P0346 Code: Dodge Charger (2021-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Comprehensive diagnostic guide for OBD-II code P0346 on 2021-2023 Dodge Charger

Recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database.

Data note: The provided real-world data for 2021-2023 Dodge Charger shows no recalls and no owner complaints specific to P0346. This means there is no posted NHTSA recall or complaint data to cite for this exact combination. Use this guide as a general-purpose P0346 diagnosis tailored to Charger engines (e.g., 3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L Hemi, and 6.2L Hellcat variants) while recognizing data limitations. If you have a warranty or technical service bulletin (TSB) from a dealer, those OEM notes are outside the data provided here.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What P0346 means: P0346 is the OBD-II trouble code for “Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor).” It indicates the PCM (engine control module) detected an abnormal or out-of-range signal from the camshaft position sensor (CPS) or its circuit, suggesting either a sensor issue, wiring/circuit problem, or a timing-related fault.
• Bank labeling: In many V6/V engines, “Bank 1” refers to the camshaft on the side that contains cylinder 1. Some engines with a single CPS use “Single Sensor” designation. If your Charger uses more than one CPS, P0346 may refer to Bank 1’s sensor; if only one CPS is used, it applies to that sensor.
• Severity: Medium to high. The sensor signals are critical for ignition timing and fuel/air delivery. A true P0346 can cause hard starting, misfires, stalling, rough idle, reduced power, and possible ECU protective limps. Prolonged operation with this code can lead to drivability issues or damage if timing becomes severely misaligned. In some cases, the car may run sufficiently to drive, but with reduced performance or MIL illumination.

COMMON CAUSES ON DODGE CHARGER

• Faulty camshaft position sensor (A sensor) or its wiring/connectors
• Damaged or corroded sensor connector or wiring harness (pin corrosion, cracked insulation, loose/stacked pins)
• Bad 5-volt reference supply to the sensor or poor sensor grounding
• Intermediate/poor sensor signal due to oil intrusion or contamination on the sensor
• Timing-related issues (timing chain/belt wear, stretched chain, worn tensioner, or cam phaser/VVT faults) leading to improper cam timing readouts
• Malfunctioning Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoid or cam phaser
• Engine control module (ECM/PCM) grounding or internal fault (less common, but possible)
• Oil pressure or oil flow problems affecting cam phasers or timing system
• Intermittent electrical issues (shorts to ground or to 5V, loose connections)
• In some cases, a misfire or multiple misfire codes can accompany P0346 if timing or cylinder sequencing is affected

SYMPTOMS

• Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
• Rough idle, engine misfires, or stumbling
• Hard starting or extended cranking to start
• Reduced engine power or poor acceleration
• Engine may stall or fail to start in some conditions
• Degraded fuel economy or erratic fuel trims
• MIL with accompanying related codes (e.g., P030x misfire codes, P0335/P0336 crankshaft codes, or P0340/P0341 cam/crank correlation codes)

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Note: This is a structured approach. Start with the simplest tests and progress to more involved checks. Document freeze-frame data and cleared codes after any repair attempt.

Preliminary checks

• Retrieve and log DTCs: Confirm P0346 is present and note any accompanying codes (P0340, P0341, P0335, P0336, P0300-P0306, etc.). Save freeze-frame data (engine RPM, load, temperature) for correlation.
• Visual inspection: Inspect all visible wiring harnesses and connectors to the camshaft position sensor(s). Look for damaged insulation, chafed wires, loose or corroded pins, water ingress, and obvious moisture around connectors. If accessible, inspect the bank 1 CPS area and any related harnesses near the timing cover or valve covers.
• Oil condition and level: Check oil level and quality. Low oil pressure or dirty oil can affect cam phasers and VVT operation, indirectly affecting sensor readings.

Electrical/sensor checks

• Referenced supply and ground (recommended test):
  • With ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe the cam sensor connector to verify the 5V reference at the sensor’s reference pin (often labeled VREF) and confirm a solid ground.
  • Use a DVOM/oscilloscope to verify 5V reference is stable and the ground is low impedance (near 0 ohms to engine block/PCM ground).
  • Check the signal wire from the sensor to the PCM for proper activity when cranking and running. The cam sensor signal should switch (square wave-like) with engine RPM. If using a scope, inspect waveform shape, amplitude, and timing in relation to crank signal.
• Sensor test (if the tool allows):
  • In cases where a double-banked engine has multiple CPS, compare Bank 1 vs Bank 2 sensor signals to determine if Bank 1 is the problem or if both are affected.
  • If you can swap with a known-good sensor (from a similar engine) or temporarily swap Bank 1/Bank 2 sensors, observe whether the DTC changes or moves to another code (this helps isolate sensor vs wiring vs PCM).
• Wiring harness integrity:
  • Check for pulled, pinched, or melted harness sections near the timing cover or along the engine harness. Look for exposed copper strands and confirm no shorts to ground or to 5V.
  • Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion on pins, bent pins, or a loose latch. Clean connectors with electrical contact cleaner and reconnect firmly.
• Additional failure indicators:
  • If the engine runs poorly with multiple misfire codes and P0346 persists, consider mechanical timing concerns (see timing steps).
  • If a 5V reference is present but the signal is erratic, suspect internal sensor failure or PCM input fault.
• Mechanical timing check (if electrical checks are inconclusive or symptoms persist):
  • If you have service manual access and timing tools, verify cam timing alignment between the camshaft(s) and crankshaft as per engine variant (3.6L, 5.7L, or 6.2L). Look for timing chain wear, jumped timing, worn guides/tensioners, or cam phaser issues. A significant discrepancy between expected sensor signal timing and actual timing indicates a mechanical issue rather than a simple sensor fault.
• If the car has a history of oil-related service or abnormal oil pressure: consider an oil pressure test and verifying that cam phasers are receiving proper lubrication.

