P0344 yes another

[UncleDave]

So my new to me 2006 TJ 4.0 auto is sending p0344 now that it’s cold here in Atl (30s). Clear the code, runs fine, then next cold morning it’s back. It appears the camshaft position sensor is new (newer certainly than the OPDA. Also, on Hot days I would get the hard shift indication that my PCM is toast, so I probably need to hit Wranglerfix.com to replace it.

My question is this- since there seems to be no diagnostic means of isolating the problem, what should I focus my money and energy on- the already replaced sensor? The OPDA? The PCM?

It’s bizarre to me that a perfectly functional sensor magically has issues the moment it gets cold. If I park the Jeep in the garage there is no issue...

thoughts, help is appreciated!

 

[Peter Panagakos]

Does the OPDA make noise? I had one go out on a Rubicon I had a few years ago and it started squeelling like a piggy. As for the PCM, is the hard shifting consistant? First I would look at the trans fluid level, maker sure it's ok, then unplug the battery for a bit, hook it back up and drive. If the hard shift goes away temporarily it's a sure sign the PCM needs replacing. I put the Wrangler Fix in my 2006 TJ a few months ago when I had the hard shifting and it works great. Highly recommend it, and Mark at that company is great to deal with.

 

[lafittejeep]

My 05 does the same to me. When its very cold I get the same code. It doesnt affect anything and code goes away after. I am told the sensor should be a Mopar and not anything else.

 

[UncleDave]

OPDA makes no noise. It does have 175k on it. Have disconnected battery and shifting has been fine, but weather is also cooler (30-60’s). Cannot find an OEM Mopar replacement- closest i’ve seen is that NAPA lists Echlin ECH CSS1159 as “OE manufacturer“ for $45.99. Would buy in a heartbeat if that would fix but I’ve read thread after thread where no conclusions are reached.

Crown OPDA includes the sensor, so buying the NAPA part only to replace OPDA later seems like a waste...