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.
This is the most common mistake when diagnosing the P0340 trouble code. Another mistake that is made during the diagnostic procedure is neglecting to consider a misfiring problem or a crankshaft sensor problem as possible sources of the P0340 trouble code.
P0335 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation.
The short answer is yes, it is safe to drive with a bad camshaft sensor, but it's not good for your engine long-term. You'll likely see a higher fuel consumption and poorer engine performance the longer you wait to get it fixed.
If you ignore the symptoms listed here and your camshaft position sensor fails, your vehicle will not start. As a camshaft position sensor weakens, so does the data it transmits to the ECM. Eventually the data signal becomes so weak the ECM switches off fuel and spark delivery, and your engine will not start.
A cam sensor problem diagnosis and replacement will usually cost between $200 and $400 at a trusted local shop.
Unfortunately, there's no way to reset a camshaft position sensor. If you're having camshaft issues (check engine light on, acceleration trouble, sputtering and stalling, etc.), you'll have to replace the part entirely.
The main causes may be a damaged timing belt, bad wiring, overheating, crank walks, etc. Some of these also include wear-and-tear, water damage, and oil embedded in the engine, these can also damage the engine's camshaft since these things will build up over time.
Engine Misfires: A failing camshaft position sensor can cause your engine to misfire. Transmission Shifting Problems: The data sent to the engine control module can stop the transmission from shifting properly.
A P0340 error code indicates a problem with the Camshaft Position Sensor A circuit. It's possible that the wires leading to the camshaft position sensor are faulty, or that the sensor itself has failed. This error code isn't a sign of bad camshaft timing.
The camshaft sensor works according to the Hall principle. It scans a ring gear on the camshaft. The rotation of the ring gear changes the Hall voltage of the Hall IC in the sensor head. This change in voltage is transmitted to the control unit and evaluated there in order to establish the required data.
A camshaft sensor determines the exact position of your engine's camshaft, helping your car keep your engine's combustion running smoothly. Many modern engines have one camshaft sensor for each camshaft. This can mean up to four, although some cars will only have two.
A lot of engines can run without problems with a bad or disconnected cam sensor, what is very important is the crank sensor's input to the ECU and without that the engine will not start.
Before connecting, make sure to clean the sensor with a gentle cleaning solution and allow it to dry properly. Then reconnect the sensor's three wires to their original positions. Next, try reconnecting the battery and restarting the system. You've now disinfected the camshaft position sensor.
If a car or truck that does not have a camshaft position sensor sets code P0341 and other codes related to this part, ignition components such as coils or spark plugs could be faulty.
The camshaft position sensor on a car is built to last as long as the car does, but in most cases it will have to be replaced well before that. Just like any other sensor or switch on a car, the camshaft position sensor will take a lot of abuse due to the heat that the engine produces.
Changing a cam sensor isn't an overly complicated job, but it requires some basic tools and a code reader to get the job done right.
If the oil level is very low, to the point where the engine overheats however, yes. Excessive heat can cause a camshaft position sensor to fail. More likely in a "low oil level" situation is for the camshaft, lifters, or camshaft variable timing actuator to fail due to inadequate oil pressure and lubrication.
Just like a four-cylinder engine, this engine comes with four camshafts. The camshaft position sensor in your vehicle tells the ECU which cylinder is firing. While the number can vary based on the age of your car, a new car should have four camshaft sensors, one for each camshaft.