AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0343 Pontiac

P0343 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 3,360

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0343 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac code?

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Need Help with the 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 Pontiac Code

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

- Common symptoms include engine stalling, rough idling, difficulty starting the engine, and a decrease in fuel efficiency.

2. What are the typical causes of OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac indicating a high voltage in the camshaft position sensor circuit?

- The most common causes include a faulty camshaft position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the sensor's power supply.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac related to the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage?

- Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to read the error code, checking the sensor's wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the sensor's voltage output.

4. What are some repair tips for addressing OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac due to a high voltage in the camshaft position sensor circuit?

- Repair options may include replacing the camshaft position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and ensuring the sensor receives the correct power supply.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac indicating a high voltage in the camshaft position sensor circuit cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with this issue can potentially lead to more severe engine problems, such as poor performance or engine misfires, so it's advisable to address the problem promptly.

6. How critical is it to fix OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac related to the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage?

- It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent potential engine performance issues and to ensure the vehicle operates efficiently and reliably.

7. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac due to high voltage in the camshaft position sensor circuit?

- Regular maintenance, such as inspecting and replacing sensors as recommended by the manufacturer, can help prevent issues like high voltage in the camshaft position sensor circuit.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac caused by high voltage in the camshaft position sensor circuit?

- While some may be comfortable with basic automotive repairs, diagnosing and repairing this issue may require specialized tools and expertise, so it's often best left to professionals.

9. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code P0343 in a Pontiac related to the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage?

- The cost can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts, labor, and diagnostic services, so it's advisable to obtain quotes from reputable mechanics.

10. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code P0343 in Pontiac vehicles concerning the camshaft position sensor circuit high voltage?

- It's recommended to check with Pontiac or authorized service centers for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to this specific OBDII code to see if there are any known issues or fixes provided by the manufacturer.