Error P0340 Code: Causes, Symptoms and How to Fix it

The Error P0340 code is an error detected when the camshaft position sensor Malfunctions and gets a signal from the computer, but the computer, in return, doesn’t receive the proper signal.

Since the sensors use electrical connectors and wiring, the causes of error P0340 aren’t far from poor wiring, the power control module, and even the sensor in the circuit itself.

The camshaft position sensor uses the rotational speed of the camshaft and its position to determine the state of other engine parts. The Camshaft sensor, in turn, sends the signal to the PCM.

The PCM also uses the signal from the camshaft sensor to regulate the fuel injectors and spark plug ignition.

But what happens when the camshaft sensor can’t signal the PCM correctly? It reflects an OBD-II P0340 code error on the check engine light.

Here’s a complete guide on possible causes and symptoms and how to fix the P0340 code on your vehicle.

What is Error P0340 Code?

The P0340 error occurs with an issue with the camshaft position sensor circuit. It could be a possible shortage or bridge in wire connectors, or the sensors are problematic.

The error code isn’t necessary as a result of lousy camshaft timing.

Also, this error will cause fuel injector and ignition timing failure. Nissan and Dodge mostly encounter the problem, as do Ford Motors users.

So it’s advised to fix this error as soon as it’s been noticed on our vehicles.

What could cause a P0340 code?

The cause of a P0340 error is faulty wiring or a sensor; whatever the case, here are some things that will turn the check engine light on.

• A Damaged camshaft sensor
• A malfunctioning Camshaft position sensor
• Broken or shorted circuit connector
• Outdated ECM software
• Misaligned timing component
• Broken or shorted position sensor wiring
• Heat and Vibration
• Problematic ECM

So, from the highlighted causes, the P0340 error primarily arises due to a misconfiguration in the camshaft position sensor or the wiring… So you can look through the complex electrical connectors and wiring till you find a fix.

How do you Fix the engine P0340 Code?

Hopefully, there are some fixes you can try to get the P0340 code resolved from your vehicle.

1. Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit wire replacement or repair
2. Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit connector replacement or repair
3. Camshaft position sensor replacement
4. Closing open circuits within the wiring
5. Replacing the PCM
6. Tuning up the vehicle before the camshaft position sensor replacement

The error code should clear after trying all of the above fixes, but if it persists, you should consult a nearby auto mechanic to help look into it professionally.

Symptoms of the P0340 Code on Vehicles?

Here are some things to watch out for in your vehicle to determine if you’ve run into the Error P0340 code.

• The vehicle may experience a hard start
• Engine slows down
• Vehicle engine misfiring
• The car might turn off while driving
• Check the engine light
• The car won’t turn on
• Sputtering of vehicle

All these problems will be encountered due to failure to regulate the fuel injectors and spark plug ignition; the inability to initiate a fix will do nothing but leave you stranded.

How Serious is the Error P0340 Code?

The P0340 code isn’t suitable for the driver and other road users due to the inability to turn on the vehicle or the loss of power at intervals.

Also, failure to attend to the issue for a long can cause damage to other engine components. So, initiating any of the above fixes without wasting time is advisable.

FAQs

How can I reset a camshaft position sensor?

Regrettably, there’s no known way to reset the camshaft position sensor. So the only way around it is to get complete camshaft position sensor replacement parts.

Manufacturer standards require that you do so for a more effective motor engine, although there are some high-performance engines whose camshafts can be repaired.

Can the timing belt cause the P0340 code?

Yes, since the camshaft is located in the engine, if one or more of the teeth of the timing belt wears out, it’ll cause a reduction in the Camshaft rotation speed, notifying the PCM to issue an error P0340 code.

This will likely cause a failed synchronization between the camshaft and crankshaft, causing a P0340 error on the check engine light.

You can check out the article on How to Tell if Timing is Off on an Engine

You might not notice any changes in your vehicle’s performance, but addressing the issue as soon as possible is advisable.

How to Reset the Computer After Changing the Crankshaft Position Sensor?

It would be best to consider removing the negative battery terminal and letting the vehicle cool off for at least 1hour before reconnecting the battery. This should clear the memory in the electronics and drain them.

Can you drive with code P0340?

It isn’t advisable to continue driving when your vehicle runs into an error P0340 code due to frequent shuttering and shutdown of your car’s engine.

In most cases, your vehicle might even refuse to respond, causing traffic to other road users, so it’s best to park your car at a corner and fix the P0340 code before hitting the road again.

Is the Camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor the same?

Although they serve the same function, there are differences between them; the camshaft sensor is used to find the position of the sensor. Meanwhile, the crankshaft sensor is used to decipher the part of the piston and crankshaft.

How does a Camshaft get damaged?

The common reason why a camshaft gets damaged is when it’s been hit by a connecting rod or rotating parts repeatedly striking it. This often results in the short lifespan of the camshaft.

How often do camshaft sensors go bad?

The camshaft sensor is built to last as long as the car exists, but in rare cases, we’ll have to replace it before it gets out of our hands.

Conclusion

An error P0340 code will generally cause your vehicle to sputter or not respond due to its inability to regulate essential sensors.

It’s generally caused by faulty wiring, connectors, or the sensor itself, which will require you to perform a total replacement in most cases.

Nevertheless, if you feel the issue is something you can’t look into using the above guide, you should resort to an auto engineer closest to you.

RESOURCEFUL LINKS

— A Complete list of OBD-II P Error Codes

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