P0341: Camshaft position sensor signal out of expected range (bank 1 or single sensor)

Camshaft position sensor range/performance

Severity: Inspect soon

P0341 means the camshaft sensor signal is present but does not look as expected. The engine usually runs, but bulletins link this code to hard starting and stalling on some models. Get it inspected soon and stop driving if the engine stalls or will not restart.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The check engine light is flashing. That means misfire bad enough to damage the catalytic converter is happening right now; Ford warns the extra exhaust heat can damage the converter and nearby parts and could cause a fire. Pull over when safe and avoid further driving, or at most drive gently and slowly to the nearest shop (EPA's own advice is to minimise driving and avoid speed and heavy loads).
Stop: The engine stalls, cuts out while driving, or cranks but will not start. A crank or cam sensor signal that drops out can shut the engine off without warning, and Toyota recalled a crank sensor fault that could stall the engine because a stall at higher speeds may increase the risk of a crash. Do not keep driving; have it towed or checked where it sits.

Source: how we rate severity

P0341 in short

P0341 means the camshaft position sensor signal is there but its timing or pattern is not what the engine computer expects. Check wiring, the sensor and, on some engines, its air gap; cam timing is a less common cause. Get it inspected soon and stop driving if it stalls.

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine computer where the camshaft is, so it can tell which cylinder is on its power stroke and time fuel injection and variable valve timing. Most engines combine it with the crankshaft sensor signal. P0341 sets when the bank 1 cam sensor signal is present but out of the expected range, for example missing or extra pulses or a signal that does not line up with the crankshaft.

On the ASE reference design, losing one cam signal sets a code and the computer parks valve timing fully retarded; if no cam signal is seen while cranking, it stores a code and shuts off the injectors, so the engine will not start. Real engines differ, but hard starting, stalling and rough running are common complaints with these codes.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Failed camshaft position sensor
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
A sensor that has stopped switching is the most direct explanation. Chrysler and Nissan bulletins for these codes replace or point to the cam sensor on specific models. A sensor can also fail intermittently, giving a signal that is present but wrong.
What would change this
Rises if supply, ground and wiring test good but the signal is missing on a scope; falls if the signal is clean while the code sets.
How to test the camshaft position sensor
Cause 2: Damaged or corroded cam sensor wiring or connector
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
On a typical design the cam sensor needs a supply, a ground and a signal wire, and a break in any of them kills the signal. Ford told technicians to inspect the cam sensor connector wiring when a new sensor did not cure P0340.
What would change this
Rises with frayed, chafed or corroded wiring, or if the signal drops out when the harness is wiggled.
How to test the camshaft position sensor
Cause 3: Sensor air gap or cam target out of specification (some engines)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Subaru found an irregular sensor plate stamping that put the cam sensor air gap out of specification on some Foresters, causing hard starts, and issued inspection procedures for cam position codes on FA and FB engines.
What would change this
Rises on the listed Subaru models or if a new sensor does not fix it; a shop measures the air gap and inspects the target.
Cause 4: Cam timing offset from a stretched chain, jumped belt or phaser problem
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
A range or performance code means the signal exists but does not line up as expected, which a timing drive problem can cause. It is less common than sensor or wiring faults and needs testing to confirm.
What would change this
Rises with crank/cam correlation codes (P0016/P0017), a timing rattle, or a scope showing the cam signal offset from the crank.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: With the engine off, find the camshaft position sensor for the bank named in the code and inspect its connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, oil, chafing or broken wires.
Use cautionTool: flashlight, service information for the sensor location
Warning:Let the engine cool first; parts near the sensor stay hot enough to burn after shutdown.
- IfDamaged or corroded wiring or connector
  It meansRepair the wiring before replacing the sensor.
  Points to: Damaged or corroded cam sensor wiring or connector
- IfWiring looks good
  It meansCheck for bulletins, then test the signal.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Ask a dealer or check the vehicle's service bulletins for this code; some makers have software updates or specific inspections.
Low riskTool: VIN, dealer or service information
- IfA bulletin lists the code for your vehicle
  It meansFollow the bulletin (software update, air gap check, and so on).
  Points to: Sensor air gap or cam target out of specification (some engines)
- IfNo bulletin applies
  It meansTest the sensor signal.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Have a shop check the sensor's supply, ground and signal and view the cam signal against the crank signal on an oscilloscope.
Best left to a shopTool: lab scope, multimeter, service information
Warning:Done with the engine cranking or running near moving parts. Leave it to a shop.
- IfSupply and ground good but no signal
  It meansThe sensor has failed.
  Points to: Failed camshaft position sensor
- IfSignal present but irregular or weak
  It meansA weak or irregular signal points to the air gap or the target on the camshaft; on listed Subaru engines follow the bulletin.
  Points to: Sensor air gap or cam target out of specification (some engines)
- IfSignal clean but offset from the crank signal
  It meansCam timing is off; check the timing drive.
  Points to: Cam timing offset from a stretched chain, jumped belt or phaser problem

Symptoms

Hard starting or long cranking
Rough running, hesitation or misfire
Engine stalls or will not start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Check engine light flashing Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

Step 1: Write down every stored code and the freeze-frame data before clearing anything, so you can tell whether the code comes back.

