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Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction?

Tiny
AREEVES_2001
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
I have to get my van smogged for registration, but my check engine light is on. I borrowed a computer reader from a friend and got code-P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction. Can I fix this on my own or should I take it to a mechanic? If I can fix this on my own HOW?
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 1:23 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
SCHRIMPIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 166 POSTS
Believe me, it may seem a little intimidating at first, but if you can get Cyl #1 at 26 degrees after TDC as and make the mark on the crank pulley as described in Step 2, you will be successful.

The article does not mention, however, that the 26 degrees A-TDC needs to be on the COMPRESSION stroke, not the exhaust stroke. If you get your crank on the exhaust stroke, you'll get the code again. Be sure you are on the compression stroke.

I've done this on several Ford V-6 engines and the procedure is flawless!

However, similarily, I've encountered the CMP sensor completely destroyed as well, causing the fault code. This sometimes requires removal of the CMP shaft assembly if the little rotating tab is damaged (where the plasitc CMP sensor actually sits on).

You'll need to move a few items from the immediate area (power steering hoses, serp belt, etc) to gain access to the CMP sensor, but with a little patience, the process is straight-forward.
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008 AT 11:13 PM
Tiny
STEPHEN QUIGG
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
What happened to step two and the article?
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Here are the complete instructions on ow to replace the camshaft angle sensor. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
STEPHEN QUIGG
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Was wondering. Wouldn't it be simpler to use the alignment tool on the old unit, bumping or turning the engine until you could line it up with the tool? Then remove the unit and use the tool on the new one to reinstall. Rather than trying to find 27 degrees after TDC?
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yep, you are correct, it is easier to proceed with the alignment before the removal of the old unit. Just make sure the alignment is still okay with the new part. You may need to move the oil pump drive rod slightly FYI.
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Friday, April 21st, 2023 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
STEPHEN QUIGG
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Okay. On oil pump drive rod, in the past with distributor rigs I've taken an old distributor apart, removed the drive shaft, and modifying it so as to be able to use the oil pump socket on its end to reposition the oil pump drive rod. Would this be able to be done with the old CMP shaft assembly?
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yes, a lot of people do just that. You can disable the CMP and use the drive rod as an alignment tool.
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
STEPHEN QUIGG
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Thanks muchly
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 12:20 PM

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