AutoCodes – Saturn – P0343 Saturn

P0343 Saturn Code - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor sensor works in conjunction with a 1X reluctor wheel on the camshaft. Common causes include Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0343 Saturn indicates Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 10,238

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0343 Saturn Description

The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor sensor works in conjunction with a 1X reluctor wheel on the camshaft. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides a 12 volt power supply to the CMP sensor as well as a ground and a signal circuit.
The CMP sensor determines whether a cylinder is on a firing stroke or on an exhaust stroke. As the camshaft rotates, the reluctor wheel interrupts a magnetic field produced by a magnet within the sensor. The sensors internal circuitry detects this and produces a signal which the PCM reads. The PCM uses this 1X signal in combination with the Crankshaft Position sensor 24X signal in order to determine crankshaft position and stroke. This diagnostic for the Camshaft Position sensor tests for a loss of Camshaft Position sensor signal.
Observe that as long as the Crankshaft Position sensor 24X signal is available, the engine will start. The PCM can determine top dead center for all cylinders by using the Crankshaft Position sensor 24X signal alone. The Camshaft Position sensor 1X signal is used by the PCM to determine if the cylinder at top dead center is on the firing stroke, or the exhaust stroke. The system attempts synchronization and looks for an increase in engine speed indicating the engine started. If the PCM does not detect an increase in engine speed, the PCM incorrectly synchronized to the exhaust stroke and will re-sync to the opposite cam position. A slightly longer cranking time may be a symptom of this condition.

OBDII Code P0343 Saturn - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0343 Saturn Code - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0343 Saturn?

Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty starter motor
Starting system circuit
Dead (Weak) battery

How to Fix the DTC P0343 Saturn?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Sometimes and in some models, low battery voltage or a weak starter can trigger a Camshaft Position Sensor code.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0343 Saturn code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0343 Saturn code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0343 Saturn Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0343 in a Saturn related to the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, stalling, poor engine performance, and difficulty starting the vehicle.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0343 in a Saturn indicating a high voltage issue with the camshaft position sensor circuit?

- Possible causes include a faulty camshaft position sensor, damaged sensor wiring or connectors, issues with the sensor's power supply, or a problem with the engine control module.

3. How can I diagnose the source of the OBDII code P0343 in my Saturn related to the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage?

- Diagnose the code by checking the camshaft position sensor's wiring and connections, testing the sensor's voltage and signal output, and scanning the engine control module for related error codes.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Saturn with an OBDII code P0343 indicating a high voltage problem with the camshaft position sensor circuit?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it can lead to engine performance issues and potential damage if left unresolved.

5. Can I repair OBDII code P0343 in my Saturn indicating a high voltage issue with the camshaft position sensor circuit myself?

- Depending on your experience and knowledge, you may be able to repair this issue yourself by replacing the camshaft position sensor, checking and repairing any damaged wiring, or addressing power supply issues.

6. What are some tips for preventing OBDII code P0343 from reoccurring in my Saturn after repairing the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage issue?

- Ensure proper installation of the new camshaft position sensor, use high-quality replacement parts, regularly maintain your vehicle's engine components, and address any underlying issues promptly.

7. Can a faulty camshaft position sensor cause other OBDII codes besides P0343 in my Saturn?

- Yes, a faulty camshaft position sensor can lead to other related codes such as P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction) or P0341 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance).

8. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P0343 in a Saturn caused by a high voltage problem with the camshaft position sensor circuit?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it typically takes 1-2 hours to diagnose and replace the faulty camshaft position sensor or repair related wiring.

9. Are there any specific Saturn models known to be more prone to experiencing OBDII code P0343 due to camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage issues?

- While this code can occur in various Saturn models, some older models or those with higher mileage may be more susceptible to camshaft position sensor failures leading to this code.

10. Will resetting the OBDII system clear the P0343 code for the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage in my Saturn?

- Resetting the system may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue with the camshaft position sensor circuit remains unresolved, the code is likely to reappear. It's essential to diagnose and address the root cause of the problem.