2001 Volvo S60 01 S60 code P0344 bearly runs

NASCAR991

MEMBER
2001 VOLVO S60
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I just purchased this car and within minutes it had problems.I noticed a check engine light on so I scanned it and it said p0344 cam sensor circut intermittent. Well not long after it shut off. It was running fine before even with this code.I was just sitting in the car running fine and then it just shut off. So far I have check all vac lines replaced vvt actulator and still nothing. It will start (very hard after many cranks) then what it will do is surge rapidly, with a chug, chug, chug out the exhaust and a small amount of black smoke.I clear out the code and it come back instantly.I also now that`s it won`t run right decided to do so maintinance. Plugs, fuel, air.
im stummped. Don`t want to become a parts changer. If and when it starts I can get it to rev fine if over 1500 rpm but when I let go of the throttle it starts to chug and will most of the time stall. Help !

1 Reply

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,411 POSTS

Some basic checks would be to check the timing belt and make sure the timing marks line up. If they do not then you would need a special tool to align the cams. Also behinde the cams there is a sensor for the cam. Make sure the connector is securely on. Remove the sensor and on the cam held in place by a 10mm bolt is what would be called a relucter wheel. The reluctor wheel interrupts a magnetic field produced by a magnet within the sensor. When you remove it, make sure the edges are not chipped or damaged and behinde it will say intake or exhaust which corresponds to which cam it is suppose to go on. Make sure it is on the right cam if this has duel cvvt.