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 Descriptors

DTC P0340: Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit

DTC P0341: Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Performance

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: 400-6,400 RPM. CMP Sensor parameter should match engine speed parameter.

5-Volt Reference Circuit

0 RPM

0 RPM

0 RPM

CMP 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.

P0340

    • 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.
    • The ECM detects that the engine has started, but did not received a CMP sensor pulse during the first engine revolution.
    • The ECM detects that the engine is running, but does not receive a CMP sensor pulse for 800 of 1000 engine cycles.

P0341

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

    • The ECM detects that the engine has started, but has received either of the following during the first engine revolution:
       - Less than or more than 4 CMP sensor pulses, if equipped with an automatic transmission
       - less than 4 or more than 8 CMP sensor pulses, if equipped with a manual transmission
       - OR
    • The ECM detects that the engine is running, but receives less than 398 CMP or more than 402 CMP sensor pulses per 100 engine cycles in 800 of 1000 engine cycles.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0340 and P0341 are type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0340 and P0341 are type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the 16-way engine harness to fuel injector harness connector, the CMP sensor connector, and the ECM connector for corrosion.
    • 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

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Engine Control Module Description
    •  Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Verification

  1. With the engine running, observe the CMP Sensor parameter using the scan tool. The CMP Sensor speed should match the Engine Speed parameter within 100 RPM.
  2. If the CMP Sensor speed is 0, continue with Circuit/System Testing.
  3. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, use the Live Plot function on the scan tool. Select the Engine Speed parameter and the CMP Sensor parameter. Change the minimum spec to 0 RPM for both parameters. Change the maximum spec to 1,500 RPM for both parameters.
  4. Observe the scan tool and start the engine. The graphed lines should stay together.
  5. With the engine running, use the Live Plot function on the scan tool. Select the Engine Speed parameter and the CMP Sensor parameter. Change the minimum spec to 400 RPM for both parameters. Change the maximum spec to 3,000 RPM for both parameters.
  6. Observe the scan tool and operate the vehicle under 3,000 RPM within the Conditions for Running the DTC. The graphed lines should stay together.
  7. With the engine running, use the Live Plot function on the scan tool. Select the Engine Speed parameter and the CMP Sensor parameter. Change the minimum spec to 3,000 RPM for both parameters. Change the maximum spec to 5,500 RPM for both parameters.
  8. Observe the scan tool and operate the vehicle, between 3,000-5,500 RPM, within the Conditions for Running the DTC. The graphed lines should stay together.

Circuit/System Testing

P0340

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the 16-way engine harness to fuel injector harness connector.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between ECM side of the low reference circuit 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 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 and ground.
  7. 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 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 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 16-way connector to the CMP sensor, for any damage, opens, or shorts.
  11. If the circuits test normal, replace the CMP sensor.

P0341

  1. Ignition OFF, inspect the CKP sensor for looseness and correct installation.
  2. If the sensor is loose, inspect the sensor and the O-ring for damage, replace as necessary.
  3. Inspect the engine for the following conditions:
  4. • Engine oil for debris
    • Crankshaft 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 damage components. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection and Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .

Component Test

  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. 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.

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