I have a 2005 Stratus SXT Special Edition that has recently started to occasionally sputter on acceleration and during normal driving. The engine is a 4cyl, DOHC, 16 valve, with about 103,000 miles on it. I was able to get a trouble code of P0344 to display by turning the key on/off a few times. From what I can tell online, it means “Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent”, but can anyone provide more information? Thanks, Bob

 

Welcome to DF
Here is part of a pdf file we use at work. If you would like the rest of the file, send me your email address and i'll send the rest to you.
Symptom:
P0344-CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR INTERMITTENT
When Monitored and Set Condition:
P0344-CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR INTERMITTENT
When Monitored: Engine running or Cranking.
Set Condition: When the failure counter reaches 20. One Trip Fault.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
GOOD TRIP EQUAL TO ZERO
WIRING HARNESS INSPECTION
(K6) 5 VOLT SUPPLY CIRCUIT OPEN OR SHORTED TO GROUND
TONE WHEEL/PULSE RING INSPECTION
CHECKING CKP SIGNAL WITH THE DRBIIIt LAB
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
(K44) CMP SIGNAL CIRCUIT OPEN
(K44) CMP SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORT TO GROUND
(K44) CMP SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO B+
(K44) CMP SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORT TO (K6) 5 VOLTS
PCM
TEST ACTION APPLICABILITY
1 Ignition on, engine not running.
With the DRBIIIt, read DTCs and record the related Freeze Frame data.
Is the Good Trip Counter displayed and equal to zero?
All
Yes ! Go To 2
No ! Refer to the INTERMITTENT CONDITION symptom in the
Driveability category.
Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5.
2 Turn the ignition off.
With the DRBIIIt lab scope probe and the Miller special tool #6801, backprobe the
(K44) CMP Signal circuit in the CMP harness connector.
WARNING: WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING, DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR THE
PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
Ignition on, engine not running.
Observe the lab scope screen.
Start the engine.
Observe the lab scope screen.
Are there any irregular or missing signals?
All
Yes ! Go To 3
No ! Go To 8

 

Thank you for your prompt reply. From your experience, most of the time is the problem resolved just by replacing the sensor? Or, are the causes spread equally between the possible causes that you listed? Thanks again.

 

I would try a sensor,but use mopar.I seen a lot of problems with aftermarket sensors.

 

The problem was officially diagnosed as a faulty camshaft position sensor and repaired today by my local Dodge dealer. It ran fine driving home.

On an unrelated note, my teenage son would like to ask for your recommendations on low-budget ($200 - $300) ideas to increase horsepower from this 2.4L 4cyl engine. Kids...

Again, Thank you for your replies.