The dreaded P0340...Researched already

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2007 M45

The P0340 CEL turns on every 40-50 miles after being reset.

165k miles.

I have already replaced BOTH camshaft position sensors (the ones on the top of the engine, drivers and passengers side) with cheap AutoZone sensors.

The only symptoms my car has is the SES/VDC/SLIP lights, and whenever the light turns on after being reset, the tach spazzes out, the car jerks a little bit, and then the light(s) turn on. Also, when fully warmed up, it has a very hard time starting. Code or no code, CEL or no CEL.

I am trying to find out where the crankshaft position sensors are so I can replace those two as well.

I am getting mixed messages. I need some stuff played out for me...

Part numbers for the Camshaft position sensors on top
Part numbers for the crank sensors on bottom
Is the VTC sensor the same thing as a cam sensor?
Is it a bad idea to buy cheap crap auto zone parts?

Please assist, first time Infiniti owner, thanks.

[EdBwoy]

Welcome aboard!
It so happens that the sensors you replaced are not related to the code. Very typical symptoms you have.

This link should get you where you need to be: topic607101.html

No, no problem buying autozone sensors.
It seems that in principle both sensors can work in either location. The only challenge is that the harnesses/plugs are configured differently.

And the M45 only has one cam sensor. The part numbers should be listed within the thread I linked... but you could just ask autozone for a crankshaft sensor (same part, 2 different applications)

EDIT: this is another link that is pretty helpful too
topic603112.html

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Thanks for the reply.

I replaced the cam sensor with a crank sensor accidentally, now I bought the right part (80 bucks instead of 22 bucks) and the issue seems to have improved...we shall see.

This information played out on the thread you linked is opposite to what I have been reading everywhere else. I am really confused...I'll do some digging.

Thanks!

[EdBwoy]

I hope your issue is indeed fixed. Basically, there are 2 types of sensors that people tend to confuse when this code pops up.
1. The VCT sensors which are located at the top of both banks. These 2 are the same, obviously.
2. The camshaft sensor, located on the drivers side of the timing cover but much lower than #1 above. This one is the same as the crankshaft sensor at the bottom of the bellhousing.
If in doubt when you get a p0340 code, just order a crankshaft sensor. There seems to be less confusion on what that one is.

If you don't want to play the waiting game, please post the part number of the one you bought and we'll be able to confirm fairly quickly.

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So it turns out the sensor I replaced wasn't the problem. I should return that part as $90 is needed more than peace of mind of new parts.

I have yet to take it through a drive cycle but I replaced the one and only "cam sensor" underneath the oil dipstick tube (number 3 in the illustration)

P0340 is cam sensor...ther is ONE cam sensor on the 2nd generation M45's, and I replaced it. If this isn't it, this leaves everything replaced except the VCT solenoids.

I will update as soon as my car lets me know if the sensor fixed it.

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UPDATE FIXED:

So to lay it out for others, IF you get a P0340 code, replace the camshaft position sensor FIRST. It is directly underneath the oil dipstick tube on the drivers side of the front of the motor. The part number is PC462T.

Laid out:

2007 M45 has ONE Cam sensor, TWO crank sensors(sometimes called the VCT sensors), and TWO VCT solenoids (that rarely break)

The two crank/VCT sensors are the two on top. These are NOT the cam sensors, HOWEVER, you are fine replacing them with the generic cam/crank sensors from auto zone or parts plus part number PC462T.

The two solenoids are about halfway in between the top and bottom, should have nothing to do with the P0340 code.

The camshaft position sensor is all the way down underneath the oil dipstick tube. It may be easier to maneuver the intake box to obtain better access to use a ratchet. (just remove the duct above the grille with 2 screws, and remove the 2 screws on the air box.)

Now almost every sensor is new.

Thanks for the help.