CAM shaft position sensor

Tiny
BHALL1331
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
I have replaced the camshaft sensor four times in less than six months. Just last week the engine light came on again and it was replaced again under the warranty I got with the part. Now a week later I pulled out of my driveway today and the engine light came on, and the car is doing the same thing it did last week symptoms of a camshaft sensor. We put it on the OBDII scanner that we have and it read camshaft position sensor (P0344). Also sometimes lately my car will not start in park but it will start in neutral. Please help? What could be causing these brand new sensors to go bad? Could it be the crankshaft position sensor? We have checked the wiring it seems to be fine.
Thursday, October 16th, 2008 AT 10:07 PM

24 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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Yes it is possible that the crank sensor is doing it. Sometimes if the PCM sees a bad correlation between the two, it will give a code that is a little off track.Also sounds liek you may have a bad neutral safety switch, or trans position sensor, which ever they are calling it on your car

Here is how to change the sensor out with diagrams below to show you on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008 AT 10:23 PM
Tiny
BHALL1331
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Thanks so much. I have a friend that is coming over sometime this week who works at a dealership as a mechanic. So hopefully we can figure out whats going on. He also mentioned some type of magnet, are you aware of what he could be talking about?
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008 AT 11:05 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Not right off hand. I would be interested to know what he is talking about though
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008 AT 11:26 PM
Tiny
BHALL1331
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I believe maybe he said it could have been an interupter magnet. I am not 100% sure though. I will get back to you and let you know for sure.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008 AT 11:39 PM
Tiny
ALLIEDON1961
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
Engine Performance problem
2005 Dodge Neon 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 50k miles

hi, my daughters check engine light keeps comming on. It was read they said it was the cam sensor. The engine runs very rough. Where is this sensor located so I can change it or is there a bigger problem.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_cs_1.gif



https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals_alldata.htm
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BROTHERSTOVE
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 68,000 MILES
I just went in to have a Cam Shaft Sensor replaced on my car and I checked to see if the code came back up and it did. 0340. I just paid over $100 to find out there may be something else. If this part replacement isn't it, what could cause the code to come back up? A set of "wires" of some sort, I believe the mechanic called it the connector (?), Came in the box and I was asked if I wanted to install that as well and that the old connector looked fine for now so I didn't have him install the new one. I didn't have the time or the extra money to have this done. I fear this was a bad decision.

Should I be concerned? If this did fix things, is there a way to reset the code so I won't see it again if I check for it or am I just screwed? Thanks in advance for your time and answer.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
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P0340


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic1_279.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic3_62.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic2_127.jpg



Cam signal is monitored during engine cranking after a specified number of crankshaft position sensor signals have been detected. DTC may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when no signal is received from Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor when crankshaft position sensor signal exists. Possible causes are: engine does not start, defective camshaft position sensor or target magnet, defective PCM, or defective connectors or wiring.

DTC P0340: NO CAM SIGNAL AT PCM

1.Turn ignition on with engine off. Using scan tool, check for DTCs. If global good trip counter is displayed and equal to zero, go to next step. If global good trip counter is not displayed and equal to zero, go to step 12 .

2.Turn ignition off. Disconnect connector at camshaft position sensor. Camshaft position sensor is located on rear of cylinder head, just below valve cover. connector for corroded, pushed out, miswired or damaged terminals. If terminals are not corroded, pushed out, miswired or damaged, go to next step. If terminals are corroded, pushed out, miswired or damaged, repair as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5A .

3.Turn ignition on with engine off. Using voltmeter, check voltage at terminal No. 1 (Orange wire) on connector for camshaft position sensor. If voltage is more than 7 volts, go to next step. If voltage is 7 volts or less, repair open circuit on Orange wire between camshaft position sensor and PCM. PCM is located at driver's side front corner of engine compartment, between battery and fender. Perform TEST VER-5A .

4.Using ohmmeter, check resistance between ground and terminal No. 2 (Black/Light Blue wire) on connector for camshaft position sensor. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open circuit on Black/Light Blue wire between PCM and camshaft position sensor. PCM is located at driver's side front corner of engine compartment, between battery and fender. Perform TEST VER-5A .

5.Turn ignition on with engine off. Using scan tool, monitor Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor state while momentarily connecting jumper wire between terminals No. 2 (Black/Light Blue wire) and No. 3 (Tan/Yellow wire) on connector for camshaft position sensor. If CMP sensor state changes, go to next step. If CMP sensor state does not change, go to step 7 .

6.Turn ignition off. Remove camshaft position sensor from cylinder head. Inspect target magnet and locating dowels for damage or misalignment. Replace target magnet and locating dowels if damaged or misaligned. Perform TEST VER-5A . If target magnet and locating dowels are okay, replace camshaft position sensor.

7.Turn ignition off. Disconnect connectors at PCM. PCM is located at driver's side front corner of engine compartment, between battery and fender.

8.Using ohmmeter, check resistance between terminals No. 1 (Orange wire) and No. 3 (Tan/Yellow wire) on connector for camshaft position sensor. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, go to next step. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair short circuit between Orange wire and Tan/Yellow wire
between camshaft position sensor and PCM. Perform TEST VER-5A .

9.Using ohmmeter, check resistance between terminal No. 3 (Tan/Yellow wire) on connector for camshaft position sensor and PCM connector terminal No. 33 (Tan/Yellow wire). If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open circuit on Tan/Yellow wire between PCM and camshaft position sensor. Perform TEST VER-5A .

