P0340

[Suran]

So, my CEL is on. Code reader throws a single code: P0340 (camshaft position sensor malfunction).

Sensor ordered off autozone, and replaced this evening (withOUT removing throttle body or upper intake manifold). The old sensor was burnt to hell, and I blew the debris out of the hold the sensor drops into with my compressor. Dropped the new sensor in, hooked up the wiring harness, and tightened the bolts down.

After replacing the sensor, I erased my computer with my code reader and started my car twice.

Trouble code came back.

I'm confused.

[holedigger]

As I recall, there is a precise alignment procedure that must be followed, requiring a special tool. There was a thread here about that not long ago.

[Suran]

I believe the alignment is only nessesary when replacing the entire assembly - as I said, I replaced only the sensor.

I could be wrong though.

[Robert L]

Take the sensor back off and look carefully down inside the synchro it sits on, you should see a C shaped vane that stands up half way around, is it there?

[jinhopark]

I bought the cam position sensor tool...didn't need it though.

The magnet broke off on my cam position sensor and damaged the C or 1/2 moon thing. I bent it back into it's original C-shape and put a new sensor back on and it's not been 2 years and has been working like a champ.

If the C-chaped vane was damaged/deformed and you put a new sensor in, there is a good chance you damaged the new one too...which would be my guess.

[Suran]

Alrighty... updates:

So, I went back in and looked. Almost smacked myself when I pulled the sensor off, because the C-shaped vane was completely gone, and I didnt even think about it when I replaced the sensor and blew the debris out - part of which was the vane.

So, I got the entire camshaft position sensor drive assembly. What I'm confused about now is timing it. I've been told to mark the position of the old drive and simply slide the new one in so that it matches up - but what about the C-shaped vane? Since it's completely gone on the old one, how can I tell where it is when the engine is TDC?

[shoz123]

Take the #1 spark plug out and insert a wooden dowl long enough to stick out 6" or so. Then turn the motor over and watch it as it rises and falls.

[Suran]

Originally posted by SHOZ123@Jul 23 2005, 12:50 PM
Take the #1 spark plug out and insert a wooden dowl long enough to stick out 6" or so. Then turn the motor over and watch it as it rises and falls.

Er... what? That doesnt make any sense to me...

[shoz123]

The dowel will rest on the piston head. As the piston goes up and down so will the dowel. When the dowel is at ti's highest point the piston is at TDC. You may be 180 degrees out of time though. And you are turning the motor over by hand of course.

[Suran]

I think you misunderstood what I'm asking, though. Although, I'm enough of newb that you might well know exactly what I'm saying and I'm just making it difficult.

I'm trying to time the sensor-interruptor vane.. The engine is already at the correct position, I'm just not sure which position the C-shaped vane should be in, since the vane on the original sensor assembly is completely gone.