P0340

[Kenny]

I have an '01 LE that is having an intermittant hard hesitation at highway speeds and now stalls every once in a while. It restarts after a few seconds. The code I get is P0340, Loss of Cam Position Sensor signal. Is this a commmon occurance with these cars? I DO NOT want go to the dealer if I can avoid it. Any Ideas?

[Espresso]

Check your battery cables for corrosion & tightness. Even if they seem tight corrosion between the batt terms & cable ends can make it appear tight.

I'm not sure if it is common on the PT's. But When the battery terminals get to corroded on any OBDII vehicle, that is normally what happens.
Check the connections first( also inspect the cables, for corrosion, it will be obvios if there is any).
Once you verify if they are good or not. Posot back

[SteelBlueGT]

I noticed my 03 GT has some odd looking terminals does anyone know if I need special tool to get the cable off the battery or do I just use muscle??

[AZ_IceMan]

Just use a 10mm wrench to loosen the nuts on the screws that clamp the terminals tight. then use some muscle and pull them off. Easy really, just looks difficult.

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome, Kenny.
Some have had the cam position sensor go bad - it's used for ignition.
Before you do that, I'd suggest you replace plugs & wires - that usually cures symtoms you have.
Suggest Champion platinums - NAPA has them - gap at 0.045 - and Crane wires RaceAndStreet.com.
If symptom persists, then it's the cam position sensor, and you'll have new plugs & wires.

[Kenny]

Thanks for the input, I am going to be busy this weekend. Nice forum.
I'll be around.
Kenny

[slartyblarfast]

I worked on one a couple of weeks ago with the same code. You will probably have to replace the sensor. With the engine running tap on the sensor with a screwdriver.If the engine dies it's the sensor. I would also take it to your local dealer and have him update the pcm if it hasn't been updated already. You may have to pay an hours labor but shouldn't be more than 80-90 dllars. Well worht the money. It will help with gas mileage and several other issues...

[Kenny]

WHy does it have to be updated? Curious.
Kenny

[Espresso]

You may fall under the PCM recall.
I have a 05 so I dont know if it's the same. But on mine the PCM was programmed with the wrong software.
If you had any recall work done. There should be a sticker on the dorr jamb, statign what if anything was done to the car( or go to your local dealership & have them run the VIN).

[slartyblarfast]

The updated PCM programming makes the PCM not so sensitive to sensor drop out and there are several drivability issues that it solves along with making the cruise control work in 1 mph increments when you bump the accel button.. Not vital issues but there are benefits. It's alos supposed to improve MPG but can't verifiy that...[?]