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I have a 1998 Ford Ranger with a 3.0 V6. 155k on it. The check engine light came on and when I read the error code out I got the infamous P0340 code.
Cam position sensor error. I have already replaced the sensor once (about 10k ago). I don't think that really resolved the problem. I did make sure the shaft was clean as well as the connectors. Does anyone have any suggestions? The plug to the sensors has 2 wires. When I got the part I had to go a Ford dealer, the part cross referenced to the shesor used on a Taurus V6. The parts manger told me it was probley just a bad cross reference.
Do you know if yours is a Hall effect or Variable reluctance synchroniser ? I believe the 2 wire is Hall effect. The code means that the ECU is not recieving the TDC signal from the sensor circuit. The problem can be electrical or mechanical. The synchroniser (drive unit) can fail (the actuating vane can disintegrate or the magnet can fall out of the sensor causing the demise of the synchroniser). If you unplug it & connect up a voltmeter to the sensor plug & crank over the engine, you should get a pulsing reading on the voltmeter (will be low voltage; an analogue meter is best). If this is O.K. check the wiring towards the ECU for breaks or other damage or shorts.
Did you move the synchroniser ? if you did then it's likely that it needs re-timing. The ECU expects to see the signal within certain preset limits if it does not it throws the code. The engine runs on alternative strategy while the light is on.