Fault code P0340 ?

[Ste]

P0340 - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit malfunction. Car is 04 LS 1.8 petrol (Z18XE) with 128,000 miles.

I have this fault set (read by scanner tool and pedal / blink), and the car with the spanner through it, but no MIL.

Engine revs limited to 4000 rpm, power and fuel economy down and response poor - especially at part loads.

I have changed the camshaft position sensor, with no effect. Also I have checked continuity of the 3 wires from the sensor plug to the engine control module - all good. Maybe one thing that is worthy of note is that there is a slight exhaust leak - but I haven't determined specifically where from yet.

Does anyone have a fault diagnosis tree or similar or even a list of specific faults that can set this FC? - Maybe someone who works in a VX dealer?


Cheers

[Birchy63]

Does the ECU need to be reset once it's gone into "limp home mode"?

[Ste]

No, as the fault is not one that puts the MIL on, it self resets when the fault has been cured

[paul wingnut]

had this before on a vectra b 1.8 was down to the key way on crankshaft gear worn or broken would be an idea to remove bottom pulley tiime engine up see if pointer is in line about 5 o'clock on gear put in gear jack one wheel up and turn engine see if gear moves before crank or take belt off and have a look at gear and crank.

[stevedee3]

I don't really know what I'm talking about, so I'll just ask questions...

• Did the scanner tool report a symptom code to go with the fault code?
• Were any other fault codes logged?
• Is there any problem with the timing belt/chain alignment?
• Is there any damage to the camshaft teeth (broken/chipped)?
• Are there any problems with the crankshaft/crankshaft position sensor?

[Ste]

Only FC was 0340, and I don't know what a 'symptom code' is.
My next step is to check timing (at weekend probably)
Couldn't see any damage to cam sprockets
Removed, cleaned and replaced crank position sensor - but engine wouldn't run at all without this working and giving a plausible signal.



I am going to do a simultaneous log of cam sensor signal and crank sensor signal. I've also been in contact with Vauxhall Customer assistance. does anyone know the relationship between cashaft either rising or falling signal edge and the crank shaft 'missing teeth' position?

Here is the email trial so far.


First email by me

Hello,

This is my third Vauxhall, and overall I am very impressed with all of them.

However, I have now developed a problem with my Vectra - 2004, 1.8 engine (Z18XE), LS.

The problem has a fault code (DTC) of P0340 - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction.

I have looked at the wiring and have electrical continuity between sensor and engine controller main engine plug terminals. I have even fitted a new camshaft sensor (part number 90536064) which has not solved the problem.

Would it be possible for you to speak with your technical people and obtain for me a fault diagnosis tree or a list of possible problems that can set this particular fault code, so I can troubleshoot and solve this problem which is severely limiting my cars performance and fuel economy?
Other than this, the car is driving like a dream (as usual) and I continue to be impressed with it's reliability

Please help !


Thanks and very kind regards,

Steve - A generally very satisfied Vectra - C owner / driver


Their reply.

Dear Sir

Thank you for your email dated 24 August 2009, regarding your Vauxhall Vectra.

I was sorry to learn of the problems that you have recently experienced with regard to your vehicle and can appreciate your reasons for contacting us.

I can confirm that I have been in contact with our Technical Department with regard to the fault code: P0340 stored in your vehicle.

I was advised that this fault code suggests that the problem could be connected to either the ECU, the wiring, the actual sensor or the timing belt tension. However, we are unable to advise further without your vehicle being inspected by a Vauxall or Opel dealership.

If you have any further concerns or queries please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Once again I thank you for contacting us with your problem and for allowing me to comment.

Yours sincerely



Sarah Haigh
Customer Care Manager



My response.

Thanks for your reply.


"the problem could be connected to either the ECU, the wiring, the actual sensor or the timing belt tension" - is this a comprehensive and complete list of all the reasons that this particular fault code could be flagged? Are there any other possible causes to this code being triggered?
As I have the ability to log the outputs of both crankshaft and camshaft position sensors simultaneously, can your technical people also advise me of the relation between either rising or falling edges of the camshaft signal to the 'missing teeth' position on the crankshaft.

Thanks and regards
Steve



I await their response.

[Ste]

I have just had a response.

Dear Sir

Thank you for your email dated 25 August 2009, regarding your Vauxhall Vectra.

I can appreciate that you are unable to get to a Vauxhall or Opel dealership, however, we are unable to provide any further technical advise with regard to the fault code showing on your vehicle due to company policy.

I can only apologise on behalf of Vauxhall that we were unable to assist you with your query on this occasion.

Once again I thank you for contacting us with your problem and for allowing me to comment.

Yours sincerely



Sarah Haigh
Customer Care Manager



Basically a 'go away' email. How nice !

[John C S]

No doubt that you may have seen this Ste, but here you go if you haven't.

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0340

[John C S]

Found this as well Ste,

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showth...ighlight=p0340


I remember now that crankshaft sensors can cause camshaft problem codes to come up as well. Is it worth checking signals from the crank sensor as well?

On another note, my father in law had a crank or cam sensor go on his PT Cruiser. Garage changed both. but rough running continued.

They then found chafed wiring to the sensor. They repaired the wiring an problem free since.

[Ste]

Thanks for this John, but yes I was aware of it already. This afternoon I am going to look at the signals from both cam and crank position sensors and their alignment. This is why I wanted some info on the relationship between cam signal rise / fall signal edge and crank 'missing teeth' position. I will have to derive it by doing some more work than I really intended. But once it's got - it's got. I'll post up any findings later.

I have removed the crank sensor and given it a clean already. I doubt the engine would run at all though if this sensor was defective. The engine runs with the cam sensor disconnected too (hence relying on crank sensor only for everything).

Vauxhall Customer Services have been about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.