Fault Code Help Required Please

[dt7734]

Hi Everyone

My Zed has been playing up just recently, the engine has been cutting out at idle on a few occasions and I've noticed that she seems unwillingly to rev smoothly past 4k revs, also considering it is a 2.0 6 cylinder running on super unleaded power seems a tad low too.

I've done a basic OBD2 scan using a streetwise scan tool from Euro Car Parts and it's showing 1 fault code which is:

P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor A - Bank 1 Circuit Malfunction

Has anyone had this fault code on their car before and is it likely to be causing the problems I'm currently having?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[Sean d]

I think its quite a common problem and will require a new camshaft sensor, I think you can unplug it and see how it runs, not sure though, someone will be along with greater knowledge soon.

 

[colb]

Unplugging it will stop the car starting, it needs the signal it produces to run. Unplugging the Maf works as a test as unplugged the Maf switches to default settings. If you have the camshaft sensor code, first thing check the wiring for damage or bad connections, if all good then best replace with an OEM seensor, don't waste money on cheap pattern parts they seldom work for long if at all.

 

[NZ00Z3]

+1 on getting only BMW sensors, tried others and went back to BMW to fix the problem once and for all.

The Engine uses the inlet cam sensor for the ignition timing. Lose the sensor signal and the car stops. Sometimes when trying to start the car, it will long crank then fire and run but on low power. If the inlet cam signal is not present during starting (long crank), the DME will default to the crank sensor for timing. As the DME does not know the position of the inlet cam, it sets the VANOS to a default setting (low power) and leaves it there. This is the get home mode.

 

[t-tony]

Sounds like inlet cam sensor.

Tony.

 

[dt7734]

I’ve just priced a Camshaft position sensor up from Blue Bell BMW and it is £117
I was thinking of taking it off the car and checking/cleaning the electrical connections on the plugs then re-fitting and scanning again.
Is there anyway I can test it when off the car before I commit myself to orderering a new replacement?

 

[Mazza]

It could be worth getting a quote from Mark Hanson ( Parts Dept) Sopers of Lincoln BMW, and mention you are on this forum. May get a better price.

 

[mwpe]

I had this problem on my E46, new sensor from Sopers and it was OK.
https://zroadster.org/threads/welcome-to-soper-of-lincoln-bmw-parts.3137/

 

[dt7734]

It could be worth getting a quote from Mark Hanson ( Parts Dept) Sopers of Lincoln BMW, and mention you are on this forum. May get a better price.

Spoke to Mark and he offered the sensor at trade price
When I spoke to my local dealer they matched the offer for being a member on here.
Result, thankyou

 

[dt7734]

Fitted the sensor yesterday.
WOW, what a difference, it has transformed the car totally!
When I purchased the car 12 months ago it ran ok with no particular issues, even drove to Le Mans and back with no dramas.
However, over time I think it has deteriorated until it became undriveable.
Fitting the new sensor has stopped the engine from cutting out, improved performance dramatically and I guess has improved fuel economy.
The fault code has also cleared
Thankyou to everyone for your help and advice

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Damn. Went out in mine today, was running fine until it wasn't. Started cutting out and generally messing about, went all gutless going up a (steep) hill, so I plugged in the code reader and it gave me P0344. Inlet cam sensor. Bu66er. Looks like I'll be spending again soon. Seemed to be losing a couple of MPG recently, guess that could be part of it.

 

[dt7734]

Seems to be a fairly common fault from what I have been reading on here.

 

[Pingu]

Too late, but salvaged sensors are good to use. They either work or they don't.

 

[Ianmc]

Have found that lots of parts on BMWs (E36 and Z3s) become "consumables" around the 20 year mark, including camshaft sensors, radiators, water pumps. Good news is that they should last for another 20 years when replaced!

 

[the Nefyn cat]

What? You mean they didn't build these to last forever? Next you'll be suggesting it's some kind of conspiracy to make us all buy new cars. Damn these cunning manufacturers.