FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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P0342




DTC P0341-P0343

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors
DTC P0341
- Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Performance

DTC P0342
- Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0343
- Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

The 4X camshaft position sensor circuits consist of an engine control module (ECM) supplied 5 V reference circuit, low reference circuit, and an output signal circuit. The camshaft position sensor is an internally magnetic biased digital output integrated circuit sensing device. The sensor detects magnetic flux changes of the teeth and slots of a 4-tooth reluctor wheel attached to the camshaft. As each reluctor wheel tooth rotates past the camshaft position sensor, the resulting change in the magnetic field is used by the sensor electronics to produce a digital output pulse. The sensor returns a digital ON/OFF DC voltage pulse of varying frequency, with 4 varying width output pulses per camshaft revolution that represent an image of the camshaft reluctor wheel. The frequency of the camshaft position sensor output depends on the velocity of the camshaft. The ECM decodes the narrow and wide tooth pattern to identify camshaft position. This information is then used to determine the optimum ignition and injection points of the engine. The ECM also uses camshaft position sensor output information to determine the camshaft relative position to the crankshaft, to control camshaft phasing, and for limp-home operation.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* The engine is running.
* DTCs P0341, P0342 and P0343 run continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects the incorrect number of camshaft position sensor pulses in 10 revolutions of the crankshaft, which is usually within 4 s.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0341, P0342, and P0343 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0341, P0342, and P0343 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions)
Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. With the ignition OFF, inspect the engine wiring harnesses carrying the camshaft position sensor circuits for the following conditions:

* Close routing of aftermarket electrical equipment
* Close to solenoids, motors, and relays
* Correct any wire harness routing or component placement conditions, if it is determined to be a possible source of electrical interference

2. Ignition ON, engine OFF, observe the Camshaft Position Active Counter parameter. The Camshaft Position Active Counter should be at 0.
3. Start and run the engine. The Camshaft Position Active Counter should increment to 255.
4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

P0342 and P0343
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the intake camshaft position sensor wire harness connector.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.

If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 V between the 5 V reference circuit terminal A and ground.

If less than the specified range, test the 5 V reference circuit for an open/high resistance or short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
If greater than the specified range, test the 5 V reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 V between the signal circuit terminal C and ground.

If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance or short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
If greater than the specified range, test the affected signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

5. Ignition OFF, connect a fused jumper wire to the camshaft position signal circuit terminal C.
6. Ignition ON, momentarily touch the other end of the fused jumper wire to a good ground. The Camshaft Position Active Counter parameter on the scan tool should increment.

If the intake Camshaft Position Active Counter increments, replace the camshaft position sensor.
If the intake Camshaft Position Active Counter does not increment, replace the ECM.

P0341
1. Ignition OFF, inspect the camshaft position sensor for correct installation.

If the sensor is loose, inspect the sensor and the O-ring for damage. Replace as necessary.

2. Inspect the engine for the following conditions:

* The engine oil for debris
* The camshaft reluctor wheel for damage
* The timing chain, tensioner, and sprockets for wear or damage

If debris is found in the engine oil, inspect the internal engine components to determine the cause. Repair or replace any worn or damaged components. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection (37. Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection) and Camshaft Cleaning and Inspection (36. Camshaft Cleaning and Inspection).

Component Testing

Important: You must perform the Circuit/System Testing before proceeding with Component Testing.


1. Inspect the camshaft position sensor for correct installation. Remove the camshaft position sensor from the engine and inspect the sensor and the O-ring for damage.

If the sensor is loose, incorrectly installed, or damaged, repair or replace the camshaft position sensor.

2. Connect the camshaft position sensor connector to the camshaft position sensor.
3. Ignition ON, engine OFF. Observe the Camshaft Position Active Counter parameter on the scan tool. Pass a steel object by the tip of the sensor repeatedly. The Camshaft Position Active Counter parameter should increment.

If the parameter does not increment, replace the camshaft position sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Intake (Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Intake)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for replacement, setup, and programming