Grinding noise of the engine with P0340 code

My car engine makes a grinding noise. OBD reads the following code: P0340. What could be the problem? Is this a worn–out timing belt or is it an issue with the camshaft? Please help.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Code P0340 is a camshaft sensor fault. The cam sensor is responsible not only for determining cam position, but it also is used by the engine computer for cylinder identification to set up both ignition firing sequence and sequential injection function. If the sensor is faulty or misreading, then this can cause serious malfunctions. Also, if the actual timing is off, other malfunctions and noises can occur. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will have the tools and training to diagnose the car noise and make the necessary repairs to resolve your issue.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P0340 Code? The most common symptom of any error code that relates to the camshaft is the illumination of a vehicle`s check engine light. Other symptoms of these codes include the engine experiencing hard starts or not starting at all.
Problem Description. The synchronizer shaft for the camshaft position sensor can cause a loud squeak or chirping noise due to failure of the upper bushing. The noise may be erratic and is usually present when the engine is warm.
Inaccurate camshaft position sensor data can keep fuel injectors open too long, forcing excess fuel into the combustion chamber. This also can cause engine knocking and serious damage if too much liquid gasoline (which does not compress) builds up in the combustion chamber.
A P0340 error code indicates a problem with the Camshaft Position Sensor A circuit. It`s possible that the wires leading to the camshaft position sensor are faulty, or that the sensor itself has failed. This error code isn`t a sign of bad camshaft timing.
This is the most common mistake when diagnosing the P0340 trouble code. Another mistake that is made during the diagnostic procedure is neglecting to consider a misfiring problem or a crankshaft sensor problem as possible sources of the P0340 trouble code.
Loud Noises from the engine: when the camshafts` lobes are worn out you will hear a loud tapping and ticking noise coming from the upper part of your engine. As camshaft lobes wear the valves` clearance will increase making them noisier.
Reasons for failure of the camshaft sensor can be: Mechanical damage. Break in the encoder wheel. Internal short circuits.
Engine Misfires: A failing camshaft position sensor can cause your engine to misfire. Transmission Shifting Problems: The data sent to the engine control module can stop the transmission from shifting properly.
A P0340 code spells bad news for any vehicle. Drivers may find it difficult or impossible to start the engine because of the resulting engine performance problems. If they persist in operating the vehicle, they may lose power while on the road.
If the oil level is very low, to the point where the engine overheats however, yes. Excessive heat can cause a camshaft position sensor to fail. More likely in a “low oil level” situation is for the camshaft, lifters, or camshaft variable timing actuator to fail due to inadequate oil pressure and lubrication.
OBD2 Diagnostic Trouble Code P0340 indicates that the Camshaft Position Sensor `A` Circuit Malfunction in Bank 1 has been detected. The camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) provides information regarding the rotational speed of the camshaft and where the camshaft is positioned in relationship to the crankshaft.
A broken camshaft can have a major impact throughout the top end of your engine, doing serious damage to parts like the crankshaft, cylinder block and head, valves, pistons, and connecting rods.
Yes, a failing synchronizer can illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), and may cause vehicle stalling, loss of power, hesitation, surging, poor fuel economy, or a no-start condition.
Sometimes the loud engine sounds you hear aren`t due to the engine having a problem at all. Instead, it could be caused by a damaged or failing muffler. If it just seems like your car is running louder than it used to, but there aren`t other strange sounds, it might be due to a damaged muffler.
Squealing is common for a loose belt, which can indicate wear and the need for replacement. If the belt is fairly new, yet is still making a noise, the driver should have the tension adjusted, but still have the belt visually checked for unusual wear.
Unfortunately, there`s no way to reset a camshaft position sensor. If you`re having camshaft issues (check engine light on, acceleration trouble, sputtering and stalling, etc.), you`ll have to replace the part entirely.
Engine oil leaks are the main cause of damage. Accidents are also a cause. It will prevent or reduce the sensor`s signal transmission capabilities. Due to poor tightness or the loss of engine components, engine oil might cause leaking and harm the sensor.
P0335 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for “Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction”. This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation.
Engine oil leaks are the main cause of damage. Accidents are also a cause. It will prevent or reduce the sensor`s signal transmission capabilities. Due to poor tightness or the loss of engine components, engine oil might cause leaking and harm the sensor.
There are a number of reasons your camshaft sensor might break down: grime and oil in the engine, water damage, bad wiring, and overheating can all cause a camshaft sensor to go bad. The biggest thing to do to avoid this is to take care of your car.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Check Engine light on. Would the computer give all error codes in one shot? How do we know the engine’s condition?
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided, I’m am inclined to agree with your assessment of a used engine being installed in your vehicle. An inspection of the engine, by a qualified technician could determine whether the engine is sound. The Check Engine Light on and having a TPS (throttle position sensor) code does not necessarily mean the sensor is at fault. Circuit tests should be performed to confirm the fault. The likelihood of the ECM (electronic control module/computer) giving you all the codes at once is remote. Other component failures could occur. Address those as they come up. Even though you already made the purchase, I recommend having your vehicle inspected by a certified technician so that you can get a thorough evaluation of the car’s true condition.

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.

Grinding noise of the engine with P0340 code
ANSWER : Code P0340 is a camshaft sensor fault. The cam sensor is responsible not only for determining cam position, but it also is used by the engine computer for cylinder identification to set up both ignition firing sequence and sequential injection function. If the sensor is faulty or misreading, then this can cause serious malfunctions. Also, if the actual timing is off, other malfunctions and noises can occur. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will have the tools and training to diagnose the car noise and make the necessary repairs to resolve your issue.

Turned on back winow heater and engine made a noise …when lights are turned on engine makes a noise like it can’t take load ….
ANSWER : Hi there. It appears you have more than one problem with your vehicle. The noise coming from engine area with a load on the electrical system, may be a bad diode in the alternator. Continuing to drive the vehicle with a bad alternator diode, may leave you with a dead battery. The hot air coming from the vents sounds like blend door actuator(s) problems. I recommend the concerns your vehicle has, it be inspected by a certified technician like one from YourMechanic to pinpoint the noise and help you fix it accordingly.

Car makes grinding noise – 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in. I would have a professional mechanic check out the constant velocity joints on your vehicle. One or more of them may be worn enough to cause the noises you describe. S/he can diagnose and replace any failed CV joints.

On full throttle there is a grinding noise under the right hand side of the dashboard
ANSWER : Hi there:
In most cases a grinding noise is caused by lack of lubrication or metal-to-metal contact. It’s commonly a sign of damage to wheel bearings, or suspension components. The best way to correctly diagnose this issue is to have a professional mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection; so they can correctly diagnose the issue and recommend the right repairs.

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.

Noise in the frontal area off the engine near the fan
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. There must be more diagnostic work and testing done to determine what the issue is. Without a drive or timing belt, the engine would either not run at all, or perform very poorly. This does not mean that an inspection of the timing belt/chain should not be done. There are other components in the timing belt system that can become damaged and cause issues. The valve and lifter consideration is valid, and can be inspected visually with some time and energy. Unfortunately you may also have crankshaft end play or a bad camshaft bearing. Use the location of the sound to help you determine what to check into first. One by one, check into the systems in that area until you find the culprit. For more help resolving the noise, contact our service department.