2011 Dodge Dakota Bucking? OBD2 Code P0344 and Troubleshooting

Experiencing a frustrating bucking or surging issue with your 2011 Dodge Dakota? If your check engine light is also on, and you’ve pulled an OBD2 code like P0344 or even encountered a mention of “0700” related to engine performance, you’re likely dealing with a problem in your camshaft position sensor circuit. This article, as your trusted car repair expert from carparteu.com, will guide you through understanding and troubleshooting this common issue.

Understanding OBD2 Code P0344 in Your 2011 Dodge Dakota

OBD2 code P0344, specifically “Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1)”, is a generic powertrain code that can appear in various vehicles, including the 2011 Dodge Dakota. It indicates an issue with the signal from the camshaft position sensor on Bank 1. Bank 1 is the side of the engine where cylinder #1 is located. This code signifies that the engine computer (PCM) is intermittently losing or receiving an incorrect signal from this sensor.

Think of the camshaft position sensor as a crucial informant for your Dakota’s engine computer. It works in tandem with the crankshaft position sensor to provide vital data about engine timing and cylinder position. This information is essential for:

• Correct Crankshaft Sensor Signal Timing: Ensuring the crankshaft sensor readings are accurate.
• Timing in Relation to Cylinder #1: Identifying the position of cylinder #1 for proper ignition timing.
• Fuel Injector Synchronization: Controlling when fuel injectors fire for optimal combustion.

An intermittent fault, as indicated by P0344, means the problem isn’t constant but occurs sporadically. This can make diagnosis a bit trickier than a permanent fault. It’s also important to note that related codes like P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit) or P0341 (Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance) might also appear alongside P0344, depending on the nature and duration of the electrical problem.

Symptoms of a P0344 Code in a 2011 Dodge Dakota

When your 2011 Dodge Dakota throws a P0344 code, you’ll likely notice some performance issues. Common symptoms include:

• Check Engine Light: This is the most obvious sign, illuminating on your dashboard.
• Intermittent Bucking or Surging: This is the “bucking” you might be experiencing. The engine may feel like it’s hesitating or losing power momentarily, then returning to normal. This is often due to the inconsistent signal disrupting fuel and ignition timing.
• Intermittent Stalling and Restarting: In some cases, the engine may stall or die, especially at idle or low speeds. However, it usually restarts immediately, as the fault is intermittent.

These symptoms can be unsettling and affect your driving experience, making it crucial to address the P0344 code promptly.

Potential Causes of P0344 in a 2011 Dodge Dakota

The P0344 code points to an electrical circuit issue within the camshaft position sensor system. Here are the common culprits in your 2011 Dodge Dakota:

• Intermittent Power Supply Circuit Issues:
  • Open Circuit: A break in the wire supplying power to the sensor.
  • Short to Ground: The power wire is sporadically touching a ground point, disrupting the power flow.
• Intermittent Ground Circuit Issues:
  • Open Ground: A loose or broken ground wire preventing proper grounding of the sensor.
• Intermittent Signal Circuit Problems:
  • Open Signal Wire: A break in the wire carrying the sensor’s signal back to the PCM.
  • Short to 5 Volts: The signal wire is intermittently shorting to a 5-volt power source.
  • Short to Ground: The signal wire is sporadically shorting to ground.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Tone Ring Damage: The tone ring, a component the sensor reads, might be damaged or misaligned, causing erratic signals.
• Intermittent Crankshaft Position Sensor Signals: In rarer cases, a faulty crankshaft position sensor can indirectly trigger P0344.

Diagnosing and Repairing P0344 on Your 2011 Dodge Dakota

Before diving into complex diagnostics, always start with the basics:

1. Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): For your 2011 Dodge Dakota, search for any TSBs related to P0344 or camshaft position sensor issues. Dodge might have issued a PCM software update or identified specific known problems that could save you time.

2. Visual Inspection:

   • Locate Sensors: Find the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors on your 2011 Dodge Dakota engine. Refer to your Dakota’s repair manual if needed.

   • Inspect Wiring and Connectors: Carefully examine the wiring and connectors leading to both sensors. Look for:

     • Chafing or Rubbing: Wires rubbing against engine components can wear through insulation and cause shorts.
     • Bare Wires: Exposed wires indicating insulation damage.
     • Burn Spots or Melted Plastic: Signs of overheating or electrical shorts.
     • Connector Condition: Disconnect the connectors and inspect the metal terminals inside. Look for:
       • Corrosion: White or powdery buildup.
       • Burning: Darkened or melted terminals.
       • Green Color: Indicates corrosion.

   • Cleaning Connectors (If Necessary): If you find corroded terminals, use electrical contact cleaner or 91% rubbing alcohol and a soft plastic brush to clean them. Let them air dry completely. Apply dielectric silicone grease to the terminals before reconnecting to prevent future corrosion.

3. Clear Codes and Re-test: Use an OBD2 scan tool to clear the P0344 code and any other stored codes. Start your Dakota and see if the code returns. If it doesn’t reappear, the issue might have been a temporary glitch or resolved by cleaning connectors.

4. Sensor and Circuit Testing: If the code returns, further testing is needed. Determine the type of camshaft position sensor on your 2011 Dodge Dakota:

   Hall Effect Sensor (3-Wire)

   • Power Supply Test:
     1. Disconnect the harness connectors at both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors.
     2. Using a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), set to DC Volts.
     3. Test for 5V power supply: Connect the red DVOM lead to the 5V power supply wire at the sensor connector, and the black lead to a known good ground.
     4. Expected Result: You should read approximately 5 volts. If no voltage is present, there’s a break in the power supply circuit between the PCM and the sensor, or potentially a PCM issue.
   • Signal Circuit Test:
     1. Keep the sensor connectors disconnected.
     2. Using the DVOM, test for 5V on the signal wire: Connect the red DVOM lead to the signal wire at the sensor connector, and the black lead to a good ground.
     3. Expected Result: You should read approximately 5 volts. If not, there’s likely a problem with the signal circuit wiring or the PCM.
   • Ground Circuit Test:
     1. Use a test light connected to a 12V power source.
     2. Probe the ground wire at the sensor connector with the test light.
     3. Expected Result: The test light should illuminate brightly, indicating a good ground. If it doesn’t light up or is dim, there’s a ground circuit problem. Wiggle the wiring harness while testing to check for intermittent ground issues (flickering test light).

   Magnetic Pickup Style Sensor (2-Wire)

   • Resistance Test:
     1. Disconnect the sensor connector.
     2. Using a DVOM set to Ohms, connect the meter leads to the two terminals of the sensor.
     3. Expected Result: Compare the reading to your 2011 Dodge Dakota’s specifications (typically 750-2000 ohms). An out-of-range reading indicates a faulty sensor.
     4. Short to Ground Test: With one DVOM lead still connected to a sensor terminal, connect the other lead to a known good ground on the vehicle.
     5. Expected Result: You should get an “infinite” or “OL” (Over Limit) reading. Any other resistance reading indicates an internal short to ground within the sensor.
   • AC Voltage Output Test:
     1. Reconnect the DVOM leads to the two sensor terminals.
     2. Set the meter to read AC Voltage.
     3. Crank the engine (do not start).
     4. Expected Result: You should see an AC voltage reading. A general rule of thumb is around 0.5V AC or higher while cranking. Consult your Dakota’s service manual for specific voltage specifications. No voltage output suggests a faulty sensor.

Seeking Professional Help

Diagnosing intermittent electrical issues like P0344 can be challenging. If you are not comfortable performing these diagnostic steps, or if you’ve performed these tests and are still facing the problem, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic. They have specialized tools and expertise to pinpoint intermittent faults and ensure accurate repairs for your 2011 Dodge Dakota, getting you back on the road without the bucking and surging.

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional repair advice. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.