GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The camshaft position (CMP) sensor is a hall effect switching device that works in conjunction with a single tooth reluctor wheel used to determine the position of the bank 2 exhaust camshaft. The engine control module (ECM) expects the CMP sensor signal to be low, 0 volts, as the single tooth in the reluctor wheel passes the sensor, and high, 12 volts, during the remainder of the reluctor wheel rotation. The ECM supplies a 12-volt pull up voltage on the CMP sensor signal circuit. The ECM expects to see one transition from high to low every two crankshaft revolutions. This signal, when combined with the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal, enables the ECM to properly synchronize ignition timing, fuel delivery and knock control. As long as the CKP signal is available, the engine can start and run. The ECM will default to a non-sequential fuel injector operation even if there is no CMP sensor signal. If the ECM detects extra or missing CMP sensor signal transitions within a certain number of crankshaft revolutions, DTC P0341 sets.

The CMP sensor has the following circuits:

    • Ignition 1 voltage circuit
    • Low Reference circuit
    • CMP sensor signal circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The CMP signal is inconsistent for eight or more crankshaft revolutions.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause this DTC to set:
       - Camshaft reluctor wheel damage
       - Incorrect sensor installation
       - The sensor coming in contact with the reluctor wheel
       - Excessive air gap between the reluctor wheel and the sensor magnet
       - A cracked or damaged sensor
       - Foreign material passing between the sensor and the reluctor wheel
    • This DTC will set with an intermittent failure on the ignition 1 voltage circuit, the CMP sensor signal circuit, or the low reference circuit. A hard failure of any one of these circuits should set DTC P0342 or P0343.
    • The CMP sensor low reference circuit is shared with the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, and the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step inspects for electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the CMP sensor circuits.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important:: If DTC P0342 or P0343 is set, diagnose those DTC's first.

  1. Inspect all circuits going to the CMP sensor for the following conditions:
  2. • Routed too close to secondary ignition wires or components
    • Routed too close to after-market add-on electrical equipment
    • Routed too close to solenoids, relays, and motors
  3. If you find incorrect routing, correct the harness routing.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

3

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the CMP sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 4

4

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Remove the CMP sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement .
  2. Inspect the CMP sensor for signs of damage.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the reluctor wheel for signs of damage or looseness. Refer to Diagnostic Aids. If you find damage or looseness to the reluctor wheel, refer to Camshaft Replacement - Left Side in Engine Mechanical.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

7

Replace the CMP sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Does the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTC's that have not been diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK