p0348 camshaft position sensor signal high

Hey there fine folks.

2008 highlander 2grfe, 246668 miles

had to replace cylinder 1 coil so you know the drill, plenum comes out, wires get disconnected, etc. well the connector for the camshaft position sensor A (intake) on bank 2 crumbled into a mess when i reconnected it. it held but i knew i needed to replace it. ran the engine to test the new coil, everything going well. Ordered a new pigtail from amazon. 

the next day it would not start, would not give a code, would attempt to crank for a second and stop. I was a little familiar with this from a ford engine. i popped the hood, gave a little wiggle to the known bad wire, gave it another try and it started after some encouragement. got a p0345 error immediately. got the new pigtail spliced in and now the 345 code is gone but im getting a p0348. i checked over the wiring, checked continuity to the ecu, everything seems good. i pulled the sensor and tested it with a wrench, signal is responding. I even bought a new sensor. same error, no change.

Im at a loss, the vehicle is driveable but not as buttery smooth as it was. i know i need to resolve this or it will wear on the engine. unfortunately it is my only vehicle so im really trying to baby it for the local drive i have to do everyday for the kids. Does anyone have an idea? has anyone gone through this before? did i miss some toyota specific step?

Also, yes, i googled it and checked with toyota nation thats why im here. just hoping someone may have an insight.