Engine code
P0344: Camshaft position sensor A signal dropping out (bank 1)
How much to fix P0344? Typically $100–$340.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $35 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 1.3 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $66 | $195 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $20 |
| Total, rounded | $100 | $340 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, camshaft position sensor replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The camshaft sensor on cylinder 1's bank loses its signal now and then. Because the problem comes and goes, the car may run fine for days and then stall or stumble. The computer uses this signal to time fuel and spark, so a drop-out can cause a brief misfire or a stall.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Failing cam sensor
May stall. Drive gently to a shop.
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What you may notice
- Intermittent stalling
- Hard start
- Misfire
- Check-engine light
Common causes, most likely first
- Failing cam sensor
- Loose connector
- Damaged wiring
- Timing issue
Check this first
With the engine off, wiggle the sensor connector and look for oil inside it, bent pins or a loose latch. An intermittent connection often shows up when you move the plug while the engine is running.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0344
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Timing chain replacement | $1,125 to $2,550 |
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0344 questions
Why intermittent?
Heat and vibration can open a weak connection for a moment, and then it closes again. That makes the sensor seem fine during a test, so shops often look at saved data from when the fault happened.
Chain?
It is possible on worn engines. A stretched chain changes the cam position and can cause a similar code, but the sensor and its connection are the first and cheapest things to test.
DIY?
Often yes for the sensor itself, if it is easy to reach and held by one bolt. But the cause may be wiring, so confirm the diagnosis before buying the part.
How much does it cost to fix P0344?
The most common fix, camshaft position sensor replacement, has a typical range of $100 to $340 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $110 to $370 |
| New York City area | $100 to $360 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $100 to $370 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $100 to $350 |
| Houston area, Texas | $95 to $330 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $95 to $330 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $100 to $340 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $100 to $350 |
| Miami area, Florida | $95 to $340 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $110 to $370 |
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Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.