Repair decision points

• If the sensor or wiring shows obvious fault (damaged connector, corroded pins, broken harness) and tests confirm sensor signal is within range when camera/PCM grounds are correct, replace the camshaft position sensor and repair wiring as needed.
• If the sensor tests pass (stable 5V, good ground, proper waveform) but the code persists, suspect wiring harness faults further along the path or a PCM input issue; re-test or consider PCM inspection/reflash if applicable.
• If timing checks reveal misalignment or chain/tensioner wear, address timing system components (timing chain kit, tensioner, guides, or cam phasers) in addition to or instead of sensor replacement.
• If all electrical tests pass and timing is correct, but P0346 persists, consider PCM software update or PCM replacement as a last resort after dealer diagnostic conclusion (software/firmware variations can occasionally affect sensor interpretation). This step should be validated by the dealer or OEM service guidelines.

RELATED CODES

• P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) — generic cam sensor circuit fault
• P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
• P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit
• P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor Range/Performance
• P0300-P0306 Random/Multiple/Misfire cylinder codes (often appear if timing or sensor fault causes misfires)
• P0010/P0016 (Variable Valve Timing system faults related to cam timing) — may appear if VVT solenoids or phasers are implicated

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Prices are approximate ranges typical in the US. Actual prices vary by vehicle variant (3.6L, 5.7L, 6.2L), region, labor rate, and whether the car is under warranty. All estimates assume standard tool availability and no additional component damage.

• Camshaft Position Sensor (A) replacement

  • Parts: $15–$70
  • Labor: $70–$150
  • Total: roughly $85–$220
  • Notes: Most Charger engines use 1–2 CPS units (Bank 1 and/or Bank 2). If only Bank 1 is involved, replace that sensor; if multiple sensors are required, cost can double.

• Wiring harness repair or connector replacement

  • Parts: $10–$100 (harness sections or connectors)
  • Labor: $150–$400
  • Total: roughly $160–$500
  • Notes: If wires are damaged mid-harness or there is water ingress, labor can be higher due to routing and protection replacement.

• Timing system components (timing chain, tensioner, guides, cam phasers, VVT solenoids)

  • Parts: $150–$800 (depends on engine and whether you replace single items or a full kit)
  • Labor: $400–$1,200
  • Total: roughly $550–$2,000
  • Notes: If the timing chain or phasers are causing the P0346 (or if the cam timing is out of spec), the repair becomes far more involved and costly. This can be a multi-hour job on modern engines.

• Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) replacement or reflashing

  • Parts: $300–$1,000 (reused or new ECM varies by model)
  • Labor/Programming: $100–$400
  • Total: roughly $400–$1,400
  • Notes: ECM replacement is relatively rare for P0346 unless there is an underlying PCM fault or a necessary software/ calibration update. Some dealers perform a reflash rather than a full replacement.

• Miscellaneous diagnostic/flat-rate charges

  • Diagnostic fee: $0–$150 (often waived with repair at the same shop)
  • Road-test fees or use of specialty equipment: may apply depending on shop

Important cautions

• In many cases, you’ll find that a cheap sensor replacement does not fix P0346 if the root cause is timing issues or damaged wiring further along the harness. Always confirm the electrical side first before pursuing major timing work.
• If you are outside the mainstream warranty, obtaining a detailed estimate with line-item costs is wise before work begins.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• Do-it-yourself (DIY) considerations:
  • Pros: Lower cost; great learning experience; quick sensor replacement on many engines if wiring is intact.
  • Cons: Access to the cam sensor and timing area can be difficult on a Challenger/Charger; some versions require special tools (cam sensor alignment tools, torque specs, and harness routing). Mistakes can cause mis-timing, further damage, or injury.
• Professional considerations:
  • Pros: Correct diagnosis (avoids unnecessary parts replacement); access to OEM-level diagnostic tools, timing tools, and professional torque specs; ability to inspect cam phasers, timing chain, and VVT components properly.
  • Cons: Higher labor costs; potential downtime.
• Best practice: Start with non-invasive electrical tests and a visual inspection. If wiring, sensors, or simple replacements fix the issue, DIY can be appropriate. If timing components or PCM software is implicated, or if you’re not confident in timing-related work, use a professional.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance:
  • Adhere to the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals with the correct oil grade and viscosity. Poor oil quality or low oil level can compromise cam phasers and VVT operation.
  • Use high-quality oil and change oil filters on schedule to maintain proper oil pressure and cam timing components.
• Prevent contamination:
  • Keep oil clean and avoid contaminants that can degrade sensors and ECM inputs.
• Electrical system care:
  • Inspect wiring and connectors during routine maintenance, especially around the timing cover and valve cover areas where heat and movement can cause wear.
• Avoid harsh driving conditions:
  • Severe temperatures, frequent short trips, and neglected maintenance can accelerate wear on sensors and timing components.
• If you have a service history of oil leaks, address them promptly to prevent oil fouling of sensors or connectors.

Final notes on data and limitations

• Recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database for 2021-2023 Dodge Charger with respect to P0346 in the provided data.
• Data limitations: The supplied data set shows no NHTSA complaints or recalls for this code/vehicle combination, which limits model-specific recall/TSB references. The diagnostic guidance here uses general, well-established automotive diagnostic principles tailored to Dodge Charger engines and common P0346 scenarios. Always confirm with current OEM service information (service manuals, TSBs, and software updates) for your exact engine variant and VIN.