P0347 — Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input (Bank 2)

Does P0347 mean the camshaft or cam phaser has broken?

No. P0347 identifies a low electrical input from Camshaft Position Sensor A on Bank 2. A damaged phaser or reluctor may create the signal problem, but the sensor, wiring, connector, and power or ground circuits must also be tested.

Is it safe to drive with P0347 stored?

Driving may be possible if the engine is stable and power loss is minor, because the code can remain active or pending. Avoid driving if the engine stalls, runs roughly, surges, or loses substantial power, since continued operation could cause additional drivability problems.

Should the Bank 2 cam sensor be replaced just because P0347 is present?

Not automatically. A low-input code can result from a sensor failure, but a shorted signal wire, corroded connector, damaged reluctor, or supply or ground problem can produce the same P0347 condition. Testing first prevents an unnecessary parts replacement.

Can low engine oil trigger P0347 on a VVT engine?

Possibly. On engines that monitor cam-to-crank correlation, incorrect oil level or restricted oil delivery can cause abnormal cam timing and an implausible position signal. Check the required oil specification and pressure-related conditions before condemning the sensor.

Your engine control module logs P0347 when it detects a problem with the camshaft position sensor signal on the engine bank that does not contain cylinder one. Specifically, the voltage reading from the sensor dropped below the minimum acceptable threshold, which tells the PCM the cam position data is unreliable or missing. Without a solid cam position signal, the computer cannot properly time fuel injection or manage variable valve timing, and it defaults to a protective strategy that keeps the engine running but noticeably degrades performance.

This code does not set on a single bad reading. The PCM requires the fault to repeat under specific conditions—typically during cranking or at a particular RPM range—before it stores the trouble code and activates the check engine light. When P0347 is recorded, the module also saves freeze frame data: a snapshot of engine load, RPM, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the problem occurred. That snapshot is the single most useful piece of information for reproducing the failure during testing.

Bank 2 simply refers to the cylinder bank opposite cylinder one. On V-type engines this is the passenger-side bank in most configurations, but you should always confirm this for your specific make and model before replacing parts. Misidentifying the bank leads to wasted money and continued faults.

Symptoms

• Check Engine Light illuminated and likely steady
• Rough or unstable idle, often accompanied by low-end hesitation
• Noticeable loss of engine power under acceleration
• Hard starting or extended cranking before the engine fires
• In some cases, the engine may not start at all
• Fuel economy noticeably worse than normal

Common Causes

• Faulty camshaft position sensor on Bank 2
• Damaged wiring harness or corroded connector at the sensor
• Worn or stretched timing chain, or a jumped timing belt
• Stuck or clogged VVT oil control valve preventing proper hydraulic operation
• Worn cam phaser affecting timing advance/retard
• Low engine oil level or oil contaminated with sludge, disrupting VVT function
• Damaged or contaminated reluctor ring on the cam gear

How to Diagnose

1. Connect a scan tool, confirm P0347 is stored, and record all freeze frame data. This tells you the engine conditions—load, rpm, temperature, speed—when the fault first appeared.
2. Check for any related trouble codes. Secondary codes pointing to misfires or other sensor failures often reveal the true underlying cause.
3. Search manufacturer technical service bulletins using your VIN on the automaker website or NHTSA database. Some P0347 cases have documented factory fixes or PCM software updates.
4. Perform a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors at the camshaft position sensor. Look for frayed wires, melted insulation, corrosion at the pins, or a loose fit.
5. Verify engine oil level and condition. VVT systems depend on clean oil at proper pressure; dirty or low oil alone can trigger this code on some engines.
6. Compare commanded cam timing against actual cam position using live data while gently revving the engine. A large discrepancy indicates a mechanical timing issue, not a simple sensor failure.

Repair Options and Costs

• Replace camshaft position sensor (Bank 2): $120–$350
• Replace VVT oil control valve: $200–$500
• Timing chain or belt repair: $800–$2,500

Total cost depends entirely on which component caused the fault. Always confirm the diagnosis before purchasing parts. The most expensive repair is rarely the most likely one.

Can You Drive with P0347?

Use caution. The engine will likely run in a reduced-power failsafe mode, and fuel economy will suffer. If the timing has jumped on an interference engine, continued operation risks valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic internal damage. Diagnose the fault promptly, and avoid long trips until it is resolved.

Related OBD2 Codes

• P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
• P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
• P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
• P0303: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
• P0304: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
• P0305: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected