P0340 Error question, among others....

[Mutiny]

Hi, obviously Im new so if theres any forum etiquette Im breaking please let me know.

A little back story on my Saturn. Its a 2002 L100 with an automatic transmission. About 3 years ago it died. It was not under my care so nothing was done to fix it. Now Im getting around to fixing it and am have some issues.

When I started working onthe car I was getting a P0300 error. Random/multiple Misfire. The engine was violently when in gear or sat in park for a while. While trying to burn off some old fuel I blew the exhaust resonator wide open. After that I got down to business.

So far Ive replace the battery, catalytic converter, exhaust resonator, coil pack and ignition pack along with the spark plugs. Also the fuel filter. The car is running sooo much smoother now.

This leads me to the P0340 error code. Im having a hard time understanding or finding out if there is an actual camshaft sensor I need to check or replace and if so where it is located. Or should I check the wiring and connections? Or is it the crankshaft sensor I need to look for?

Also my rear blinkers and reverse lights are not working. Running lights and brake lights work fine. Fuses are fine. New bulbs, no dice. This is probably what I need most of all so I can get my brake tag.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[fdryer]

The only forum etiquette around here are posting is some manner of English without texting and foul language best left to immature members going elsewhere if not able to write in coherent sentences. Your perfect writing skills qualify you for immediate gifts - sharing info second to none unless paying for repairs is a priority. No one pays here for free info.

With a car left as a lawn ornament for three years, it's great you were able to get the car running again. Cars don't like sitting still as tires develop a flat spot, converters rot from inside out, connections oxidize, gas goes stale, etc.. P0340 can be ignored partially since your engine doesn't have a cam sensor. Crank sensor yes and its working because the engine runs. The cam sensor error is an electronic error in programming as it relates to the entire ignition system; ignition coil pack, wires if any and spark plugs. Use only recommended plugs for best performance. Presuming yours is the 2.2L and not the 3.0L V6 (using cam and crank shaft sensors), it may be the car crying for attention until some more engine run time is done, driving the car.

The turn signals not active at all on all four corners? This may be a corroded turn signal assembly needing some exercise and/or some electrical contact cleaner/lube to deoxidize the contacts not used in several years. I'm not sure where the reverse light switch is at the moment. Theoretically, it should be in the shift lever assembly.

[pierrot]

Originally Posted by Mutiny

Hi, obviously Im new so if theres any forum etiquette Im breaking please let me know.

A little back story on my Saturn. Its a 2002 L100 with an automatic transmission. About 3 years ago it died. It was not under my care so nothing was done to fix it. Now Im getting around to fixing it and am have some issues.

When I started working onthe car I was getting a P0300 error. Random/multiple Misfire. The engine was violently when in gear or sat in park for a while. While trying to burn off some old fuel I blew the exhaust resonator wide open. After that I got down to business.

So far Ive replace the battery, catalytic converter, exhaust resonator, coil pack and ignition pack along with the spark plugs. Also the fuel filter. The car is running sooo much smoother now.

This leads me to the P0340 error code. Im having a hard time understanding or finding out if there is an actual camshaft sensor I need to check or replace and if so where it is located. Or should I check the wiring and connections? Or is it the crankshaft sensor I need to look for?

Welcome to SaturnFans!

P0340, CMP Sensor Circuit: there is no dedicated camshaft position sensor. The circuit includes the following components: Powertrain Control Module (PCM); Electronic Ignition Module (EIM, sometimes ICM [Ignition Control Module]), ignition coils and spark plugs.

In short, the system utilizes voltage signals communicating between the EIM and coils when the engine is running and sends a signal back to the PCM to verify firing order and calculate engine compression. If the PCM calculations do not equal set values during 35 crank revolutions when MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) is greater than 30kPa then the DTC P0340 is set.

