P0344 on a Jeep JK
P0344 means the PCM detected an intermittent signal from the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor circuit.
What triggers P0344 on a Jeep JK
2007–2011: 3.8L EGH
The 2008 JK service information monitors the camshaft-position signal while cranking and while the engine is running. P0344 sets when the PCM repeatedly sees the cam signal drop out.
Chrysler also issued a bulletin for this exact combination on early 2008 cars. TSB 08-001-08 Rev. A, dated 23 February 2008, covers long engine crank time and MIL illumination from P0340 or P0344 on 2008 JK Wranglers with the 3.8L engine (sales code EGT) built before 13 February 2008 (MDH 0213XX). It supersedes the original 08-001-08 of 26 January 2008.
The remedy depends on build date. Vehicles built before 4 January 2008 (MDH 0104XX) get a camshaft position sensor replacement and a PCM reflash. Vehicles built between that date and 13 February 2008 get the reflash only.
That is a narrow build-date condition, not the explanation for every 3.8L P0344. Check your build date before assuming it applies, and have a dealer confirm applicability by VIN.
2012–2018: 3.6L Pentastar
On the 3.6L, the service diagnostic path checks the camshaft sensor circuit, the tone wheel or pulse ring, and the crankshaft-position signal as possible contributors. The manual specifically notes that an intermittent crankshaft-position-sensor condition can set P0344.
That matters. P0344 does not automatically prove the cam sensor itself has failed.
Most common causes
A practical routing order, not a factory probability table:
- Intermittent camshaft-position sensor signal, or a failing CMP sensor
- Loose, damaged or intermittent camshaft-sensor wiring or connector
- Reference, low-reference or signal-circuit fault
- Damaged or unstable camshaft tone wheel or pulse ring
- Intermittent crankshaft-position signal affecting cam and crank synchronisation
- PCM software or PCM fault on an applicable vehicle
On certain early 2008 3.8L JKs, software belongs higher on that list, because Chrysler documented that exact combination of long crank and cam-sensor codes. Outside that narrow population, do not assume it applies.
Full diagnosis
For hard starting, rough running or misfire symptoms that appear with P0344, continue with the Jeep JK misfire troubleshooting page. It carries the deeper diagnostic sequence.
Related codes
- P0339 on a Jeep JK — intermittent crankshaft-position signal
- P0300 on a Jeep JK — random or multiple-cylinder misfire
- P0171 on a Jeep JK — Bank 1 lean condition
If P0344 and P0339 appear together, do not treat them as two unrelated failed sensors until the shared timing-reference and wiring picture has been considered.