GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

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

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0340: Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5-Volt Reference Circuit

P0641, P0452, P0107, P0532, P0522

P0340

P0641

--

CMP Sensor Signal Circuit

P0340

P0340

P0340

P0341

Low Reference Circuit

--

P0340

P0340

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

CMP Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine Running

Parameter Normal Range: 400-6400 RPM. CMP Sensor parameter should match engine speed parameter.

5-Volt Reference Circuit

0 RPM

0 RPM

0 RPM

CKP Sensor Signal Circuit

0 RPM

0 RPM

0 RPM

Low Reference Circuit

Same as Engine Speed

0 RPM

0 RPM

Circuit/System Description

The 4X camshaft position (CMP) sensor circuits consist of an engine control module (ECM) supplied 5-volt reference circuit, low reference circuit, and an output signal circuit. The CMP 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 CMP 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 CMP 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 CMP 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

    • DTC P0335, P0336, P0641 or P0651 is not set.
    • The engine is cranking or running.
    • The DTCs run continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Important: The ECM detects engine movement by sensing the airflow through the mass air flow (MAF) sensor is more than 3 g/s, or by sensing crankshaft position (CKP) sensor pulses.

    • The ECM detects that the starter is commanded on and the engine has been cranking for more than 4 seconds without a CMP sensor pulse.
        OR
    • The ECM detects that the engine has started, but did not received a CMP sensor pulse during the first engine revolution.
        OR
    • The ECM detects that the engine is running, but does not receive a CMP sensor pulse for 800 of 1,000 engine cycles.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0340 is a Type B DTC.
    • The CMP actuator is commanded to the home or parked position.
    • The ignition system defaults to a failed CMP sensor limp home mode.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0340 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

With a DTC set, the engine may crank for an extended period of time at start-up.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. With the ignition OFF, inspect the engine wiring harnesses carrying the CMP sensor circuits for the following conditions:
  2. • Close routing of secondary ignition wires
    • 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.
  3. Start the engine. Using the Live Plot function on the scan tool, select the CMP parameter. Change the minimum spec to 400 RPM and the maximum spec to 4,000 RPM. Select the CKP sensor parameter. Change the minimum spec to 600 RPM and the maximum spec to 3,300 RPM.
  4. Observe the scan tool.
  5. Quickly accelerate and release the accelerator pedal several times. Do not exceed 3,200 RPM. The graphed lines on the Live Plot display should track together across the screen.
  6. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification test, operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the multi-way engine harness to fuel injector harness connector X102.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between ECM side of the low reference circuit terminal P and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the ECM side of the 5-volt reference circuit terminal N and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt 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-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the ECM side of the signal circuit terminal R and ground.
  7. If less than the specified range, test the affected 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.
  8. Ignition ON, using a jumper wire connected to ground, momentarily touch the CMP sensor signal circuit terminal R repeatedly. The CMP active counter parameter should increment.
  9. If the CMP active counter does not increment, replace the ECM.
  10. Ignition OFF, inspect the wiring harness, from the multi-way connector to the CMP sensor, for any damage, opens, or shorts.
  11. If the circuits test normal replace the CMP sensor.

Component Testing

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

  1. Inspect the CMP sensor for looseness and correct installation. Remove the CMP sensor from the engine and inspect the sensor and the O-ring for damage.
  2. If the sensor is loose, incorrectly installed, or damaged. Repair or replace the CMP sensor.
  3. Connect the CMP sensor connector to the CMP sensor. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Ignition ON and engine OFF. Observe the CMP Active Counter parameter on the scan tool; pass a steel object by the tip of the sensor repeatedly. The CMP Active Counter parameter should increment.
  5. If the parameter does not increment, replace the CMP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement for CMP sensor replacement