P0341 on Mercedes-Benz: How to Diagnose & Fix
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
2 Mercedes-Benz models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical · $250-$4,000 repair
P0341 on Mercedes-Benz by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
On the M272 and M276 V6 engines the camshaft position sensors and camshaft adjuster (VVT) solenoids sit in the timing cover, which is notorious for seeping oil. Oil gets past the sensor O-ring and into the electrical connector, then wicks up the wire strands inside the harness insulation by capillary action - owners on MBWorld and BenzWorld report finding oil dripping out of the connector and eventually inside the ME/ECU itself. Early symptoms are camshaft position codes such as P0016/P0017/P0346, rough running, misfires and lack of power. If the oil reaches the engine control module the repair escalates dramatically because the ECU and the full engine harness both need replacing and coding.
Common Symptoms
- Oil visible in or dripping from the camshaft sensor connector
- Rough idle, misfires, lack of power
- Check engine light with camshaft position/correlation codes
- Intermittent stalling or no-start
- Oil residue around the timing cover and cam magnets
How to Fix
At the first sign of oil at a cam sensor or adjuster solenoid connector, replace the sensor/solenoid with new O-rings and clean the connector cavity with electrical contact cleaner. Install sacrificial adapter 'pigtail' harnesses between each camshaft adjuster solenoid and the main harness so any future oil migration ruins a cheap pigtail instead of the main harness. Address the underlying timing-cover / cam-cover seepage. If oil has already reached the harness trunk or ECU, the harness section and ECU must be replaced - this is why owners describe five-figure bills when it is ignored.
Sources for this issue (3)
The GLA's M270/M274 turbo four-cylinder petrol engines are widely documented to suffer timing chain elongation and tensioner/guide wear, usually presenting between roughly 40,000-80,000 mi. A loose chain produces a distinctive rattle for the first few seconds after a cold start until oil pressure loads the tensioner. A related defect is the camshaft tone/reluctor ring slipping, throwing timing-correlation faults. Left unaddressed, a stretched chain can jump time and cause valve-to-piston contact and major engine damage.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling/chain noise on cold start
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Reduced power
- Poor fuel economy
How to Fix
Confirm with live cam/crank correlation data; replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides as a set (and the camshaft sprockets/tone ring if the ring has slipped). Strict adherence to short oil-change intervals with correct-spec oil slows wear. German specialists recommend chain inspection/replacement around 100,000-150,000 km on these engines.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Febi 174895 timing-chain, tensioner and guide-rail kitOEMFebi 174895
Febi's official catalog confirms the kit contains the 140-link chai
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0341 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0341 mean on a Mercedes-Benz?
P0341 stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)." This code means the camshaft position sensor on Bank 1 is sending a signal that is present but doesn't make sense to the engine computer (a range/performance fault), often because it disagrees with the crankshaft position signal. The cam sensor tells the computer where the camshaft is so it can correctly time fuel injection and spark, and on engines with variable valve timing it also confirms cam phaser movement. When the signal is out of range, intermittent, or doesn't correlate properly, the computer flags this code, and you may notice hard starting, rough running, or reduced power. Causes are commonly a worn sensor, a stretched timing chain, or a problem with the cam phaser/tone ring. On Mercedes-Benz it is documented across 2 models: E-Class, GLA.
What are the most common causes of P0341?
The most common causes of P0341 are: Failed or weak camshaft position sensor, Damaged or corroded sensor wiring/connector, Stretched or worn timing chain causing cam timing drift, Faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser or solenoid, Damaged camshaft reluctor (tone) ring, Low or dirty engine oil affecting VVT operation, Incorrect sensor air gap or installation, Faulty PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0341 on a Mercedes-Benz?
Published repair estimates on Mercedes-Benz range from $250 to $4,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0341 on a different make?
View P0341 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.