P0340 on Nissan
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0340 on Nissan vehicles indicates camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 6 Nissan models — most commonly on 300ZX, Altima, Cube. This code means the engine computer lost or received an erratic signal from the camshaft position sensor. That sensor tells the computer the exact position and speed of the camshaft, which it uses together with the crankshaft sensor to time fuel injection and spark precisely. When the camshaft signal is missing, intermittent, or out of range, the computer sets P0340. Symptoms often include hard starting, stalling, rough running, or a no-start because the engine can't time itself correctly. Typical repair costs on Nissan range from $150 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0340
- •Failed camshaft position sensor
- •Corroded or loose sensor connector
- •Damaged or shorted sensor wiring
- •Bad reluctor/tone ring on the camshaft
- •Loose timing chain/belt or jumped timing
- •Metal debris or oil contamination on the sensor tip
- •Poor sensor power or ground supply
- •Faulty PCM/ECM (rare)
P0340 on Nissan by Model
Nissan 300ZX(1 issue)
- CAS (Crank Angle Sensor) Failure1990-1996
The Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) on the VG30DE and VG30DETT engines is located inside the distributor and is a common failure point on both naturally aspirated and twin turbo Z32 models. The CAS provides timing information to the ECU, and when it fails, the engine will not start or will stall intermittently. The internal optical sensor deteriorates with heat and age. CAS failure is one of the most common reasons for Z32 no-start conditions. Replacement requires distributor removal.
Nissan Altima(1 issue)
- Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Failures Causing Stalling or No-Start2002-2012
Altimas in this period frequently suffer from failing crankshaft position sensors and camshaft position sensors, especially on the 2.5L and 3.5L engines. Owners report intermittent stalling at stops or while driving, extended cranking, sudden no-start conditions, and check-engine lights. Nissan issued service information and many owner reports describe repeat failures with cheap aftermarket sensors.
Nissan Cube(1 issue)
- Intermittent Engine Stalling While Driving2009-2014
Multiple owners report the Cube stalling unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, including highway speeds. The engine shuts off without warning, causing loss of power steering and power brakes. In some cases, pumping the accelerator at the moment of stalling can catch the engine before it dies completely. The issue has been linked to faulty crankshaft position sensors, throttle body failures, and ECM software bugs.
Nissan Frontier(1 issue)
- Distributor / Ignition System Failure Causing Sudden Stall or No-Start2000-2004
A well-documented failure on first-generation Frontier V6 trucks is the distributor assembly, especially the internal cam/crank angle sensor and bearing wear inside the distributor. Owners report intermittent bucking, random stalling, hard starts, and eventual crank-no-start, often after the engine warms up. Nissan issued service information for distributor-related drivability faults, and owner complaint patterns are consistent across Frontier and related Xterra applications using the VG33E/VG33ER.
Nissan Pathfinder(1 issue)
- VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear2013-2016
The 2013-2016 Pathfinder with the 3.5L VQ35DE engine develops timing chain stretch and chain guide wear, typically after 80,000-120,000 miles. The timing chain tensioner, secondary chain tensioners, and plastic chain guides all degrade over time. Stretched chains cause rattling on cold start, timing drift triggering misfire codes, and eventual engine failure if the chain jumps timing. The VQ35DE uses three chains (primary and two secondary), making replacement a complex job requiring 8-12 hours of labor. Infrequent oil changes accelerate chain and guide wear due to inadequate tensioner lubrication.
Nissan Sentra(1 issue)
- Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Failure Causing Intermittent Stall or No-Start2002-2006
A common failure on B15 Sentras is deterioration of the crankshaft position sensor and, less often, the camshaft position sensor. Owners report sudden stalling while driving, extended cranking, or a hot no-start condition that becomes more frequent over time. Nissan issued service information for engine stall/no-start conditions tied to these sensors, and owner complaints frequently mention the engine cutting out without much warning.
Looking for P0340 on a different make?
View P0340 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0340 mean on Nissan?▼
P0340 stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction." This code means the engine computer lost or received an erratic signal from the camshaft position sensor. That sensor tells the computer the exact position and speed of the camshaft, which it uses together with the crankshaft sensor to time fuel injection and spark precisely. When the camshaft signal is missing, intermittent, or out of range, the computer sets P0340. Symptoms often include hard starting, stalling, rough running, or a no-start because the engine can't time itself correctly. On Nissan specifically, this code is documented across 6 models.
What causes P0340 on Nissan vehicles?▼
Common causes on Nissan: Failed camshaft position sensor, Corroded or loose sensor connector, Damaged or shorted sensor wiring, Bad reluctor/tone ring on the camshaft, Loose timing chain/belt or jumped timing. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0340 on a Nissan?▼
Repair costs on Nissan range from $150 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Nissan models have P0340 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0340 on 6 Nissan models: 300ZX, Altima, Cube, Frontier, Pathfinder, Sentra.