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P0340 on Volkswagen: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0340 on a Volkswagen 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. VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT apps often show this code as P034000; the last two digits are a failure-type byte.

Severity
High · Ignition
Typical repair cost, all makes
€45-€270

Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Volkswagen and Skanyx tells you what P0340 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.

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What does P0340 mean on a Volkswagen?

The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Volkswagen models that log P0340.

Volkswagen Golf

2005-2024

VW uses Hall-effect CMP sensors on its TSI/TFSI engines. On the EA888 the sensor sits at the back of the cylinder head and can be awkward to reach, which pushes labour up. Oil leaks from the upper timing cover are a frequent cause of sensor contamination and connector corrosion on this family, so inspect the connector for oil before condemning the sensor. Genuine VAG or Hella/Bosch sensors are the safe choice.

What causes P0340 on a Volkswagen?

Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0340 page, these are the patterns noted for Volkswagen models:

  • Upper timing cover oil leak contaminating the sensor on EA888

    : Volkswagen Golf

  • Rear cylinder-head mounting making access and replacement slower

    : Volkswagen Golf

  • Timing chain stretch on early EA888 engines shifting cam timing

    : Volkswagen Golf

How to diagnose P0340 on a Volkswagen with OBD2

  1. Scan for companion codes (P0016, P0341, P0345). P0016 alongside P0340 points toward timing chain or cam timing issues rather than a simple sensor failure
  2. Inspect the CMP sensor connector and tip for oil contamination, corrosion, bent pins, or a loose lock tab
  3. Check the sensor harness for chafed, melted, or broken wires between the connector and the ECU, and wiggle-test for an intermittent fault
  4. With the key on and engine off, confirm sensor supply voltage (typically 5V or 12V) and a good ground at the connector
  5. 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
  6. Inspect the sensor mounting and the reluctor (tone) ring on the camshaft for looseness, damage, or debris that would distort the signal
  7. 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 Volkswagen? (EUR)

Estimated repair costs for P0340 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect Volkswagen parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.

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 October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

These codes are often seen alongside P0340 or point to related issues, on any make:

Looking for the full P0340 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P0340 guide

Diagnose P0340 on your Volkswagen

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