P0340
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit (Bank 1)
Quick answer: P0340 means camshaft Position Sensor Circuit (Bank 1). Fixing the underlying cause typically runs $130 to $590 at an independent shop. Drive gently, service soon.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Safe to drive?
- Drive gently, service soon
- Typical repair
- $130 to $590
- Most likely cause
- A failed camshaft position sensor (the most common cause, and these fail more often when hot)
What P0340 means
The camshaft position sensor tells the computer where the camshaft is, which the engine uses to time fuel injection and spark, especially for starting. P0340 means that signal has dropped out or fallen outside its expected range. Because the computer leans on this sensor to know when to fire each injector, a failing one can make the engine hard to start, cut out while driving, or refuse to start at all, which is what makes it more than just a warning light.
Common symptoms
What drivers usually notice with this code.
- Hard starting, long cranking, or an intermittent no-start
- Engine stalling while driving, sometimes restarting after it sits a moment
- Check-engine light, occasionally with a bucking or hesitation as the signal cuts in and out
- Rough running or misfire-like behavior
- A drop in power or the engine going into a reduced-power limp mode
Common causes
Ranked from most to least likely.
- 1A failed camshaft position sensor (the most common cause, and these fail more often when hot)
- 2A corroded, loose, or damaged connector at the sensor
- 3Broken, chafed, or melted wiring in the sensor circuit near the hot engine
- 4Metal debris or oil contamination on the sensor tip disturbing the signal
- 5A damaged reluctor or timing wheel the sensor reads, less common but possible
- 6A related timing or wiring fault, which is why the cam and crank sensors are sometimes checked together
Can I keep driving?
Be cautious with this one: it can cause a no-start or a sudden stall, so it is fine to drive to a shop but risky to rely on for a long trip until it is fixed.
Severity: Moderate. A flashing check-engine light always means stop, whatever the code says.
Ballpark cost
What P0340 usually costs to fix
A range, not a quote. What you pay depends on your vehicle, your area, and which of the causes above turns out to be the real one.
Typical parts and labor at an independent shop. Dealer rates run higher.
That spread is wide on purpose. P0340 points at a system, not a single part, so the real answer depends on what the diagnosis finds. Use the range to know what to expect. If an estimate comes in higher, it usually means the specific repair is more involved, and it is always fair to ask what is included.
Next steps
What to do next
The sensor itself is usually an affordable part, and on many engines it is reasonably accessible, so this is often a straightforward repair. Ask the shop to inspect the connector and wiring before condemning the sensor, since a corroded plug or a chafed wire can produce the same code for the price of a repair rather than a part. If the sensor is failing intermittently when hot, a quality or OEM sensor is worth it, because a cheap replacement is a common reason the stalling comes back a few months later.
Walk in informed
Ask for the diagnosis in writing and which test confirmed it, so you understand exactly what is being fixed. Fixxr shows you what the job typically costs near you, so you can approve the work with confidence.
Sources & further reading
- NHTSA — Check for vehicle safety recalls — look up open recalls for your vehicle by VIN, free
- FTC — Auto repair basics — your consumer rights at the repair shop
- AAA — Car repair and maintenance costs — independent guidance on what repairs should cost
Cost ranges and guidance reviewed July 2026.
Keep exploring
What the repair costs
Related symptoms
P0340 FAQ
P0340 questions, answered
Can I drive with a P0340 code?
Be cautious with this one: it can cause a no-start or a sudden stall, so it is fine to drive to a shop but risky to rely on for a long trip until it is fixed.What does the P0340 code mean?
The camshaft position sensor tells the computer where the camshaft is, which the engine uses to time fuel injection and spark, especially for starting. P0340 means that signal has dropped out or fallen outside its expected range. Because the computer leans on this sensor to know when to fire each injector, a failing one can make the engine hard to start, cut out while driving, or refuse to start at all, which is what makes it more than just a warning light.What are the most common causes of a P0340 code?
The most likely causes, roughly in order, are a failed camshaft position sensor (the most common cause, and these fail more often when hot); a corroded, loose, or damaged connector at the sensor; broken, chafed, or melted wiring in the sensor circuit near the hot engine; metal debris or oil contamination on the sensor tip disturbing the signal. The sensor itself is usually an affordable part, and on many engines it is reasonably accessible, so this is often a straightforward repair. Ask the shop to inspect the connector and wiring before condemning the sensor, since a corroded plug or a chafed wire can produce the same code for the price of a repair rather than a part. If the sensor is failing intermittently when hot, a quality or OEM sensor is worth it, because a cheap replacement is a common reason the stalling comes back a few months later.How much does it cost to fix a P0340 code?
Fixing the underlying problem behind a P0340 code typically runs $130 to $590 at an independent shop, including parts and labor. The exact figure depends on your vehicle and which part turns out to be at fault.
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