Quick Answer
P0348 means the engine controller detected a high electrical input in the camshaft position sensor “A” circuit on Bank 2. The code does not prove the sensor failed or that cam timing is mechanically advanced. Save code status and freeze-frame data first, then identify the exact sensor and test its connector, harness, power, ground, and signal path.
What Does the P0348 Code Mean?
The P0348 code is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code whose standardized description is Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High (Bank 2). The powertrain control module, or PCM, has classified the electrical result from that circuit as high when it expected a changing camshaft-position signal. The code names the monitored circuit and result; it does not identify the failed part.
The camshaft signal helps the controller identify engine phase, coordinate injection and ignition, and monitor variable valve timing where fitted. An unusable signal may force a fallback strategy, so symptoms range from only a steady MIL to hard starting, stalling, or a no-start.
Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1. Its physical side is not universal, so confirm it from VIN-specific service information. Sensor A is an OEM designation. It often identifies an intake-cam sensor, but not on every vehicle. A single-bank engine may not support a genuine Bank 2 P0348.
How P0348 differs from nearby camshaft codes
| Code | General description | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| P0345 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit, Bank 2 | General circuit or activity fault; it does not specifically classify the result as high. |
| P0346 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit range/performance, Bank 2 | A signal may be present but implausible or outside the expected pattern. |
| P0347 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit low, Bank 2 | The electrical result is classified low, the opposite direction from P0348. |
| P0348 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit high, Bank 2 | The monitored electrical input is classified high; diagnose the signal path. |
| P0349 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit intermittent, Bank 2 | The circuit drops out or behaves intermittently rather than remaining high. |
| P0018 | Crankshaft/camshaft correlation, Bank 2 Sensor A | A timing relationship fault, not the same as a high electrical input. |
OEM example, not a universal threshold: Audi’s 2013 A8/A8L/S8 specification book lists P0348 when the Bank 2 sensor A signal remains high while crankshaft signals continue. That application illustrates the monitor logic; its event count and circuit values must not be applied to another VIN.
P0348 Symptoms and Likely Causes
P0348 symptoms depend on whether the controller can recover engine phase from another sensor. Read every module and note companion crankshaft, cam correlation, VVT, voltage, or misfire codes before treating one symptom as proof.
The engine may appear normal while the PCM stores a current, pending, or history P0348.
Phase identification can take longer when the Bank 2 cam signal is unusable.
A fallback strategy may bring hesitation, rough idle, misfire, poor response, or limited power.
Some architectures cannot maintain reliable synchronization after the signal is lost.
Practical cause-checking order
- Recent work and connection faults: a loose connector, backed-out terminal, bent pin, broken lock, fluid inside the connector, or incorrect replacement sensor.
- Harness and routing damage: rubbed insulation, a pinched wire, heat or rodent damage, or a signal circuit shorted to voltage.
- Supply or ground faults: an open or high-resistance ground, shared reference/supply problem, poor splice, or connector voltage drop can make some designs default high.
- Sensor or installation problem: an internally failed sensor, incorrect air gap, debris, wrong part, or poor mounting can prevent a valid waveform.
- Trigger and mechanical path: a damaged, loose, shifted, or contaminated reluctor can corrupt the pattern. Correlation codes, noise, or test evidence point more strongly to mechanical timing than P0348 alone.
- Controller path last: PCM connector damage, water entry, calibration concerns, or an internal input fault remain uncommon after external paths pass.
If P0348 appeared after recent work, start there. Recheck connector engagement, pin fit, harness routing, grounds, part number, sensor seating, and disturbed seals before buying another component.
How Serious Is P0348, and Can You Drive?
A steady MIL with the P0348 code, normal starting, no misfire, no unusual noise, and normal power may allow a short, light-load trip for diagnosis if the owner’s manual permits it. Diagnose the fault promptly because a continuous cam signal problem can turn into hard starting, stalling, poor combustion, or a no-start without much warning. Avoid long trips, heavy loads, and situations where a stall would be unsafe.
Stop and arrange a tow if the MIL flashes, the engine misfires severely, stalls repeatedly, loses power unsafely, will not restart, or develops an oil-pressure or temperature warning, smoke, a fuel leak, burning odor, or new knocking, scraping, or timing-system noise.