The 2000 FSM trouble tree leads to faulty EIM, PCM, an open or a short in circuit 633. To determine which of these may be the source of the problem via the trouble tree, one needs the GM Tech II Scan Tool. Make sure that all of your contacts are tight at the EIM and ignition coil mountings, and that EIM contacts to the PCM wiring are good. Is your engine running well otherwise? If yes, then I would attempt to clear the code and wait for it to appear again. If it stays the CEL stays off then you're done. If it comes back then you know that more in depth diagnosis needs to be performed by a qualified mechanic.

Originally Posted by Mutiny

Also my rear blinkers and reverse lights are not working. Running lights and brake lights work fine. Fuses are fine. New bulbs, no dice. This is probably what I need most of all so I can get my brake tag.

Are the turn signal indicators functioning at the front of the car? Have you checked for power at the reverse light and turn signal sockets?

Perhaps these issues may have been part of a recall. Check with GM as to whether or not there are any outstanding recalls on your vehicle by doing an online chat at the link below. Have the VIN with you when you contact them.

https://www.saturn.com/toolbar/contact_us.html

[flyingj]

Looking into the P0340 code, it looks like it would truly be a hard thing to diagnose without the help of a GM tech. I agree that running it and knocking the rust of the motor may be the best first course of action if it is running properly.

Here is the technical description and troubleshooing process for that code, so you understand why working with a tech is recommended:

DTC PARAMETERS
DTC P0340 will set if the PCM does not detect any change in the "cam signal in" input for 35 crankshaft revolutions (70 combustion events) when MAP is greater than 30 kPa .

DTC P0340 diagnostic runs once during engine crank or initial start.

P0340 is a (type B) DTC

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

IMPORTANT: If DTC P0336 is also set, diagnose that DTC first. An intermittent crank signal will result in an interrupted cam signal and may set this DTC.

To locate an intermittent problem, use Scan tool to monitor CMP ACTIVE COUNTER while running engine. The counter should continuously count up to 255 then reset to zero. The counter will stop counting if a fault occurs in the cam signal circuit.

In order for this DTC to set, a fault must exist on cam signal circuit 633 or low resistance must exist in both the #1 and #3 secondary ignition system or high resistance must exist in both the #4 and #2 secondary ignition system.

If an open or short to ground occurs in circuit 633, CALC. COMPRESSION OUPUT on Scan tool will read 00000000. If a short to voltage occurs, the display will read 00001111.

A missing cam pulse without a cylinder misfire may not affect engine operation.

[Mutiny]

Thank you all for responding.

The recall on the rear lights has been taken care of before, but its my understanding that issue affected the brake lights and running lights.

Regarding the rear turn signals and the back up lights, those are the only four that dont. All of the front bulbs work, signals and headlamps. Is it possible that the sockets have gone bad? I find it odd that none of them work. Unless its on its own circuit.

[born again]

WAG. Ground pack (bad) near the rear of the vehicle?

Regarding P0340 this may not go away until the car has been driven some. Can you get a transport permit in your area? At least 2 tanks of fuel and as many "Italian Tune Ups" as you can work in. Also disconnect and spray all the electrical connectors you can find related to ignition and engine sensors. Also at this age you may still be able to get an emissions pass if you reset the codes and after a drive cycle you have fewer than the allowed "not ready" tests.

[Mutiny]

Where is the WAG pack located?

[flyingj]

WAG = Wild Ass Guess

[Mutiny]

Lol IR dumb. I was looking online for that.

[pierrot]

That makes two of us, Mutiny, I didn't know that either! I am really ignorant of these new message acronyms.

[flyingj]

No worries, there have been plenty of TLA's that I have had to use the Google for

TLA = Three Letter Acronym

[Mutiny]

Well, I got all of my rear lights working!!! Cleaned off all of my terminals and socket connections. They didnt look too bad, but I used a wire brush to get at it.

All I need now is 2 tires and brakes and its back on the road! ::dancing nana::

[floridasl22002]

Mutiny,
Just a suggestion. Slop some dialectric grease or Vaseline in the lap holders/ bulbs and that will help keep corrosion at bay.

[Mutiny]

Will do. Thx for the tip.