Faulty bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid (internally shorted or stuck); Damaged or shorted wiring in the actuator control circuit (e.g., chafed wire grounding to chassis); Corroded or loose electrical connector at the actuator or PCM; PCM driver circuit failure (internal short or overheating); Contaminated engine oil causing actuator solenoid to bind and overheat; Aftermarket or incorrect solenoid installed previously

DTC codes / P34xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P34C5

P34C5A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High Bank 2

P34C5 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an excessively high current or temperature in the driver circuit for the bank 2 camshaft position actuator. This typically means the actuator solenoid or its wiring is drawing too much current, or the driver circuit itself is overheating, which can prevent the camshaft from advancing or retarding as commanded.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or misfire, especially when the engine is cold
Reduced engine performance or poor fuel economy
Difficulty starting or stalling after startup
In some cases, the engine may enter limp mode with limited power

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid (internally shorted or stuck)
Damaged or shorted wiring in the actuator control circuit (e.g., chafed wire grounding to chassis)
Corroded or loose electrical connector at the actuator or PCM
PCM driver circuit failure (internal short or overheating)
Contaminated engine oil causing actuator solenoid to bind and overheat
Aftermarket or incorrect solenoid installed previously

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the actuator solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Measure resistance of the bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid and compare to specification
Check for short to ground or power in the control circuit between the PCM and solenoid
Test the PCM driver output with a lab scope or bidirectional scan tool to confirm proper signal
Replace the bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid if resistance is out of range or it fails functional test
Repair any damaged wiring or connectors and clear the code
If the code persists after solenoid and wiring repairs, diagnose the PCM driver circuit or replace the PCM

Common misdiagnosis traps for P34C5

A shorted actuator solenoid is often replaced without checking the wiring, but a chafed wire grounding to the engine block can mimic a failed solenoid and cause the same high current code.
The PCM may set this code intermittently if the driver circuit overheats only under certain conditions, such as after extended idling or high ambient temperatures, so a thorough road test with live data is essential.
Contaminated engine oil or sludge can cause the actuator solenoid to stick and draw excessive current, so oil condition and maintenance history should be reviewed before replacing electrical parts.
This code does not always mean the actuator itself has failed; a faulty PCM driver or a poor ground connection can also trigger it, and swapping parts without circuit testing often leads to repeat repairs.

Can I keep driving with P34C5?

You can usually drive the vehicle with this code, but avoid aggressive acceleration and prolonged idling until it is diagnosed. If the engine runs rough or enters limp mode, seek service promptly to prevent potential catalytic converter damage.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.