P0344 on 2015-2018 Ram ProMaster City: Intermittent Cam Sensor Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY

The 2015-2018 ProMaster City uses the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2 engine, which is known for two key issues related to this code. First, the engine is notorious for excessive oil consumption, and low oil levels can disrupt the oil-pressure-driven MultiAir valvetrain system and trigger timing-related codes like P0344. Second, early production models had known issues with the cam sensors, prompting Ram to issue Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) #68080819A and #05149141A instructing dealers to contact company engineers before replacing parts, suggesting a deeper issue than a simple sensor failure.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving, especially at low speed or idle
• Difficulty starting the engine (extended cranking) or a no-start condition
• Rough or unstable idle
• Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with reduced power

Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The 2.4L Tigershark engine is widely known for excessive oil consumption. The MultiAir system that controls the intake valves relies on oil pressure; low levels can cause it to malfunction and set timing-related codes. This issue is so prevalent that FCA issued a warranty extension.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick. If it is low, top it off, clear the code, and see if it returns. Check with a dealer if your VIN is covered by TSB #09-003-23 (or its revision 09-003-23 REV. A), which extends the warranty for excessive oil consumption 🎬 Watch: Learn more about the engine recall and warranty extension. to 7 years/100,000 miles and may result in a free engine replacement if an oil consumption test fails.
   Typical fix: Top up the engine oil to the correct level. If consumption is severe, a dealer-performed oil consumption test is required. This could lead to a new long block engine assembly paid for by the manufacturer under the warranty extension.
   Est. part cost: $10-$20 for oil
2. Failing Camshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor This is a documented high-failure part on the 2.4L MultiAir engine, confirmed by multiple TSBs and countless owner reports across all platforms using this engine. The early TSBs (#68080819A, #05149141A) asking technicians to call engineers suggest FCA was tracking a widespread issue.
   How to confirm: After confirming the oil level is correct and inspecting wiring, the most common diagnostic step is to replace the sensor. An oscilloscope can be used to view the sensor's signal for dropouts, but given the part's high failure rate and difficult access, many opt for replacement based on the code alone.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor. P0344 specifically refers to the 'A' sensor, which is the intake sensor. On the ProMaster City, this sensor is located under the intake manifold and is significantly harder to access than the exhaust sensor. Some vehicles may require a 'cam-crank relearn' procedure with a capable scan tool after replacement.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80
3. Damaged Wiring or Loose Connector 🟡 Medium Probability Engine vibrations and heat can make wires brittle. Oil leaks from the valve cover can contaminate the connector. TSB 18-053-15 for the Jeep Renegade (same engine) specifically calls out a faulty engine wire harness tower clip or damaged wiring near the sensor connector 🎬 Watch: How to replace a damaged camshaft sensor wiring plug. as a cause for P0344. A power wash after an oil change has also been anecdotally linked to this issue.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the camshaft position sensor for any signs of melting, cracking, or abrasion. Check that the connector is securely plugged in and free of corrosion or oil. Use a multimeter to check for the 5V reference, ground, and signal continuity at the connector.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness or the pigtail connector. Clean the connector pins with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50 for repair materials

