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.
A failing camshaft position sensor begins losing its ability to quickly transfer data. Mismatched fuel delivery and ignition timing, even if off by a few milliseconds, will cause your vehicle to sputter, accelerate poorly, lack power, stall or even shut off.
Question: Can a faulty camshaft sensor not show a code? Answer: Usually a camshaft sensor intermittent failure can produce no code. But you'll notice a change in driveability performance at times. Sometimes it's possible to detect the failure with a scan tool.
The problem with changing out the camshaft position sensor is that sometimes the issue is actually due to the sensor wiring harness; which might be the reason this OBD-II error code was triggered initially. The P-0340 trouble code indicates that the signal to and from the camshaft position sensor and the PCM is broken.
Evidently, you cannot reset a camshaft position sensor. Therefore, you will need to replace the component if your camshaft malfunctions (check engine light on, acceleration issues, sputtering and stalling, etc.).
As a camshaft position sensor weakens, the ECM (Engine Control Module) switches off fuel and spark delivery that can be a dangerous situation. If you ignore the symptoms which your camshaft position sensor fails, or any other listed here, eventually your engine will not start.
There are a number of reasons your camshaft sensor might break down: grime and oil in the engine, water damage, bad wiring, and overheating can all cause a camshaft sensor to go bad. The biggest thing to do to avoid this is to take care of your car.
The lifespan of a camshaft position sensor can vary, but typically they last around 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
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.
If your vehicle idles roughly, stalls frequently, has a drop in engine power, stumbles frequently, has reduced gas mileage, or accelerates slowly, these are all signs your camshaft position sensor could be failing.
A camshaft position sensor replacement is not an expensive job, if diagnosed properly. Some vehicles may have a lower cost, but expect a cost of between $200 and $400 for mainstream cars to replace the camshaft position sensor.
Cam/Crank sensors are usually hall-effect magnetic sensors that wear over time due to heat. Cleaning them will not commonly make them work any better.
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.
The small but extremely important cam sensor can range from about $15 on some vehicles to several hundred dollars on others. Fortunately, it's often an easy part to change, and it will have your engine running well immediately after the repair.
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.
A broken camshaft is usually caused by a connecting rod or other rotating part coming loose and striking it. Sometimes the cam will break after a short time of use because of a crack or fracture in the cam due to rough handling during shipping or improper handling prior to installation.
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.
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.
After you've replaced the camshaft sensor, be sure to take your car to a qualified mechanic and ask them to reprogram it using a OBD-II scanner. Doing so will clear any error codes and make sure that the engine computer is getting accurate signals from the new sensor.
Car Will Not Start: Over time, as the camshaft position sensor fails, the signal it sends to the engine control module weakens. When the engine no longer receives the signal, you will not be able to start your car.