P1346 VVT sensor: implausible reading (bank 1)
P1346 means: VVT sensor: implausible reading (bank 1). The engine computer turns the camshaft using oil pressure so the valves open at the right moment. Drive gently and have the car checked soon. The most common repair costs about €70–140 in Estonia, depending on make and model.
What it means
The engine computer turns the camshaft using oil pressure so the valves open at the right moment. Right now the camshaft isn't where the computer wants it, or the computer can't drive the control valve properly.
This is a make-specific code (Toyota). The exact meaning can vary by model and year.
What you may notice
- Engine light on
- Rough idle
- Less power, especially at low revs
- Higher fuel consumption
What could be wrong
- 1Oil level low, oil old or the wrong grade · Oil change €70–140
- 2Control valve sticking or its screen blocked · Valve or actuator replacement €120–240
- 3Worn camshaft phaser · Camshaft adjuster replacement €250–500
- 4Stretched timing chain · Timing belt or chain replacement €400–800
Repair difficulty: Moderate
What you can check yourself
Check the oil level first and when it was last changed. Old oil is the most common cause of this fault. You can check the simple things yourself, but the repair is best done in a workshop.
How we fix it
- We check the oil and compare actual and target cam position on the diagnostic tool
- We clean or replace the control valve
- If the chain has stretched, we replace the chain kit
Standard SAE description: VVT Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)