test this motor using a multimeter to see if it needs to be replaced.

By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the P0343 trouble code. If you encounter difficulties or are unsure about the repair process, it’s best to seek assistance from a mechanic. Attempting to repair an issue without proper knowledge or the appropriate tools can lead to further complications.

Common P0343 Code Diagnostic Mistakes

It is compulsory to also fix other trouble codes leading to P0343 problems, but many drivers ignore them.
Replacing the sensor without inspecting wiring or connectors.
Using poor-quality parts that may cause wrong readings, causing recurring problems.
Replacing the camshaft position sensor by considering it as a culprit without proper inspection of the whole system.
Neglecting oil leaks near the sensor may lead to repeated failure of the sensor, even after sensor replacement.
Not clearing the PCM or ECM memory after completing the diagnostic process.

How Serious is the P0343 Code?

The P0343 code has a medium severity level because the camshaft position sensor is vital for the engine’s proper functioning. With this trouble code, you may experience different vehicle performance-related problems as the sensor’s data plays a vital role in adjusting the air-fuel ratio for fuel injection. When the air-fuel ratio doesn’t remain correct, an imbalance can occur as the PCM tries to compensate.

Even if a faulty camshaft position sensor doesn’t produce symptoms immediately, you may soon experience a rough idle, engine surging, or stalling. These issues can be dangerous, especially in congested areas, potentially leading to accidents.

How To Fix the P0343 Code?

To fix the P0343 trouble code, you need to replace one or more of the following components:

Cleaning the dirty camshaft position sensor
Replacing the bad sensor
Repairing the oil leaks appearing near the camshaft position sensor.
Repairing the damaged connections of the wiring
Replacing the bad starter
Replacing the bad battery
Replacing or updating the PCM

How To Prevent P0343 Code?

Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of your engine and its
Prevent your sensor from excessive contaminants or heat
Constantly check the connectors and wiring connected to the camshaft position sensor
Always try to avoid moister and water from entering the camshaft sensor and engine bay
Always utilize good quality engine oil and fuel for your engine
Address other engine problems as soon as possible

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code P0343?

You need to replace one or more of the below-given parts to fix the P0343. The below-given costs also include labor costs:

Parts	Costs
Wiring repair	$40 to $560
Starter motor replacement	$530 to $870
Camshaft position sensor replacement	$160 to $380
Car battery replacement	$120 to $370

FAQ Section

Is P0343 code serious?

The P0343 code is considered medium serious. The camshaft position sensor plays a crucial role in determining the fuel injection rate for an ideal air-fuel mixture. If this ratio is not accurate, you may experience different drivability problems ranging from minor to severe. It is essential to address this code promptly because the situation can worsen unexpectedly.

Can I drive with a P0343 code?

Yes, you can drive, but it is not advisable with a P0343 code due to potential performance problems that could arise. Continuing to drive with this code might become difficult and unsafe, especially in congested traffic, where loss of control could lead to accidents. Therefore, it is recommended to address the issue immediately.

What can cause a camshaft position sensor code?

The camshaft position sensor code is usually caused by a faulty starter motor, connection, a faulty camshaft position sensor, a failing car battery, or a broken wire. In the worst scenario, it might involve an expensive repair of the engine computer.

What can damage the camshaft sensor?

The camshaft sensor can be damaged due to different reasons, such as crank walks, engine overheating, bad wiring, damaged timing belts, or normal wear and tear.

Can you drive my car with a bad camshaft position sensor?

If your vehicle starts without trouble, you might be tempted to continue driving with a faulty camshaft position sensor, but it is not suggested. A bad camshaft sensor may lead to different drivability problems, catching you off guard and compromising your car control. Therefore, you need to fix the issue before resuming driving for safety and optimal performance.

What are the symptoms of a bad camshaft position sensor?

When the camshaft position sensor becomes faulty, it produces different symptoms such as stalling, hard starting, check engine light illumination, misfiring, rough idle, poor engine performance, low fuel pressure, or failed emission test.

Can low oil cause camshaft position sensor failure?

Yes, a low oil level may lead to camshaft position sensor failure. If the oil level is extremely low, it may lead to engine overheating, causing the camshaft position sensor failure. However, in a “low oil level” scenario, it is more likely for the camshaft variable timing actuator, lifters, or camshaft to become faulty because of insufficient oil pressure and poor lubrication.

Written By

Professor Shakeel

Professor Shakeel is an automotive expert. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 6 years. As a content writer, he aims to simplify the most challenging concepts for his readers and help them self-diagnose what may be wrong with their cars.