Help! Camshaft Position Sensor??

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ChrisK

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#1
Yesterday my check engine light came on, so I took it to Autozone and had them hook it up.
It came back with P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor.

What is the sensor for? (besides sensing the position of the camshaft..)
and is it easy to replace? or will they have to strip the engine down to the camshaft?

thanks in advance.

Chris
 
MrElussive

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I am guessing the camshaft is out of position??
I don't think they will have to replace it. It takes a long time to access the camshaft, but you are still under warranty, right?
 
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ChrisK

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but it doesnt seem to be a problem... it wasnt the camshaft itself.. the code said there was a malfunction in the circuitry of the camshaft position sensor
 
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silvere46m3

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the sensor is to tell the computer where the camshaft is and it is also for Vanos operation, and ignition timing. if you have a bad cam sensor. your camshaft are running in a default position (fixed).

it all depends on which one it is, exhaust or intake.

it is around 120 bucks, the exhaust is not hard to replace but the intake is harder. and other thing is that you have to go to the dealer and have them turn off your check engine light after the sensor is replaced.
 
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AZRobert

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On most OBD II vehicles (1996 and newer) the federal emissions warranty is 80,000 miles on emissions components (most of the sensors that will trip a check engine light).
Call the service dept of your nearest stealer and explain that the scanner at autozone pointed to the camshaft position sensor - and ask if this is one of the covered components.
If it is, they will want to help because they still get paid by the manufacturer for warranty work (not as much as a customer pay ticket - but money is money).
Hint: If you can, ask a friend for the name of an experienced advisor - or ask to talk to the service manager.
Reason: Alot of 'green" (newer, inexperienced) advisors (or 'consultants') are not aware of this warranty - but it is clearly spelled out in your warranty booklet with your owners manuals.
I hope that this helps!!!
Also, if you have someone else scan it - ask them not to clear the codes unless a repair has been made-unless it is an evap emissions code (gas cap)
 
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DZLBurner

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The Camshaft position sensor is usually the only sensor that feeds the computer with engine rotational information. If it fails, typically the engine will not even start. (A common problem on Powerstroke Diesels)
 
Kirby

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It is most likely an inductive or capacitive proximity sensor, which means it relies on an electrical field to sense the cam. It could have been just a hiccup - power sag (had your sub woofer pumping a little too hard!), CB/Ham/police radio transmitting right next to you, thermonuclear detonation nearby [:D] , etc.

As long as it's running well and feels like normal power, I'd let it go for now.
 
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yogi799

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Just ignore this darn light. And taking it to Autozone does not guarantee you the correct problem pinpointing... I've taken one of my vehicles there for an oxygen sensor (check engine), replaced the sensor and check engine came back on again. So, in my area Autozone has discontinued checking it free for customers - they said (true) their readings were wrong. Period. So, my adivice - just ignore it when it comes on again and keep on having fun if it drives good!
 
aNoodle

aNoodle

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I think my VANOS is busted. I'm at 105,880 and I hear an odd air intake sort of sound with a pulsating sound in first gear only...then it goes away. Could it be that the camshaft is in "default setting" as said above? Also, if I accelerate hard then sometimes the automatic transmission will go into safe mode and the check engine light comes on. If I keep the transmission in sport mode it never happens. It will always do this if I get the car up past 70 mph, but everything is reset when I turn the engine off and restart the car a little later.

I've seen camshaft sensors here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin...I-002&Category=A&esc_part=Cam+Position+Sensor

But as said above, there are two camshaft sensors? Is that the same as the two oxygen sensors (before catalytic conver, the other aft)? Same as BavAuto part 15 109 and 13 802?

I'm confused...are the oxygen sensors different than the camshaft sensors?

Are they easy to replace or should I just take my car in? I've done my own spark plugs. The Bentley manual isn't very clear on the oxygen sensors. Has anyone replaced these DIY? Any help out there?
 
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ChrisK

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#18
oxygen sensors are not the same as camshaft position sensors. Your camshaft moves your inlet and exhaust valves. Since its a dual overhead cam, there is an inlet sensor (on the inlet camshaft) and an exhaust sensor (on the exhaust cam.) I still have not had mine replaced and I'm doing fine, occasionally the car will die at idle, but rarely.
as for how easy, I'm not sure? I think I heard its a tedious task trying to get to them and replace them, but I can't remember for sure, its been a while since I checked. I'm just going to take mine in and have them do it.. it wont cost that much.

hope that helps some.

-Chris
 
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Georgelas

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Your in luck cowboy. I just had the camshaft positionning sensor changed on my 97 bmw 540i. I recently returned the car on lease. Anyway the part was 98 bucks and the install was ten bones. so i think you will be fine. as well it makes a huge difference when it comes to performance. at least i noticed it.
 
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Georgelas

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silvere46m3 said:
the sensor is to tell the computer where the camshaft is and it is also for Vanos operation, and ignition timing. if you have a bad cam sensor. your camshaft are running in a default position (fixed).

it all depends on which one it is, exhaust or intake.

it is around 120 bucks, the exhaust is not hard to replace but the intake is harder. and other thing is that you have to go to the dealer and have them turn off your check engine light after the sensor is replaced.
Click to expand...
You can reset the check engine light by disconnecting the battery for a minute. It works great.
 
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