P0346 Code: Honda CR-V (2017-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database for this exact combination (P0346 on 2017–2023 Honda CR-V). The data provided shows no owner complaints or recalls in the NHTSA system for this issue. That said, P0346 is an engine-emissions/driveability fault codes that can appear on many vehicles, including Honda CR-Vs, and it is important to diagnose properly. The guide below combines the code meaning with typical, broadly observed CR-V-related causes and repair approaches. Data limitations: no official recalls or complaints are listed here; real-world cases outside NHTSA may exist.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What P0346 means: P0346 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code indicating the Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or “A”). In practice, this means the PCM is not seeing a valid, within-spec cam position signal from the camshaft sensor, or the signal is erratic.
• Bank 1/A designation: For a 4-cylinder CR-V engine (which is Bank 1), this corresponds to the single camshaft position sensor used by the engine’s control module.
• Severity and symptoms: P0346 can range from a mild intermittent issue to a serious condition that causes misfires, reduced power, or inability to start. It often triggers MIL (Check Engine Light). In some cases the vehicle may crank but not start, or run very roughly, especially under load or at higher RPM. Because cam timing and sensor signals influence ignition and fuel timing, drivability can be affected even if the engine starts.

COMMON CAUSES ON HONDA CR-V

• Faulty camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) itself (sensor failure, degraded electronics, worn reluctor wheel, or sensor misalignment).
• Damaged or corroded CMP sensor wiring or connector (broken insulation, exposed wires, bent pins, poor ground or 5V reference).
• Loose, corroded, or damaged sensor connector/pins at the CMP sensor or PCM side.
• Timing chain tensioner, guides, or chain wear (timing out of spec can cause cam timing signal to be out of spec or erratic; in interference engines this can lead to misfire and mis-timing).
• Oil contamination or very low/dirty engine oil affecting sensor readings (less common but possible if oil pressure is inconsistent).
• PCM/ECU fault (less common; typically accompanied by other codes or symptoms).
• Intermittent misfire or cylinder-specific issues causing the CMP signal to appear out of range (e.g., misfires on cylinder 1 charging the signal in unexpected ways).
• Electrical interference or grounding issues in the engine bay.

SYMPTOMS

• Check Engine Light (MIL) on or flashing.
• Engine cranks but may not start or runs very rough.
• Misfire-like symptoms: rough idle, hesitation, stumble, or lack of power under acceleration.
• Poor acceleration or reduced fuel economy.
• Intermittent drivability issues that come and go.
• In some cases, a misfire may be detected with P0300-P0304 (random/multiple cylinder misfire) alongside P0346.
• No obvious mechanical damage, but the engine may fail to run smoothly, particularly at certain speeds or loads.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Important: Start with basic checks and progress to mechanical inspection if needed. This sequence helps avoid unnecessary component replacement.

• Step 1: Verify the code and perform initial scan data

  • Use a reliable OBD-II scanner to confirm P0346 and review freeze-frame data (engine RPM, load, coolant temp, throttle position, etc.).
  • Check for related codes (P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0300-P0304, P0010/P0011) that might indicate broader timing or misfire issues.

• Step 2: Visual inspection

  • Inspect the camshaft position sensor and its connector for signs of damage, oil ingress, corrosion, or loose pins.
  • Check the wiring harness near the sensor for chafing, cuts, melted insulation, or heat-related damage.
  • Inspect the PCM/ECU ground and power feed wiring in the engine bay for corrosion or looseness.
  • Check for any obvious oil leaks that could contaminate the sensor or harness.

• Step 3: Electrical testing of CMP sensor circuit

  • With the engine off, disconnect the CMP sensor and inspect connector pins for bent or damaged pins.
  • Reconnect securely and verify 5V reference supply and ground at the sensor using a multimeter (if you have access to the vehicle’s wiring diagrams). Reference voltage should be stable (approximately 5V); signal output should show a pulsed waveform when cranking/engine turning.
  • If you have an oscilloscope, compare the CMP signal waveform to a known-good waveform. A flatline, noisy, or inconsistent waveform indicates a faulty sensor or wiring issue.

• Step 4: Check sensor signal during crank

  • When cranking, monitor the CMP signal. If there is no signal or it is erratic, suspect the CMP sensor, its wiring, or the sensor’s reluctor ring/target on the camshaft.

• Step 5: Inspect timing and mechanical condition

  • If practical, verify cam timing. On many CR-V engines (1.5L turbo, 2.0L/2.4L variants across years), timing chains are used. If you suspect timing chain wear or tensioner issue, a more thorough inspection is warranted.
  • Look for signs of timing misalignment or chain slack. This check is more involved and may require following the factory service procedure (special tools, holding marks, and possibly removing accessories or timing cover).

• Step 6: Check for related drivability issues

  • If misfires are present, inspect ignition components (spark plugs, coils) and fuel delivery (injectors) to ensure a clean, consistent signal and combustion. Misfires can sometimes alter engine signals and complicate the CMP diagnosis.