Rare But Worth Checking

• Needs a PCM Software Update: FCA has released several software updates for the PCM to correct logic flaws that could improperly trigger cam and crank sensor codes. Before performing expensive repairs, it's worth checking with a dealer if any TSB-related updates are available for your VIN.
• Stretched Timing Chain or VVT System Issue: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While less common for an intermittent code, a stretched timing chain, failing tensioner, or faulty VVT phaser can cause the camshaft's actual position to be out of sync with what the PCM expects, triggering the code. This is a more serious mechanical issue.
• Damaged Tone Wheel on Camshaft: → Shop Engine Camshaft In some cases, the sensor is good but the magnetic reluctor wheel (tone ring) on the camshaft itself is damaged or has a weak magnetic signature. This prevents the sensor from getting a reliable reading. This is a major repair that requires replacing the entire camshaft.
• Failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) In rare cases, the fault may lie within the PCM itself. This should only be considered after all other possibilities (sensor, wiring, oil level, timing components) have been thoroughly ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition immediately. Top up if low and clear the code to see if it returns. This is the most critical first step for this engine.
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any other stored trouble codes, especially P1524 (oil pressure) or codes for the other cam/crank sensors. Address other codes first if present.
3. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the camshaft position sensor, its electrical connector, and the surrounding wiring harness. Look for loose connections, damaged wires, or oil contamination. Pay close attention to the harness routing and clips.
4. Check for a blown fuse related to the sensor circuit.
5. If you have a capable scan tool, monitor the live data for the camshaft position sensor PID while the engine is running. Wiggle the wiring harness to see if you can induce a signal dropout.
6. If wiring appears intact and the oil level is correct, the camshaft position sensor itself is the most likely culprit.
7. Due to the difficulty in accessing the intake cam sensor, many will choose to replace it at this stage.
8. If a new sensor does not resolve the issue, check with a dealer for any available PCM software updates related to this code.
9. After replacement, be aware that a cam/crank relearn procedure might be necessary for the engine to run correctly.
10. If the code persists, a more in-depth diagnosis of the engine's timing components (chain, tensioners, phasers, tone wheel) or the PCM itself may be required.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Intake Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #5149141AF) — This is the most common cause of P0344 on the 2.4L Tigershark engine, as documented in TSBs and extensive repair data.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Delphi, NGK, Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Engine Oil — The 2.4L engine's tendency to consume oil makes low oil level a frequent trigger for this code. Using the correct specification oil (e.g., 0W-20) is critical.
  Trusted brands: Pennzoil, Mobil 1, Valvoline
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0340 — This is the generic fault code for the same sensor circuit. P0344 indicates the fault is intermittent, while P0340 indicates a more constant failure. They often appear together as a sensor fails completely.
• P0365 — This code is for the 'B' (exhaust) camshaft position sensor. It's common for both sensors on the 2.4L engine to have issues, and some owners and mechanics choose to replace both at the same time for preventative maintenance.
• P0335 — This code for the Crankshaft Position Sensor is sometimes listed in the same TSBs, suggesting related timing signal issues or a PCM software update that addresses multiple timing sensor codes.
• P1524 — This code, sometimes described as 'Oil Pressure Out of Range', can appear alongside P0344. This strongly points to the root cause being low engine oil level or a failing oil pressure switch, which directly impacts the VVT system monitored by the cam sensor.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #68080819A: Instructs technicians to contact an FCA engineer before replacing the camshaft position sensor for P0340/P0344 on 2015 models.
• Bulletin #05149141A: A similar bulletin to the one above, covering a wider range of cam/crank codes and also instructing technicians to contact an engineer before part replacement.
• Bulletin #09-003-23 / 09-003-23 REV. A: Details the XB1 Warranty Extension for excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L engine, covering vehicles like the ProMaster City. It outlines the oil consumption test procedure that can lead to a long block replacement.
• Bulletin #18-053-15: Issued for the Jeep Renegade with the same 2.4L engine, this TSB notes that P0344 can be caused by a wiring harness issue near the sensor, not the sensor itself.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #68080819A and #05149141A were issued for 2015 models, instructing technicians to contact specific FCA engineers before replacing the camshaft position sensor for code P0344, indicating a known problem with diagnosis early in the vehicle's life.
• The 2.4L Tigershark engine is subject to a warranty extension (TSB #09-003-23 REV. A) for excessive oil consumption, which is a primary cause of this and other engine performance codes. This may cover the cost of an oil consumption test and potentially a new engine.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor Power Supply Voltage — expected: ~5.0 Volts with key on, engine off.. Failure: Voltage below 4.5V indicates an open or high resistance in the supply circuit from the PCM.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Ground Circuit Resistance — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms between the sensor's ground pin and a known good chassis ground.. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms indicates a poor or corroded ground connection.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Signal (Oscilloscope) — expected: A clean square wave pattern switching between approximately 0V and 5V as the engine runs.. Failure: The signal will show dropouts, glitches, a flat line, or a distorted wave pattern, indicating an intermittent fault.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Internal Resistance (General Guide) — expected: Typically between 200 to 900 Ohms.. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open circuit (infinite resistance), suggests the sensor is faulty. Note: A sensor can pass this static test but still fail intermittently when hot.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Dealer Tool) or capable professional scanner: Cam/Crank Relearn — This procedure may be required after replacing a camshaft position sensor, crankshaft sensor, or PCM to resynchronize the learned positions of the timing components. It can resolve persistent timing codes after a repair has been made.
• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., Snap-on, Autel): Live Data Graphing - CAM/CRANK SYNC PID — To diagnose an intermittent fault. By monitoring the 'CAM/CRANK SYNC' status PID while wiggling wires or test driving, a technician can see if the PCM is losing synchronization in real-time, confirming an intermittent drop-out.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector — On the sensor itself, under the intake manifold for the 'A' (intake) sensor.. This 3-pin connector is a common failure point. The typical pinout is Pin 1: 5V Supply, Pin 2: Signal, Pin 3: Ground. Testing for voltage and ground here is a critical diagnostic step.
• Primary Engine/Transmission Ground Strap — On the larger ProMaster van, it is a braided strap from the transmission case to a bolt on the transmission mount, near the driver's side headlight. The ProMaster City will have a similar critical ground from the engine/transaxle assembly to the chassis.. A corroded or loose main ground strap can cause intermittent data corruption for any engine sensor. The PCM relies on a stable ground reference; an unstable one can create phantom signals or dropouts, perfectly matching the 'intermittent' nature of P0344.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• JK-Forum.com user 'resharp001' (Jeep JK Wrangler (3.6L V6, different engine but same code and component principle)) — Check engine light with codes P0344 and P0340, engine stumbling, and poor acceleration.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the camshaft position sensor multiple times with new parts.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The pigtail connector to the camshaft position sensor was bad. The user replaced the connector pigtail (Mopar part #68148103-AA) and spliced it into the harness. The user noted the original wiring seemed too short, putting constant strain on the connector, which likely led to its failure. This resolved all symptoms and codes.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5149141AE → 5149141AF — Standard part revision and update.
  Heads up: These parts are generally interchangeable, with the later revision being preferred. This part number is widely used across many Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram engines.
• 68080819AC → 68080819AD — Part revision related to TSBs for the 2.4L engine.
  Heads up: This part number family is specifically mentioned in relation to the 2.4L engine and its timing codes. The original TSB #68080819A from 2015 suggests a known issue from the start of production, and this part number likely reflects the fix.