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

2006 · Impala
Supported by vehicle data
GM has a bulletin for stalling or rough running with P0341 and other crank or cam sensor codes on this model. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 4137.
2006 · Monte Carlo
Supported by vehicle data
GM has a bulletin for stalling or rough running with P0341 and other crank or cam sensor codes on this model. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 4137.

4137Status unverified
GM 4137: stall, engine runs rough, P0335, P0336, P0340 or P0341
2006impala, monte-carlo · NHTSA 10020234
Covers stalling or rough running with crank or cam sensor codes on the 2006 Impala and Monte Carlo. NHTSA's summary does not give the cause or repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Subaru

2013 · Forester
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru found the cam sensor air gap can be out of specification from an irregular sensor plate stamping, causing hard starts; P0341 applies to 2013 models. The fix adds a shim to the bank 1 sensor.
2012–2013 · Impreza · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0341 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · BRZ · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0341 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · Legacy · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0341 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · Outback · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0341 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · XV CrossTrek · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0341 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.

11-100-11RStatus unverified
Subaru 11-100-11R: hard starting from an out-of-spec cam sensor air gap
2011–2013forester · issued January 17, 2012 · NHTSA 10065110
An irregular stamping of the cam sensor plate can put the air gap out of specification and make the engine hard to start; a shim is added to the bank 1 cam sensor. P0341 and P0346 apply to 2013 models only.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
11-130-13RStatus unverified
Subaru 11-130-13R: difficulty starting, rough idle, cam position or misfire codes (FA and FB engines)
2011–2013brz, forester, impreza, legacy, outback, xv-crosstrek · FA, FB · issued January 28, 2014 · NHTSA 10089963
Inspection and repair procedures for intake and exhaust cam position codes (including P0340, P0341, P0345 and P0346) and P0301-P0304 on FA and FB engines: 2013 BRZ, 2011-2013 Forester, 2012-2013 Impreza, 2013 Legacy, Outback and XV Crosstrek.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P0341 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0341?

If the engine starts and runs normally, short careful trips to a shop are usually possible, but a failing camshaft position sensor can stop the engine without warning. If it has stalled, cuts out or will not restart, stop driving it and have it towed.

Will a new cam sensor fix P0341?

Sometimes, but not always. A signal that is present but wrong can come from wiring, the sensor's gap to the camshaft target, or cam timing. Inspect wiring and check for bulletins before buying a sensor.

Can P0341 mean the timing chain has jumped?

It can, but it is not the usual cause. If the cam signal is clean but offset from the crank signal, or P0016/P0017 are also stored, have the timing drive checked.

Sources and review

Safety Recall H0H Remedy Notice: Certain 2016-2017 Model Year Tacoma Crankshaft Position Sensor, Frequently Asked Questions — Toyota Motor North America , July 24, 2017
Toyota Recalls Tacoma Pickups for Stalling — Automotive Fleet , June 9, 2017
ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Test: Composite Vehicle Type 4 Reference Booklet — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
Do you drive a 1996 or newer car or light truck? (On-Board Diagnostics, EPA420-F-02-016) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
GM 4137: Stall, engine runs rough, P0335, P0336, P0340 or P0341 — General Motors (via NHTSA)
Subaru 11-100-11R: hard starting from an out-of-spec camshaft position sensor air gap — Subaru of America (via NHTSA) , January 17, 2012
Chrysler 0800108: long crank time and/or MIL from P0340/P0344, 2008 Wrangler — Chrysler LLC (via NHTSA) , February 23, 2008
Nissan 04063: MIL with P0340/P0345 and/or hard starting when warm — Nissan North America (via NHTSA) , May 24, 2004
Ford 982731: MIL with P0340 - inspect wiring at the camshaft position sensor — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA) , April 1, 1998
Subaru 11-130-13R: difficulty starting, rough idle, cam position or misfire codes (FA and FB engines) — Subaru of America (via NHTSA) , January 28, 2014
ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics — OpenExamPrep (independent study site, not affiliated with ASE)
Variable Valve Timing — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley, automotive technical writer)
FCA 18-052-22: PCM update for camshaft position sensor circuit codes, 2021 Pacifica — FCA US LLC (via NHTSA) , March 11, 2022
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) list — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Failed camshaft position sensor

Cause 2: Damaged or corroded cam sensor wiring or connector

Cause 3: Sensor air gap or cam target out of specification (some engines)

Cause 4: Cam timing offset from a stretched chain, jumped belt or phaser problem

What to test first

Step 1: With the engine off, find the camshaft position sensor for the bank named in the code and inspect its connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, oil, chafing or broken wires.

Step 2: Ask a dealer or check the vehicle's service bulletins for this code; some makers have software updates or specific inspections.

Step 3: Have a shop check the sensor's supply, ground and signal and view the cam signal against the crank signal on an oscilloscope.