P0340 on Nissan: Causes, Symptoms, Fix Cost

What does P0340 mean on a Nissan?

P0340 is the Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction code: the engine computer is not getting a valid signal from the camshaft position (CMP) sensor, which it needs to time fuel injection and ignition to the right cylinder. The most common cause is a failed CMP sensor itself. Typical symptoms are hard starting, no-start, or sudden stalling. A replacement sensor and labour usually runs about 40 to 180 euros.

Nissan Pathfinder

2005-2020

The VQ-series V6 (VQ35DE and VQ40DE in the Pathfinder, Murano, Maxima, Altima 3.5 and 350Z) is well documented for camshaft and crankshaft position sensor failure that gets worse as the engine warms up, causing stalling and a hard hot-restart that clears once it cools. Nissan revised these sensors, so an OEM part is recommended because aftermarket sensors often fail again quickly.

What causes P0340 on a Nissan?

Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0340 page, these are the Nissan-specific patterns we see most often:

Nissan PathfinderHeat-sensitive camshaft position sensor failure on the VQ V6 (stalls when hot)

Nissan PathfinderCrankshaft position sensor failing on the same engines, often together

Nissan PathfinderConnector or wiring corrosion at the sensor on high-mileage examples

How to diagnose P0340 on a Nissan with OBD2

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0340:

Scan for companion codes (P0016, P0341, P0345). P0016 alongside P0340 points toward timing chain or cam timing issues rather than a simple sensor failure
Inspect the CMP sensor connector and tip for oil contamination, corrosion, bent pins, or a loose lock tab
Check the sensor harness for chafed, melted, or broken wires between the connector and the ECU, and wiggle-test for an intermittent fault
With the key on and engine off, confirm sensor supply voltage (typically 5V or 12V) and a good ground at the connector
Measure sensor resistance with a multimeter on magnetic types and compare to the manufacturer spec (often 200-2000 ohms); Hall-effect types are tested by watching the signal on a scope or scan tool while cranking
Inspect the sensor mounting and the reluctor (tone) ring on the camshaft for looseness, damage, or debris that would distort the signal
If the sensor, wiring, and reluctor ring all test good, check timing chain stretch and cam timing as the root cause

How much does P0340 cost to fix on a Nissan? (EUR)

Estimated repair costs on a Nissan (Nissan costs align with the average for this code across makes).

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Replace camshaft position sensor	€20–€80	€30–€120	€50–€200	Moderate
Repair wiring or connector	€5–€20	€40–€150	€45–€170	Moderate
Replace camshaft position sensor (OEM)	€40–€150	€30–€120	€70–€270	Moderate

Prices estimated as of May 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

These codes commonly cluster with P0340 on Nissan vehicles:

P0341Nissan P0342Nissan P0343NissanP0345P0016Nissan

FAQ: P0340 on Nissan

What does code P0340 mean?

P0340 is the Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction code. It means the engine computer is not receiving a usable signal from the camshaft position sensor. The ECU uses that signal to know where the camshaft is and to time fuel injection and ignition, so a lost or erratic signal directly affects whether the engine starts and runs.

What are the symptoms of P0340?

The most common signs are hard starting or a no-start where the engine cranks but will not fire, sudden stalling, rough idle, hesitation, and loss of power. The check engine light is on, and some vehicles drop into reduced-power limp mode. Symptoms can be intermittent, coming and going as the sensor or its wiring fails.

What causes a P0340 code?

By far the most common cause is a failed camshaft position sensor. After that comes damaged or corroded wiring and connectors, oil contamination on the sensor from a leaking valve cover or timing cover gasket, and a worn or damaged reluctor (tone) ring on the camshaft. Less often it is timing chain stretch shifting the cam timing, which usually also sets P0016.

Is it safe to drive with a P0340 code?

Not really. If the engine starts and runs you can drive a short distance to a shop, but an intermittently failing CMP sensor can stall the engine without warning, which is dangerous in traffic. If the car stalls unpredictably or will not restart, do not drive it, have it towed.

How do you fix and clear a P0340 code?

In most cases the fix is replacing the camshaft position sensor, then clearing the code with a scan tool and confirming it does not return on a test drive. First check and repair any oil-soaked connector or damaged wiring, since a fresh sensor will not cure a wiring fault. If the sensor and wiring are good, the reluctor ring and timing chain need inspection before the code will clear for good.

How much does it cost to fix P0340, and does bank 1 versus bank 2 matter?

A camshaft position sensor replacement typically costs about 40 to 180 euros including labour, with the sensor itself often 20 to 80 euros and labour 30 to 120 euros. P0340 refers to the bank 1 (or only) sensor on inline engines, while P0345 is the matching bank 2 sensor on V6 and V8 engines. On most cars the sensor is accessible on the cylinder head, so cost stays low; tucked-away locations on some turbo engines raise the labour.

P0340 on Nissan: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost