P0349 on 2014-2018 Ram 2500: Camshaft Sensor 'A' Bank 2 Intermittent Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2018 Ram 2500

For the Ram 2500 with a 5.7L or 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, the P0349 code can be confusing. These are single-cam, pushrod engines, so they only have one camshaft position sensor located on the front timing cover, under the alternator. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the Hemi camshaft sensor. The PCM flags the code as 'Bank 2' due to generic software logic, even though there isn't a separate physical sensor for each bank. A manufacturer TSB (#05149141A) exists for this code, instructing technicians to contact a specific factory representative before replacing the sensor, which suggests a known complex issue that may not be a simple part failure, but could be related to PCM software or a hard-to-find wiring problem.

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, especially when coming to a stop
• Engine cranks but won't start
• Rough or uneven idle
• Reduced engine power and acceleration
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Transmission may not shift into highest gear
• Intermittent bucking or surging

Most Likely Causes

1. Failing Camshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor The sensor is a common failure point due to heat cycles and engine vibration. The intermittent nature of the failure is a classic symptom of an electronic component beginning to break down, especially when hot. Oil contamination can also cause failure.
   How to confirm: A common diagnostic trick is to use a heat gun or hair dryer on the sensor while monitoring its signal with an oscilloscope or multimeter; if the signal becomes erratic or drops out when heated, the sensor is bad. Given the relatively low cost, many owners opt to replace it as a first step, but testing the wiring first is recommended for an intermittent code. Using an OEM Mopar sensor is strongly advised, as aftermarket sensors are known to fail quickly.
   Typical fix: Replace the camshaft position sensor. Ensure the O-ring from the old sensor is removed with it and lubricate the new O-ring with fresh engine oil before installation.
   Est. part cost: $25-$90
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issues 🟡 Medium Probability Engine vibrations and heat can cause wiring to chafe against brackets, the cylinder head, or other components, leading to an intermittent short or open circuit. The connector pins can also corrode or loosen over time.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the camshaft position sensor for any signs of damage, chafing, or corrosion at the connector. Wiggle the connector and harness with the engine running to see if it triggers the symptom or code. Use a multimeter to check for a consistent 5-volt reference, a good ground, and a fluctuating signal at the connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire. Clean the connector terminals with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion. If the connector itself is damaged, replace the pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $5-$40
3. Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor The PCM constantly compares cam and crank signals. An intermittent signal from the crankshaft sensor can confuse the PCM, causing it to incorrectly flag the camshaft sensor. Some owners and mechanics report that only an OEM sensor fixed the issue.
   How to confirm: If a new camshaft sensor and wiring inspection don't resolve the P0349 code, the crankshaft sensor is the next logical suspect. Test its signal with an oscilloscope or replace it.
   Typical fix: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. Many mechanics recommend replacing both cam and crank sensors at the same time as a preventative measure, using OEM parts.
   Est. part cost: $30-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Tone Ring: The tone ring (or reluctor wheel) on the camshaft, which the sensor reads, can be damaged, loose, or misaligned, causing an erratic signal. This is a major mechanical repair requiring removal of the timing cover.
• Failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) In rare cases, the fault lies within the PCM itself, where the internal circuit for reading the sensor's signal has failed. This is typically diagnosed after all other possibilities have been eliminated. A PCM software update may also be available to change the fault sensitivity.
• Weak Battery or Charging System: Low system voltage can cause various intermittent electronic faults, including sensor circuit codes. Ensure the battery and alternator are functioning correctly and that all engine ground straps are clean and tight.
• Low Oil Pressure / VVT System Fault: While more common on DOHC engines, issues with the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, often caused by low oil pressure, incorrect oil filters, or failing VVT solenoids (oil control valves), can sometimes trigger cam sensor codes as a secondary effect.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code using an OBD-II scanner and check for any other stored codes. Note freeze-frame data if available.
2. Visually inspect the wiring and connector for the camshaft position sensor, located on the front timing cover of the HEMI engine, below the alternator. Look for any chafing, melting, corrosion, or oil contamination.
3. With the ignition on, engine off, use a multimeter to test the connector. You should find a 5-volt supply wire, a ground wire, and a signal wire that also shows ~5 volts.
4. Wiggle the harness and connector with the engine running to see if the idle changes or the engine stalls, which would indicate a wiring issue.
5. If wiring appears intact, the most common fix is to replace the camshaft position sensor with a new OEM Mopar part.
6. If the code returns, perform a more thorough wiring check for continuity, shorts to ground, or shorts to power between the sensor connector and the PCM.
7. Inspect the battery and charging system to ensure proper voltage (13.5-14.5V when running). Check that engine ground straps are clean and tight.
8. If all else fails, consider the crankshaft position sensor as a possible cause. Advanced diagnosis may be required to inspect the camshaft tone ring or the PCM itself.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #5149141AF (supersedes 5149141AE, 5149141AD)) — This is the most common cause for P0349, failing intermittently due to heat and age. Using the OEM Mopar part is highly recommended.
  Trusted brands: Mopar (Recommended), NTK, Delphi, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $45-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0344 — P0344 is the equivalent intermittent code for the Camshaft Position Sensor on 'Bank 1'. Since the HEMI only has one sensor, seeing this code alongside P0349 could point towards a more serious PCM or core wiring issue.
• P0340 — P0340 is a general circuit malfunction code for the Bank 1 camshaft sensor. It can appear alongside P0349 if the system is experiencing multiple, related faults or a very erratic failure.
• P0018 — This code indicates a Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation error on Bank 2. It often appears with cam sensor codes because the PCM uses both sensors to verify engine timing. Its presence strongly suggests the problem is affecting the actual timing signal, not just the sensor's power or ground circuit.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 05149141A: "If replacing a camshaft position sensor for P0340, P0344, P0345, P0349, P0365, P0369, P0390 or P0394 fault codes, please review information below and contact Tom Nies..."

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #05149141A) was issued for this code on 2014 models. It instructs technicians to contact a specific factory representative before replacing the sensor, indicating a known complex issue that may require special diagnostic procedures beyond a simple part swap. This could relate to PCM software logic or a difficult-to-trace wiring problem.
• Owners on forums frequently report that using aftermarket (non-OEM) camshaft position sensors leads to the code returning quickly. The consensus is to use only Mopar-branded sensors for this repair.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor 5V Supply Voltage — expected: 4.5V - 5.2V (Key On, Engine Off). Failure: Voltage below 4.5V or above 5.2V points to a wiring or PCM fault.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Signal Voltage (3-wire sensor) — expected: Switches between ~0V and ~5V as the engine is cranked.. Failure: Voltage stays fixed at 0V or 5V, or provides an erratic signal during cranking.
• Sensor Ground Circuit Resistance — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms between the sensor connector's ground pin and a known good chassis ground.. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms indicates a poor ground connection, a common cause of intermittent sensor codes.
• Sensor Signal Wire (Hot Test) — expected: Signal should switch cleanly between 0V and 5V when cool.. Failure: When the sensor is heated with a heat gun, the signal becomes erratic or stuck at a specific voltage (e.g., 0.54V), confirming heat-related internal failure.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., wiTECH): Camshaft Position Sensor Test — This function can force a simulated signal into the PCM to test the module's input circuit, helping to isolate the fault to the PCM after the sensor and wiring have been verified as good.
• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., wiTECH): Cam Sensor Relearn Procedure — Some vehicles require this procedure after the camshaft position sensor is replaced to prevent rough running or a no-start condition.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• CMP Sensor Connector (5.7L/6.4L HEMI) — On the front timing cover of the engine, typically below the alternator.. This 3-wire connector is the primary point for testing power (5V supply), ground, and the signal from the sensor.
• G100 / G101 — Left front of the engine block.. These are primary engine ground points. A loose or corroded connection here can cause a floating ground for various sensors, including the camshaft position sensor, leading to intermittent signal faults.
• G102 — Left front of the chassis.. This is the engine-to-chassis ground point. Poor connection here can cause a variety of electrical issues and sensor faults due to improper grounding of the entire engine block.
• Cylinder Head Grounds — Located behind the cylinder heads.. Because the cylinder heads on HEMI engines are aluminum, they require separate ground straps from the iron block. A bad ground here can cause electrical noise and issues with sensors mounted to or near the heads.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user FerKurl (Dodge truck with 5.7L HEMI (specific year not mentioned, but test is applicable)) — P0344 code (similar intermittent fault)
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial testing showed the sensor was working when cool.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The camshaft position sensor was failing only when it got hot. The technician heated the sensor with a heat gun while monitoring the signal, which then became stuck at 0.54 volts. Replacing the sensor with an OEM part resolved the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5149141AD, 5149141AE → 5149141AF — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: While the part number 5149141AF is listed for many Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram vehicles, some vendor sites specify it for the 3.6L V6 engine. However, it is the correct and widely used OEM replacement for the 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI as well. Always verify fitment with a VIN.