Work only on a cool, secured vehicle. Keep hands, leads, and clothing away from belts, pulleys, cam drives, and automatic cooling fans. Hot exhaust and cylinder-head surfaces can burn, and hybrid/high-voltage systems require the manufacturer’s isolation procedure. Do not probe controller terminals or force a sensor with the engine running unless the exact service procedure requires it.
How to Diagnose the P0348 Code in the Right Order
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Save every code, status, and freeze frame
Scan all modules before clearing anything. Record whether P0348 is current, pending, permanent, or history; save freeze-frame conditions and the failure order; and note P0345–P0349, crankshaft, correlation, misfire, system-voltage, VVT, or shared-supply codes. A cluster of sensor codes may point to a common power, ground, or harness problem rather than one cam sensor.
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Identify the exact VIN architecture
Use the VIN, engine code, wiring diagram, connector view, and service information to locate Bank 2 and Sensor A. Determine whether the sensor is Hall-effect, magnetoresistive, or variable-reluctance; how many wires it uses; which circuits supply power and ground; what the PCM expects; and whether bulletins or software updates apply. Confirm recent repairs and the correct sensor part.
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Inspect the cool circuit and physical path
With the ignition off and the engine cool, inspect the connector lock, seal, terminals, oil intrusion, corrosion, harness clips, chafe points, heat exposure, and grounds. Look for a pinched loom after valve-cover or timing work. Check sensor seating and accessible trigger-wheel condition without forcing a cam, phaser, or reluctor. Repair visible faults before interpreting live data.
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Prove power, ground, signal, and waveform
Follow the OEM diagram and test at the specified conditions. Use a digital multimeter for supply, ground, continuity, short-to-voltage, and voltage-drop checks; use an oscilloscope when the procedure calls for waveform shape and switching evidence. Load-test circuits where specified and protect terminals with correct probes. A scan PID cannot prove terminal tension, wiring integrity, or the physical waveform.
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Compare supported scan data with physical evidence
On a supported vehicle, compare engine speed, cam synchronization, Bank 2 cam status, and desired-versus-actual cam data if those PIDs exist. Safely reproduce the recorded conditions and watch for loss of sync or a fixed state. A supported VVT output test may help evaluate commanded response, but it neither actuates the passive position sensor nor replaces a scope, multimeter, or mechanical inspection.
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Confirm the failed item, setup, and verification plan
Replace a sensor only after its external circuits pass and its output fails the OEM test. Confirm whether the sensor, harness, reluctor, or controller is separately serviceable and whether installation, calibration, variation learn, or relearn is required. Treat the PCM as the last suspect. Plan the OEM monitor run and collect post-repair evidence before returning the vehicle.
Specifications are vehicle-specific. Do not publish or borrow a universal voltage, resistance, air gap, waveform frequency, RPM, event count, relearn, or drive cycle. Sensor design, pull-up strategy, units, test points, and monitor enable conditions vary by VIN and calibration.
P0348 Repairs and Typical Costs
The correct P0348 repair is the fault proved by testing, not the component named in the code. Low-cost outcomes include reseating a connector, repairing a terminal, restoring a ground, or correcting harness routing. A sensor replacement is appropriate only when its circuits and installation are sound and its output fails the OEM procedure. Reluctor, timing, software, or PCM work requires VIN-specific evidence.
| Possible path | Current US estimate |
|---|---|
| Professional check-engine-light diagnosis and testing | $122–$233 |
| Camshaft position sensor replacement, when failure is confirmed | $222–$324 |
| Connector, terminal, ground, or harness repair | VIN-specific quote |
| Reluctor, timing, software, or PCM diagnosis/repair | VIN-specific quote |
The two national ranges come from separate RepairPal estimator pages, each showing Estimates last updated August 7, 2026. RepairPal lists check-engine diagnosis at $122–$233 and camshaft position sensor replacement at $222–$324. These alternatives are not values to add together. Location, vehicle design, access time, taxes, fees, programming, related damage, and additional repairs can change the final invoice.
Using iCarsoft CR Max P for P0348
On a supported vehicle, iCarsoft CR Max P can scan the engine and other relevant modules, preserve P0348 status and available freeze-frame data, display ECU-provided live data, and save a diagnostic report. Useful cam synchronization, cam position, VVT command/feedback, misfire, or system-voltage PIDs may be available when the exact VIN, ECU, and installed software expose them. Confirm coverage before purchase.
