CEL Code P0340
 

For the second time in the past seven days or so my wife's Neon has thrown code P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction. Last time by the time I got out there to check it the CEL was no longer lit so I didn't bother with anything but my wife has told me that the light is back on today.

My question is how do I tell if its a wiring issue or a sensor issue? Is there an easy to tell if the wiring is bad or if the sensor has gone bad?

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer me.

It's been awhile but the P0340 code is back. My wife just called me and told me it came back today and she had a really hard time starting the car. Eventually she got it started so she could drive home. When she got home she checked the code and she said she tried to start it but it wouldn't start again.

In the the past if I moved the wires a little bit I could get the code to go away. Is there any easy to tell if the wires need to be replaced or if the whole sensor is bad?

Thanks!

just replace the sensor. the chances are that the wires/connections are fine. the sensor costs about $30 and its a 20 minute job. this sensor is very important and your car will not run at all if it completely malfunctions.

disconnect the battery
move a few hoses out of the way
slide the connector lock to the side, pull out connector.
remove the four bolts (8mm).
attach new sensor to the connector and lock.
bolt sensor on the engine.
torque to spec. dont ask me what spec, i just tightened mine.
put hoses back.
connect battery.
start and enjoy car.

I replaced the sensor today. Started up the car and no check engine light....yay, right? Not so fast. I drive a half a block and the check engine light comes back on again. I stop and check the code and this time it is P0344 Camshaft position sensor intermittent.

What could this mean? Where do I start in my diagnosis?

Thanks!

if you can move the wires and the car starts or code go's away dont you think there is a wire related problem?

That is what I am leaning towards now but this time when I move the wires around the code doesn't disappear...it stays illuminated.

I'm looking for some directions on how to go about making sure it is the wires instead of something else.