Which Codes Will This Page Cover?
- P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit
- P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low
- P0343 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
- P0345 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit
- P0346 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0347 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low
- P0348 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0349 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
- P0011 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System
- P0012 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded
- P0013 “B” Camshaft Position – Actuator Circuit/Open
- P0014 “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System
- P0015 “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded
- P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit
- P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0337 Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low
- P0338 Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0339 Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
- P0016 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation
- P0017 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation
- P0018 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation
- P0019 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation
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What Is the P0340 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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Error code P0340 indicates a malfunction with the camshaft position sensor A circuit. This type of malfunction can cause serious issues that require immediate repair because the underlying cause of the code could damage your vehicle’s engine if you continue to drive it.
Code P0340 indicates there is a problem with the electrical wiring of the circuit attached to the camshaft position sensor. This issue can result in the display of a multitude of other codes that relate directly to your vehicle’s camshaft. In addition, your powertrain control module (PCM) could also be damaged. Since several things could be wrong with your vehicle in this situation, simply replacing the camshaft position sensor will not always solve your problems. So, what is the camshaft position sensor and why do so many DTCs appear along with error code P0340?
You may also be interested in P0390 Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 2.
More About Error Code P0340
The camshaft position sensor keeps track of how fast the engine’s camshaft rotates. It also calculates the shaft’s position while it is spinning, which sends a signal to the PCM. The PCM then uses the data to set the timing for both the ignition and the fuel injection systems.
When the signal from the camshaft position sensor is disrupted, it can throw off the timing for the engine. This will cause the driver to experience performance issues with their vehicle, including a misfire. The PCM logs the P0340 code, which often results in the display of other P034X codes and even codes ranging from P0011-P0019 or P0335-P0339. Any of these codes will cause the check engine light to illuminate, letting the driver know that something is wrong.
P034X error codes are known as generic powertrain codes. The same terms apply to all makes and models built in 1996 and after. Some specific models may require extra steps for diagnosis or repair, but otherwise, all vehicles have the same issues when it comes to this code.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0340 Code?
The most common symptom of any error code that relates to the camshaft is the illumination of a vehicle’s check engine light. Other symptoms of these codes include the engine experiencing hard starts or not starting at all. The engine may also hesitate while it’s running or die and refuse to start again. Drivers may also experience rough running, insufficient acceleration while driving, or misfiring when any camshaft error codes are displayed.
What Are Some Causes of a P0340 Code?
There are a few possible causes for error codes that signify an issue with the camshaft. The most common cause is a failing or a defective camshaft position sensor. Other problems can include circuit issues, like loose connections or damaged wiring, errors with the PCM, or a damaged reluctor wheel for the camshaft position sensor. Additionally, these error codes could also appear due to problems with internal engine timing components.
How Serious Is the P0340 Code?
Error code P0340 can be serious and should be taken care of by a professional mechanic immediately. Any code that signals problems with the camshaft should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Failing to have your camshaft position sensor fixed over time could cause serious damage to your engine, leading to even more expensive repairs.
Can I Still Drive with a P0340 Code?
Drivers may have trouble starting their engine if it will even start at all. If the driver can operate their vehicle, they could lose power while on the road. Ultimately, it is not safe nor recommended to drive with a P0340 error code or any code that signifies a camshaft malfunction.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0340 Code?
Error code P0340 is not easy to diagnose, especially if it is accompanied by other DTCs. A mechanic can provide an adequate diagnosis given their experience. It is best to have your car checked out by a professional as soon as possible since these error codes could cause serious issues with your engine if it is left untreated.
Once you take your vehicle to a mechanic, they will use an OBD scanner tool to check for all trouble codes. They will inspect the camshaft position sensor and check if any wires or connections are damaged or loose. Next, they will inspect any circuit wiring for corroded or shorted wires. The camshaft position sensor will be checked for continuity and they will perform any repairs related to other trouble codes paired with the P0340 DTC.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0340 Code?
Since several things can cause error code P0340 to appear, there is no single fix for it. This is especially true considering how many other codes are similar to a P0340. This is why it’s best to seek the expertise of a professional mechanic. One of the most common fixes for this error code is to replace the camshaft position sensor. However, a mechanic will always first need to diagnose the code accurately before they can perform an effective repair.
Additional repairs common with this code include replacing the camshaft position sensor circuit connector, performing a tune-up to correct problems with misfires, and replacing or reprogramming the PCM. All of these procedures require a unique level of knowledge and skill, which is best left to professionals.
Need Additional Help with Your P0340 Code?
If you need assistance diagnosing or repairing your vehicle after getting error code P0340 or any other camshaft-related DTC, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic in your area. To find a service center near you that performs diagnostics for camshaft error codes, check out our list of service center locations throughout the U.S.
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