Evidence before parts
iCarsoft CR Max P
Capture codes and freeze frame, review supported cam and engine data, and keep a before/after report while external tests prove the circuit.
Check current CR Max P price and availabilityCheck CR Max P compatibility by VINActive tests are vehicle-dependent. When the ECU offers a relevant VVT or cam-control output test, compare the command with supported feedback and physical evidence. If a PID or test is not exposed for that configuration, its absence is not evidence that the component failed.
Know the measurement boundary. CR Max P does not directly measure circuit voltage, resistance, voltage drop, waveform quality, terminal tension, sensor air gap, trigger-wheel condition, or mechanical timing. Use the OEM procedure with a multimeter, oscilloscope, terminal tools, and physical inspection.
Verify the P0348 Repair
Save post-repair evidence before closing the job. Confirm the connector is locked, the harness is secured away from heat and moving parts, grounds are restored, and any disturbed seal or mounting surface is correct. Compare the repaired circuit or waveform with the OEM specification, then confirm that supported cam synchronization and related data remain plausible during the conditions that previously produced the P0348 code.
After the original records are preserved and the repair is complete, clear erasable codes only through the OEM procedure. Run the specified monitor enable conditions or safely reproduce the freeze-frame load, speed, temperature, and start conditions. Recheck current and pending codes, companion codes, readiness, misfire information, and saved before/after reports. One clean idle or one restart is not proof when the monitor requires another operating condition.
A permanent P0348 can remain immediately after a successful repair. If the vehicle stores it as a permanent DTC, a scan tool or battery disconnect cannot erase it. Once current and pending faults are absent, the OBD system removes the permanent record only after the applicable monitor reruns and passes.
Related Camshaft Position Code Guides
P0348 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the P0348 code mean the Bank 2 camshaft sensor is bad?
No. P0348 identifies a high electrical result in the Sensor A circuit. A short to voltage, open or weak ground, connector damage, incorrect supply, harness fault, wrong installation, failed sensor, or rare PCM input fault can create that result. Test the circuit before replacing the sensor.
What is the difference between P0347 and P0348?
Both concern camshaft position sensor A on Bank 2, but the electrical direction differs: P0347 is circuit low and P0348 is circuit high. The same connector may be involved, yet the likely fault paths and OEM tests are not interchangeable.
Where are Bank 2 and Sensor A located?
Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1. Sensor A is an OEM-defined camshaft sensor, often but not universally the intake sensor. Confirm both from the VIN-specific engine layout and connector view instead of assuming driver or passenger side.
Can I drive with the P0348 code?
A short, light-load diagnostic trip may be reasonable with a steady MIL and completely normal operation if the owner’s manual allows it. Do not drive with a flashing MIL, severe misfire, repeated stalling, unsafe power loss, no-start, warning lamps, smoke, leaks, overheating, or abnormal mechanical noise.
How much does a P0348 repair cost?
RepairPal’s pages updated August 7, 2026 show $122–$233 for check-engine diagnosis and $222–$324 for camshaft position sensor replacement. Wiring, terminal, reluctor, timing, software, or PCM work needs a VIN-specific quote. The paths are alternatives, and local taxes, fees, access, and related repairs vary.
Can iCarsoft CR Max P diagnose P0348?
On a supported VIN, CR Max P can capture P0348 status and freeze frame, scan companion modules, show ECU-provided live data, and save reports. Relevant PIDs or active tests depend on ECU coverage. Use a multimeter and oscilloscope to prove voltage, ground, and waveform quality.
Technical and cost references
- SAE International, J2012_202509 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (revised September 2025).
- Audi, 2013 A8/A8L/S8 Quick Reference Specification Book (March 2013), NHTSA document MC-10243913-9999.
- RepairPal, Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing Cost Estimate — $122–$233; estimates last updated August 7, 2026.
- RepairPal, Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost Estimate — $222–$324; estimates last updated August 7, 2026.
Product information: Official iCarsoft CR Max P page.
Editorial note: This guide explains standardized P0348 diagnostic logic and one OEM monitor example. Exact component names, locations, wiring, specifications, hazards, test conditions, relearns, and repair procedures vary by VIN. Follow current manufacturer service information and use a qualified technician when the work exceeds your tools or training.