• Step 7: Decide on replacement vs further diagnostics

  • If the CMP sensor and wiring test good and timing is verified, the PCM/ECU fault or a rare intermittent condition may be the cause. In such cases, dealer-level diagnostics or software updates may be indicated.
  • If timing chain/tensioner appears worn or out of spec, plan for mechanical repair before replacing the sensor, since timing out-of-spec can cause false CMP readings.

RELATED CODES

• P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
• P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or A)
• P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Low Input (Bank 1 or A)
• P0343 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Input (Bank 1 or A)
• P0300-P0304 (Random/Specific Cylinder Misfire Codes) may accompany P0346 due to timing or misfire symptoms
• P0010/P0011 (Variable Timing Control—timing adjustment) may appear if cam timing is affected

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICING TENSE)

Note: Prices vary by region, shop, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used. The ranges below are approximate guide estimates.

• Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) replacement

  • Parts: $25–$100 (aftermarket sensors may be cheaper; OEM may be higher)
  • Labor: $60–$180
  • Total typical range: $85–$270

• CMP sensor wiring/connector repair

  • Parts: $10–$50 (patch wires, connectors)
  • Labor: $60–$180 (often bundled with sensor replacement or harness repair)
  • Total typical range: $70–$230

• CMP sensor and wiring repair plus recheck

  • If a harness repair is required, the total might be higher due to additional labor, but still generally within $120–$350

• Timing chain/tensioner/guide service (if timing out of spec is found)

  • Parts: $200–$650 (timing chain kit, tensioner, guides depending on the engine)
  • Labor: $600–$1,400
  • Total typical range: $800–$2,000 (or more in some cases)
  • Note: On many Honda CR-V engines, a timing chain service is a substantial repair and can approach the price range above. This is usually pursued only if the timing is actually out of spec or tensioner/chain wear is evident.

• Engine control module (ECM/PCM) fault (rare)

  • Parts: $200–$900 (used or refurbished PCM may be cheaper; new can be expensive)
  • Labor: $100–$250
  • Total typical range: $300–$1,200

• Miscellaneous

  • Oil leaks or related engine seal repairs discovered during inspection may add costs.

Important note: If timing-related repair is needed, the total project cost can be significantly higher than CMP sensor replacement alone. Always confirm timing condition with proper service documentation before proceeding with large repairs.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY considerations (for a competent DIYer with tools and a safe workspace):
  • Safe basic checks: verify CMP sensor wiring, cleaning connectors, reseating the sensor, and checking for obvious damage.
  • Electrical tests: use a multimeter to verify the 5V reference and signal output if you have the skills; an oscilloscope is ideal for waveform diagnostics.
  • Timing checks: diagnosing and correcting timing chain tensioner/chain problems is complex and risky if you’re not experienced. In many CR-V engines, timing chain work requires specialized tools and precise procedures. If you’re not confident, this should be handled by a professional.
• When to pull the plug on DIY:
  • If timing chain tensioner or chain wear is suspected or you see timing marks out of spec.
  • If the CMP sensor tests indicate a flaky device but wiring also looks suspect (requires harness repair or replacement).
  • If you’re not comfortable performing precise electrical measurements or engine timing work.
• Professional route:
  • For most P0346 cases on modern CR-Vs, especially when timing or wiring are involved, a professional technician with diagnostic scanners, waveform analysis, and timing equipment is recommended. They can confirm the sensor condition, validate timing, and perform the appropriate repair with factory-service procedures.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance: follow Honda’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, with the correct grade and viscosity. Clean oil helps keep sensors and electronic connectors in good condition.
• Use quality parts: when replacing CMP sensors or wiring, use quality parts and proper connectors to minimize corrosion and mismatched signals.
• Inspect connectors and wiring: during routine maintenance, inspect the CMP sensor wiring harness for wear, abrasion, or heat damage, particularly in areas prone to heat and vibration.
• Address oil leaks promptly: leaks around the timing area or sensor can contaminate electrical connections or the sensor itself; fix leaks promptly to avoid sensor contamination.
• Avoid critical running conditions: if possible, avoid repeatedly overloading the engine or running very low on oil, which can exacerbate electrical signal stability and sensor performance.
• Software/ECU updates: ensure the engine control software is up to date. Some updates can improve sensor calibration and timing control.

Additional data considerations

• The provided data indicates no recalls and no owner complaints in NHTSA for P0346 on this CR-V range. This does not rule out P0346 occurring in the real world; it only reflects what is in the supplied dataset.
• If you are facing this code, a thorough diagnostic using the steps above (and ideally a connected scan tool with live data) is the best path forward. If in doubt, seek professional service to avoid misdiagnosis or potential engine damage.

Summary

• P0346 on a 2017–2023 Honda CR-V points to issues with the camshaft position sensor circuit range/performance (Bank 1). Start with electrical checks on the CMP sensor and its wiring, verify timing (especially if you suspect a chain/tensioner problem), and consider related codes and misfire symptoms. Repair costs vary widely from a CMP sensor replacement (roughly $85–$270) to timing chain/tensioner work (often $1,000–$2,000 or more). DIY work is feasible for basic sensor/wiring checks, but timing-related repairs should be done by a professional. No recalls found in NHTSA database for this exact issue and vehicle range in the provided data.