10.With connectors at PCM disconnected, use ohmmeter to check resistance between ground and terminal No. 3 (Tan/Yellow wire) on connector for camshaft position sensor. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, go to next step. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair short to ground on Tan/Yellow wire between PCM and camshaft position sensor. Perform TEST VER-5A .

11.With connectors at PCM disconnected, use ohmmeter to check resistance between terminals No. 2 (Black/Light Blue wire) and No. 3 (Tan/Yellow wire) on connector for camshaft position sensor. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, replace PCM. Perform TEST VER-5A . If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair short circuit between Black/Light Blue and Tan/Yellow wire between PCM and camshaft position sensor. Perform TEST VER-5A .

12.Attempt to start engine. If engine starts, go to next step. If engine does not start, perform TEST NS-SEL: NO START TEST SELECTION .

13.Turn engine off. Inspect wiring and connectors between camshaft position sensor and PCM. Camshaft position sensor is located on rear of cylinder head, just below valve cover. PCM is located at driver's side front corner of engine compartment, between battery and fender. If no problems exist, test is complete. If any problems exist, repair wiring or connectors as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5A .
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ITSMYNEON
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
Sunday, I was on my way home from church when the car started jer4king as though it wasn't getting enough gas. The check engine light was on so I took it to AutoZone and they ran a diagnostics check. They said it is my cam sensor. They did not have the part in stock, so I ordered it and am waiting for it to arrive. I would like to know where the cam sensor is located and what I need to do to replace it. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
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Hello, not sure of engine litre size? The sensor may be located driverside end of cylinder head.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_05_dodge_neon_1.jpg

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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS1961
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
2005 Dodge Neon 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

where is the cam sensor
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
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Hi Chris,

It should be located at the rear of the head....


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/188069_05neonsensors_1.jpg



.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHELLE45
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  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
Sometimes when my engine light comes on my car seems like it will not get enough gas and will stall out. Then it will go again, then it will stall and then finally once I get to around 40 it will go fine, but once I get to 59mph that is it. It will not go over 59. When you do( or when you are accelerating) The car jerks you so hard. They said the camshaft sensor needs to be replaced. If I crank the car and the light does not come on the car will run like a gem Why does this happen sometimes?
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
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The camshaft position sensor is full of electronic circuitry. Electronics is notorious for causing intermittent problems. That's why it can work fine one minute and not a little later. Heat is also the deadly enemy of electronics. Engine heat can cause an intermittent problem to show up.

The engine computer will detect problems with the cam sensor, memorize a diagnostic fault code, and turn on the Check Engine light. Those codes are the clues your mechanic uses to find the circuit or system with the problem.

Caradiodoc
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MATT FOSMIRE
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 33,000 MILES
When driving the car it was studdering, it does it when it gets up to 2 rpm'sthe check engine light comes on and when check it says cam shaft sencor. Im think starten the easy way and just adden dry gas or fuel treatment to see if something is in the gas. Any ideas.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
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I think your pretty smart. Oh yeah but it probably won't go away. See what happens, then replace this sensor or test its circuit. Probably just a bad sensor. The fuel system should not cause this but it is a start. Low mileage may mean a bad sensor could be the only problem. How did you get this information(please not Autozone)?
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WHATNOW_ALWAYSSOMETHIN
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  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
My car has been sputterin' when I try to pull off from a stop sign or red light. It's just very sluggish and shaky. I put it on the diagnostic machine at Auto zone and they said it was the spark plugs.I then took it to Advance, and they hooked it up to the same kind of machine, only THAT one said it was the cam-shaft sensor. PLEASE HELP! I'm a single mom with very little knowledge of cars. How do I know which part to buy?
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
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I think it would be best to call around for a repair shop that employs any technician who has ASE L1 certification, because the Neon may have misfire codes from many assorted problems showing up.
Try changing or looking at the plugs or getting a more precise scan from a shop instead of a parts store. The plugs, crank sensor, and many other parts, even more expensive may be bad. Ok Have you had it tuned up recently, it may need a tune-up. You can read all about how changing the plugs are part of this.
If you write down the codes and post your situation it would help. The Neon had some valve timing belt problems also.
Try and get a ride, take it slowly, at this point it may be better to trade it in, I know it is only 4 years old, but it is a smaller engine.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WHATNOW_ALWAYSSOMETHIN
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After I posted this question, the car just "magically" stopped having that problem, so I assumed it was just bad gas. But NOW...(a couple months later) the problem has returned. It doesn't ALWAYS do it though. 9 times out of 10, it happens first thing in the morning, and usually always on very COLD mornings. (Don't know if that's just a coincidence or not, but I thought it was worth a mention) I've scheduled the car for a tune up in 3 days at a place where they hook up the really expensive diagnostic machine (as opposed to the cheaper ones at the parts stores) & (if this site will allow me to reply twice) I'll post the results here. I'll also ask them to check the valve timing belt then. I had planned on replacing it at 90,000 miles anyway, to avoid a more costly replacement in the future. I truly wish I could trade the car in as you suggested, but unfortunately, it's not paid off yet, so I'm stuck with it for the time being. I've been lucky though. It hasn't had any problems in the two years I've had it, other than the one I've described here, and I've kept up with the oil changes. Hopefully, the upcoming tune up will take care of that, as well as any other problems. (For now anyway...Knock on wood!) Thank you so much for your time & expertise! :) Sincerely, -Nikki (A single mom who really wishes she knew more about cars!!) ;)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/450256_menikki_1.jpg

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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
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Nikki, for a single mom your not doing too bad when it comes to cars. Have it tuned up and take it from there, I don't see any reason you can't post as many questions as you like and good luck, your welcome. Anytime
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (Merged)

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