This automotive diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0341 indicates a problem with the camshaft position sensor circuit range/performance. Several factors can trigger this code, and your mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause of your situation.
There is synchronization between the camshaft’s rotation and the engine’s crankshaft. Therefore, during engine operation, the engine computer (ECM) continuously receives the signal from the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) compared with the signal from the camshaft position sensor (CMP).
There are two reasons why the trouble code P0341 is set: the camshaft position sensor (CMP) signal is out of the expected range, or the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) signal is not timed correctly with the CMP signal.
P0341 Code Definition: Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
It indicates that the engine control module (ECM) detected that the camshaft position sensor circuit was out of specification.
It appears that the pulses of the sensor do not match those of the crankshaft sensor. The P0341 DTC code on a Honda represents an incorrect phase detected by the camshaft position sensor.
How Does The Code P0341 Honda Come Up?
During the first few seconds after engine cranking, the camshaft position sensor signal sent to the Engine Control Module(ECM) is incorrect.
An engine’s Camshaft Position Sensor measures how fast the camshaft spins by recording its position. The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses this information to control ignition and fuel injection.
By sensing the retraction of the camshaft (intake), the camshaft position sensor identifies the cylinder. It detects the piston position based on the position of the camshaft.
Sensors consist of a rotating component, typically a disc, and a static component, the sensor itself. Engine running causes the gap between the sensor and the high and low parts of the teeth to change.
Magnetic fields near the sensor are affected by the changing gap. Sensor voltage changes due to changes in the magnetic field. Camshaft position sensors control various engine parts instead of crankshaft position sensors (POS) when crankshaft position sensors fail.
How Does The Camshaft Position Sensor Work?
The position of the camshaft is monitored by the camshaft position sensor (CMP). It is necessary to install the CMP sensor into an OHV (pushrod) cylinder block. At the cylinder head of a modern DOHC engine, one or two camshaft position sensors are installed.
There are two types of CMP sensors, two-wire pick-up coils, and three-wire Hall effect sensors. Sensors based on pick-up coils create a signal, while sensors using Hall effect camshafts require a reference voltage of 5V.
Hall effect camshaft position sensors are mostly used in modern OBDII cars. When a cylinder is in the compression stroke, the engine computer (ECM) uses the signal from the camshaft position sensor to determine which cylinder is in compression.
It is also necessary to control the ignition timing, the fuel injection, and the variable valve timing system (if it is present).
What Are The Common Symptoms Of The P0341 Code?
If your OBD-II scan tool displays a P0341 code along with a Check Engine (MIL) light, you’re likely to experience these symptoms:
- Consumption of fuel increased
- There is no start, but the engine spins normally
- Over or under-idling of the engine
- Misfiring and rough running of the engine
- There may be a mild loss of engine power
- When the engine is idling, it stalls
- Sometimes there is no start (intermittent starting)
- When cruising at low speeds, the engine rolls idle and/or surges
- Aside from the MIL (depending on the vehicle), there are no symptoms at all.
- It’s hard to start
It is always possible for a cam position sensor to malfunction, and this code (or a P0340) will appear on the computer, but no other symptoms may be observed.
On some engines, cam sensors can be adjusted, for example, in the distributor or cam synchronizer that goes where the distributor once did.
Don’t try to adjust the cam sensor by guesswork; there are special tools and procedures for that. They are basically plug-and-play replacements that bolt directly to the valve cover or cam housing.
There are cam sensors in each bank of a V engine, and on some (like Nissans), one bad cam sensor can lead to a hard start.
What Can Cause The Code P0341?
Depending on the vehicle, code P0341 can have different interpretations. However, P0341 is most commonly caused by the following factors:
- Mechanisms for variable timing have problems
- It jumps a tooth on the timing belt or chain
- Chains or timing belts that are stretched
- There may be an open or short connection on the connector or wiring of the camshaft position sensor.
- Timing is incorrect
- Reluctor wheel that is damaged or misaligned
- The reluctor wheel and camshaft sensor are contaminated with foreign materials.
- Sensors that detect the position of the camshaft are faulty
- Installing a sensor incorrectly
How Serious Is The P0341 Code?
Having the Check Engine Light on will result in the vehicle failing emission tests. The engine can run rough, jerk, or misfire when the camshaft sensor signal is intermittent. A failed camshaft sensor can cause engine stalling and erratic performance.
Diagnosing The Code P0341
Ensure the camshaft position sensor connector and wiring are not damaged, corroded, or poorly connected. The ground and 5V reference voltage should be checked at the sensor connector if it’s a three-wire sensor.
During a camshaft inspection, ensure the timing is correct; a jump in the timing belt or chain can result in this code. In addition, the code P0341 may appear when the timing chain is stretched.
Timing chains that are stretched produce rattling noises lack power during acceleration and have difficulty starting. Timing chains can be stretched in various ways: Honda, for example, has a special tool to do this.
Using an oscilloscope, it is necessary to compare the signals from the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor in some cars. This is a good time to give the car a tune-up if it hasn’t been done for a while.
Camshaft sensor signals can be spiked due to high resistance in spark plugs and ignition wires. Ensure that the wiring for the camshaft position sensor is routed correctly.
Similarly, electrical interference might occur if camshaft sensor signal wires are routed too close to secondary ignition components. It is also necessary to inspect the variable valve timing system to ensure that it is working properly.
Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0341 Code
Inconsistent or no readings from the camshaft sensor result from not checking and removing the sensor.
Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0341 code
When the crankshaft sensor does not correspond to the camshaft position, P0341 is triggered. In addition to the crankshaft sensor, the diagnostic checks should also check for any problems that might lead to the code being sent.
Final Words
Code P0341 indicates there is a problem with the signal from the camshaft position sensor (CMP) on Bank 1. Possibly, the CMP signal is not synchronized with the crankshaft position sensor’s (CKP) signal or is not within the expected range.
Moreover, extended cranking periods can also set this code. It is important to keep in mind that this code will not be set unless the cam sensor signal is no longer present.
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