Bad Camshaft Position Sensor Symptoms - How to Test and FIX!!

Camshaft position sensor symptoms such as starting difficulties, stalling and erratic idle will often store faults codes including P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343 and P0344. But how do you know what’s really causing them? Camshaft sensor, wiring, engine ECU… the list goes on.

That’s why Tim’s here! In this episode he will take us through camshaft position sensor problems, testing and ultimately fixing the faults.

0:00 - Episode insight
0:38 - What is a camshaft position sensor?
1:08 - Bad camshaft position sensor symptoms
1:50 - How to test camshaft position sensor
3:28 - Test camshaft sensor wiring
4:11 - Diagnose cause of P0342
6:05 - Diagnose cause of P0343
7:08 - Test loom continuity
7:26 - Fix ECU causing P0342 and P0343

[vancescott]

I would like to share one condition that doesn't seem to be covered in this diagnostic methodology which has occurred in my experiences working as a professional diagnostic tech over the years. When testing for reference voltage at the sensor it is critical to be aware that there may be other sensors such as MAP, TPS, crankshaft position sensor and others which may be sharing the same reference voltage supplied by the PCM. These other sensors can have an internal short which could be shorting out the supply within the PCM causing low or no voltage at the cam sensor and or PCM potentially causing a misdiagnosis if not aware. I have also had what appeared to be a dead PCM on some cars when this reference was shorted to ground causing a PCM no response. I hope this helps anyone out there and Thank You for the video and the simplicity of your explanation when performing diagnostics.

[kentbarger]

I'm a retired mechanic great video simple direct to the point great information not over complicated great video

[therealspixycat]

Finally somebody that really understands this issue!

[trinimami]

It worked well. The radio and while making a Bluetooth call, they both would shut off for a few seconds and then come back on over and over, and I would lose power steering sometimes too. The check engine light came on and that's when I had Auto Zone give me a diagnostic trouble code, and it was showing the power train system, and ABS. Sure enough though, and the attendant tried to sell me a power train system for $456.90, but she made the mistake of saying that the codes just needed to be reset and that when I found this, and two other videos telling me to do this. Thank you very much!

[Papisongo]

Thank You very much for this complete video about test and fix a constant camshaft position problem. I was driving myself crazy trying to figure it out until I saw you video. Thanks to this I was able to fix my camshaft position sensor P0342 in a 2007 Hummer H2. Thank you.

[Snickls]

Excellent video. I have a customer with four persistent fault codes for a wheel speed sensor and cam position sensor, instead of letting me perform tests to find the cause, he's purchased and had me install... 3 cam position sensors, and one wheel speed sensor... with no results. I'm hoping he'll allow me to actually diagnose the issue after the wheel speed sensor $$$$ didn't fix it... which I told him wouldn't fix it.
I'm gonna send him this video, it explains the diagnostic process way better than me.

[Mark-ksjj]

A very clear concise and informative video on camshaft sensor related issues thank you

[johnnymac]

This is the type post I really like, you provide an education. Thank you!!

[tonyserrano]

The best video I have ever seen on this topic!🔥💥💯👍

[packrat]

Very informtive and complete video!

I got lucky!
On my 2007 Murano, I used a 10mm ratching wrench and did not have to move the hose. Just before pulling the sensor, I blew out the connector and the sensor pins in place with electronics cleaner and all codes went away. So I never even had to pull the sensor!

I was showing P0345(Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 2), P0725(Engine speed input circuit), P1701(Power supply circuit), P0868 (Transmission fluid low). The last 3 are Nissan OEM codes. I'm not smart enough to know if those should be all related, but I can see where all but the P0868 could be related, maybe?

Anyway, Thanks for saving me time and money!

I will update if any of them come back.😎

[sollykhan]

Thank you for posting another awesome video Tim, just as an afterthought how much investment went into your state of the Art workshops ? i must say it looks very impressive, hopefully 1 day i too shall have an impressive repair shop like the one your filming in!! 🙂

[juancasanova]

Outstanding video...great information and expertise. Thanks

[mckoylach]

A great elaborate diagnostic procedures, thanks for the video

[rlvtrader]

Great video. I just subscribed, all the diagnostic detail you provided was fantastic.

[irfanullah]

The best Video on the Topic.... To the point and great way to approach to the fault... Thumbs Up!!

[lloyd-qtmg]

Yo Tim, very succinct and absolutely 'on point' .... most informative for any 'shade tree' techie! Thank you.

[psdaengr]

Missing from causes: a loose or worn reluctor. This is a common issue on Honda engines with a lot of miles where the sensor is not pointed at the ends of teeth on a gear but the side of a magnetized disc.

[aminheidary]

Hey.. how about fault code P0344 what does that mean??
We have peugeot 2008 2018 model that throws P0344 error and sensor and wiring loom are fine.. what do you think is the problem???

[gagzman]

Both signal and reference reading 12v . Fault code P0341. Car starts just fine but runs with irregular performance.

Car would run fine in the morning after startup, but once Car warms up, car becomes sluggish with a lot of hesitations when giving it gas.

Please help

[fegmihamedlafi]

Hey you are a great teacher man! Your videos are great!!🎉