P0340 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

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:
  • FIXD
  • Multimeter

Difficulty of Diagnosis and Repair – (6-10)

1. Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor wiring in search of corroded, broken, and continuity of wiring.
2. Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor connector in search of corroded or broken connectors.
3. Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor circuit wiring in search of corroded, broken, and continuity of wiring.
4. Make any other repairs (if other codes are present) to make sure that other codes are not sources of the trouble code P0430.
5. Check your camshaft position sensor voltage readings. Check out this video for a visual reference on how to check it using your multimeter.
6. 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.