Check Engine light and camshaft position sensor code

The Check Engine Light goes on and off. Also, the camshaft position sensor code is preventing me from passing a smog check.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi. If you have a camshaft position sensor code that is coming up, then that is why the Check Engine Light is coming off and on. Most of the time, this is caused by a sensor failure, but it can also happen if the cam timing is off. If the timing belt has not been changed on the engine, then it may be worn out and is affecting the valve timing which will trigger these codes. A mechanic would typically inspect the valve timing and also check to see if the cam sensor is falling within resistance specifications. I would recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the Check Engine Light and repair any damaged parts.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

In most cases, a faulty camshaft position sensor will cause a vehicle`s check engine light to illuminate. This occurs when one or more timing-related diagnostic trouble codes are logged by a vehicle`s PCM.
What Does Audi A4 Code P0016 Mean? Audi A4 P0016 definition: The correlation of the camshaft and crankshaft positions on bank 1 is incorrect based on the intake camshaft position sensor.
This will cause the Check Engine Light to come on. A P0340 error code indicates a problem with the Camshaft Position Sensor A circuit.
The P000A OBD diagnostic error code indicates that there is an issue with the car`s `A` camshaft position, particularly in Bank 1, and shows that there is a slow response. This is a generic powertrain domestic trouble code for cars equipped with variable valve or cam timing.
Error code P0340 indicates a malfunction with the camshaft position sensor A circuit. This type of malfunction can cause serious issues that require immediate repair because the underlying cause of the code could damage your vehicle`s engine if you continue to drive it.
An open circuit within the wiring. A failed powertrain control module. Grounded, broken, or shorted wire or connector in the circuit. A damaged or failed camshaft or crankshaft position sensor.
The Camshaft Position Sensor monitors the rotating position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft position. This data is sent to the vehicle`s ECU, where it is used to adjust the spark timing and the operation of the fuel injectors. There are two types of Camshaft Sensors, Magnetic, and Hall-effect.
A failing camshaft position sensor begins losing its ability to quickly transfer data. Mismatched fuel delivery and ignition timing, even if off by a few milliseconds, will cause your vehicle to sputter, accelerate poorly, lack power, stall or even shut off.
A failing camshaft position sensor begins losing its ability to quickly transfer data. Mismatched fuel delivery and ignition timing, even if off by a few milliseconds, will cause your vehicle to sputter, accelerate poorly, lack power, stall or even shut off.
As a camshaft position sensor weakens, the ECM (Engine Control Module) switches off fuel and spark delivery that can be a dangerous situation. If you ignore the symptoms which your camshaft position sensor fails, or any other listed here, eventually your engine will not start.
Reasons for failure of the camshaft sensor can be: Mechanical damage. Break in the encoder wheel. Internal short circuits.
As a camshaft position sensor weakens, the ECM (Engine Control Module) switches off fuel and spark delivery that can be a dangerous situation. If you ignore the symptoms which your camshaft position sensor fails, or any other listed here, eventually your engine will not start.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON
ANSWER : The on board diagnostic (OBD) sets a pending code each time the ECU detects a problem. It confirms the code if it sees the same problem twice. So you’re really only dealing with the two codes : P0016 and 17.These codes are telling you that the timing between the crankshaft and the camshaft are off on Bank 1 (the driver’s side) cylinder bank. This could be a sensor error, a problem in the reluctor ring on the harmonic balancer, or a timing chain problem. Without doing a thorough diagnosis, it’s impossible to say what parts specifically need to be replaced. If you contact Your Mechanic, they can send a technician to your home or office to investigate the codes on you Mercedes and then let you know what it will take to fix it.

check engine light O2 sensor already replaced same codes still popping up after replacing old O2 sensor
ANSWER : Hi there. What you received from the parts store was a code retrieval, not a diagnostic. The codes are set when a fault is detected against normal operating parameter. The computer does not know what caused the fault, only that the fault meets the criteria for this code to set. There could be a problem in the wire harness, converter, or the ECM. The code and data are needed to properly assess the direction that a diagnosis needs. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

I bought camshaft position sensor off of eBay and car is cutting off a lot. Still has check engine light for camshaft position sensor
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in. From my experience with eBay sensors, chances are that it is bad. This happens all of the time with these sensors. A bad crank position sensor can also cause this as well as a failing timing chain. I usually install a computer scan tool to be able to see which codes are coming up and which readings look like they are off. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

O2 sensors changed, but check engine light still showing code after clearing it I checked fuse. Wires are good and used Denso OE.
ANSWER : Depending on what the code was for will determine if the oxygen sensor was to be replaced. If the conditions were for a rich or lean mixture and it said oxygen sensor, then the spark plugs and wires could need replaced if its a rich reading or the fuel injectors could be clogged or not working if its a lean mixture. If the code said that the oxygen sensor was bad, then check the harness and see if there is a break in the wiring or a short to ground in the wiring from the oxygen sensor to the main harness. If you need further assistance with your check engine light being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Service engine warning, MAF code and O2 sensor code, along with check suspension light are turned on
ANSWER : Hello, it sounds like you have quite a few things going on. I am going to do my best to break them down for you.

First if the engine is very loud when idling and the belt has already been replaced, there may be an issue with the tensioner or idler pulley.
Next, the Navigator is known for needing service to the air suspension system as it gets up in miles, the most common causes of these are the air struts themselves have failed, or one of the air lines has a leak.
Lastly, if the O2 sensor and MAF are continually coming back after the sensors have been replaced, the most common cause would be either an exhaust leak or a vacuum leak.

Qualified technicians such as the ones at YourMechanic will be able to diagnose these issues and recommend the best path to repair, starting with a diagnosis of your warning lights.

Venza 2010 L4-2.7L: My check engine light is permanently turned On. I have these codes P0012, P0016, P0017. What needs to be fixe
ANSWER : These are fault codes indicating problems related to the timing of your car’s engine. Normally the car will not run very well or sometimes not at all when these are on. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose these trouble codes and potentially reset them to see if they register again. There are also sensors related to the exhaust as well. There is what is called an oxygen sensor which relays information to the car’s computer regarding the content of the exhaust gases which then tells the computer how to adjust the air/fuel mixture.

I have a 96 Ford ranger with cel p0340 I have recently done a timing belt, engine runs great replaced cmp sensor cel still on
ANSWER : Hi There,
This may happen for a couple of reasons. First, check to be sure that the connections to the sensor are clean and not faulty or broken. Secondly, check to be sure you replaced the correct sensor as there are two camshaft position sensors in some applications. If you need further help with this, please reach out to us here at YourMechanic as we are always here to help.

Diagnostic code read o2 sensor bad, replaced o2 sensor, cleared code but engine light came back on, is it caused by bad air filter
ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.