Code P0340 Definition
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
What Does P0340 Mean?
The camshaft position sensor located in the internal combustion engine, monitors position and rotational speed of the camshaft. The sensor sends this information to the Power Control Module (PCM) and the PCM uses this information to control ignition spark and fuel injector timing. When the trouble code P0340 is set, the ignition spark and fuel injector timing fails due to a number of reasons.
P0340 Symptoms*
- Check Engine Light
- Vehicle will not start – may be difficult to start
- Rough idle/stall
- Vehicle engine misfire
- Loss of power when driving
*In many cases there may be no noticeable issues with your vehicle
P0340 Causes
- Faulty PCM
- Defective, corroded, shorted camshaft position sensor circuit wiring
- Defective, corroded, shorted camshaft position sensor circuit connector
- Defective camshaft position sensor
- Faulty crankshaft position sensor
Code P0340 Severity – Severe 
The vehicle may be difficult to start and the driver may also experience a lack of power when driving. It is possible for more damages to occur inside of the engine of the vehicle if disregarded for an extended time period. It is extremely important to repair code P0340 as soon as possible.
Code P0340 Common Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing the camshaft position sensor without checking the wiring and connectors beforehand. There may also be the possibility of neglecting the possibility of a misfiring problem that may be possible sources.
P0340 Diagnosis
- Tools Needed to Diagnose:
Difficulty of Diagnosis and Repair – (6-10)
- Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor wiring in search of corroded, broken, and continuity of wiring.
- Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor connector in search of corroded or broken connectors.
- Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor circuit wiring in search of corroded, broken, and continuity of wiring.
- Make any other repairs (if other codes are present) to make sure that other codes are not sources of the trouble code P0430.
- Check your camshaft position sensor voltage readings. Check out this video for a visual reference on how to check it using your multimeter.
- If these steps do not clear your Check Engine Light, you may need to visit a mechanic because there may be internal issues with the PCM, ECM, etc.
Comments 21
Jeff Tracy
September 5, 2018Is this electronic sensor located on the exterior of the engine and something I can replace, I do have a multi-meter…. how much does the sensor cost ?
Fix it 4 free
November 6, 2018I have a Kia and it was a broken wire just at the harness. I fixed it for free and it solved the problem.
Michael Hillhouse
April 21, 2019I had surgery in Oct last year and the car sat for over 5 months until I started it yesterday a week ago . the service engine light came on. What should I actually do to check the correct fault
Chris Hart
September 15, 2018I got the error code and my wife went on line for info. It was crankshaft position sensor.
Got a replacement at O’Rielly’s and I was able to replace it. We are glad to have had FIXD TO HELP US.
Thomas krchelich
September 23, 2018I have codes po340 and code p0341 I changed the camshaft position sensor the one on top of motor and the one on bottom it’s still throwing those two codes wires are OK please help what the hell is it
Dylan
December 21, 2018I would look at the timing belt and or tensioner for failure. Also if the water pump is timing belt driven and it fails, it’s possible that the timing belt can skip a sprocket creating an out-of-phase state; hope that helps
Godwin
May 27, 2019KIA sorento 2008 model faultscode…p0340 camshaft sensor…the vechicle is not Firring well especially when you want to climb hill or move fast
Thomas Krchelich
September 23, 2018I have a 2011 terrain 2.4 or whatever it is it’s throwing p0340 and p0341 I changed both sensors and it still stalls out and throws the codes I can have my wife and grandkids riding around in a car that stalls on the road any help would be appreciated
Donald Gardner
September 26, 2018My 1999 Dodge Intrepid 3.2 engine stalled. I restarted it but the engine light was on. I plugged in my FIXD and got the error code meaning that the camshaft position sensor was the cause of the trouble. I went to O’Rielly’s and picked up a new one. After replacing the sensor, I was able to clear the engine light and have not had any further problems. FIXD was accurate in the diagnosis and saved me a lot of money.
FIXD Marketing
September 26, 2018That’s awesome Donald! Glad we could help.
Thanks, FIXD Team
Kim
October 27, 2018I have a 2012 gmc terrian that is throwing po341 and po340 it stalls when stopped at sings and lights seems like its not got enough fuel dies but does start back up
James
November 12, 20182010 Chevy Traverse, turning off highway into drive Car just died. Pushed it to the house noticed battery was old replaced the following day. Ran FIXD no errors came up and car doesn’t turn over. I’ve re-search the issue and timing belt may be the issue, b4 I go that far what are some other signs?
Donald Boue
December 7, 2018i have a Saab 9-3 , arc convertible 2005 code reads po340, i changed crankshaft posiyion sensor and spark plugs, now a still have mild miss when idleing
Craig fallon
December 24, 2018I have a 56 plate zafira 1.6 petrol.
It has a misfire changed the coil pack and plugs still to no avail idles rough but has brought about 20 codes up help help jelp
Paul Millard
January 5, 201908 Saturn, i4, 115,000 miles. Car is running great. Have spent thousands on the damn error lights. Don’t they ever burn out? Mechanics in TX just disconnected a bunch of wires to shut them off (lost about 2 mpg but passed inspection)
Mechanics in Maine reattached all the wires and its been a snipe hunt ever since. Parts replaced and replaced again, Oil changes every 5000, added Misery oil, added Rislone, added motor flush. Mechanics have checked wiring, nothing works.
Engine just keeps on running, 22 mpg, no leaks, burns no oil, starts easy, runs quiet, I think it’s time for an exorcism.
Jennifer Stone
January 14, 2019My Toyota camry stopped working last week pulling up to a stop sign. Wouldnt crank back up. Pushed it to nearby parking lot. Got a code for the valve switch in the evac system. Went and bought the part it said we needed, put it in, still wouldn’t crank and was now showing a code for this cam shaft position sensor bank one circuit A. Got the part again, just finished putting that on. Still won’t crank!!! What else could it be?? Still giving us the code for the camshaft sensor.
Michael Percy
February 17, 2019I have a 2012 mn triton which stalled going round corner and wont restar code error po340 is it the cam or crank sensor can u tell me the location on this vehicle thanks
Brian in Texas
April 20, 2019I have a 05 Nissan Altima 2.5 that blew a head gasket fixed that now the car tried to start but only if I hold down the accelerator pedal to the floor but still does not start .. I’ve redone the timing twice just to make double sure that it wasn’t 180° out . I’ve replaced the can sensor twice but still no luck in getting it to start .. What is the sensor that is on the front of the timing cover . Perhaps another cam sensor or is something else …please help ….
Thanks
Brian in Texas
Garret
May 24, 2019I had a code to change cam/crank shaft position sensor, whenever I changed it, it ran fine for about 3 days. I ran it a lot. I am driving and the engine light pops back on — same code. I changed the crankshaft position senor this time, on the bottom — no help. I checked the wiring harnesses for continuity — all good there. Possible I bought a faulty sensor? Help please.
Dana
June 10, 2019I have a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder that has been turning over sluggishly for a while now. It cut out today and the codes were PO340/PO345
now I am wondering if I should just purchase a camshaft position sensor from Auto Parts store and see if I can take care of it myself
Anon
June 13, 2019My 2018 Mazda CX-5 is kicking out this code as well as P250F (low engine oil)*. Dealership is telling me the engine needs to be replaced for $7,000 and they’re not going to cover it. Are they full of it? (*had an oil change two weeks ago at JiffyLube and dealership saying they don’t see leak or blowby)