Has your Honda engine stalled or run erratically with the Check Engine Light illuminating the dashboard? The P0341 could be the reason. This diagnostic trouble code can cause your engine to stall or fail to start. And when it does, it may run at reduced power.
The P0341 code is set by the engine control module if there is a problem with the camshaft sensor. It is either faulty or out of range, causing disruption in the synchronous operation of the engine components.
Read on for detailed information on what the P0341 code means and its causes. We will also touch on how to fix it on your Honda.
Here’s What P0341 DTC Indicates On Honda
The P0341 is a DTC for the camshaft position sensor circuit/range/performance. It is set when the engine control module (ECM) detects a problem in the camshaft position sensor circuit. The ECU knows when the camshaft sensor pulses fewer times than the crankshaft sensor for specified engine revolutions.
Most common faults in the camshaft sensors result from electrical shorts or loose connections, which can occur over time. But there can be other causes that have nothing to do with the sensors.
The check engine light comes on when the P0341 Honda code is set. You can use an OBD2 scanner to read this code, but you may not know why it was active, even if the check engine light is on. As a result, you should diagnose further to pinpoint the cause. We will discuss the possible causes of the code in the next section.
The engine failure is also another symptom of code P0341 and is the serious one. The engine may stall, fail to start, or run at significantly low power. It may also misfire or get that jerk feeling when driving if the problem is intermittent. You should call your mechanic or take the car to an auto repair shop for further diagnosis. Alternatively, you can find the pain in your garage if you are an advanced DIYer.
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Causes of DTC P0341
You have experienced the described symptoms, and when you scan your car, the diagnostic tool returns an active code P0341. The next step is to find out what caused it so that you can solve the problem.
Code P0341 can be caused by varying factors, which include the following:
Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor (CPS)
CPS is vital for engine operation. It helps the engine to determine the position of the crankshaft drive, which is used to calculate the ignition and injection point and control other processes.
Suppose the CPS goes out or its sensing plate is damaged. In that case, it becomes incapable of transferring data at the recommended rate. Even if the CPS is off by milliseconds, you will experience symptoms such as poor acceleration, lack of engine power, and vehicle sputter. In severe cases, the engine may stall and fail to start.
Damaged CPS Harness
CPS wire harnesses connect it to the powertrain control module (PCM) and power source. These wires are exposed to harsher conditions than most systems in your Honda. Over time, they can get damaged, which causes short circuits or open circuits. Whichever the case, the function of CPS will be crippled, and that causes the PCM to set the P0341 code.
For diagnosis, you may need to check the CPS harness for visible damage before testing the sensor itself. It can be the easiest fix. But if that is not the case, check for other possible causes described below.
Incorrect Timing
Incorrect timing happens when the timing chain is stretched or skipped a tooth on the camshaft. That can be caused by infrequent oil changes. Lack of oil causes the camshaft timing chain to wear quickly. It will stretch beyond its recommended length, where the cam chain auto-tensioner can catch up. The extra length causes the valve timing control actuator and the exhaust camshaft sprocket to remain behind, which is how you end up with an active P0341 code.
Clogged or Stuck open/closed VTC Oil Control Solenoid Valve
Variable Timing Control (VTC) oil control valve is present in Honda models with the variable timing system. It controls the engine performance by either retarding or advancing the camshaft angle. This system increases engine performance, reduces emissions, and enhances fuel efficiency. But what happens if the valve is clogged or stuck open?
The VTC valves control the oil flow depending on the engine speed or load. If it is clogged or stuck open, it loses its function. The result will be a drastic drop in fuel economy, more emissions, and dirty engine oil.
Faulty VTC Actuator
The VTC actuator pressurizes the engine oil. It is also a vital component of a variable timing system, and its failure can prevent valve timing from advancing or retarding when it should be.
If the VTC actuator fails, the check engine light comes on with an active code P0341 because the intake and exhaust valves open and close incorrectly. Other signs of a failed VTC solenoid include the following:
- Dirty engine oil
- Roughness in idling engine
- Decline in fuel efficiency
- Poor acceleration
- Damaged Camshaft Position (CMP) Pulse Plate
Weak or Damaged Battery
A weak or dead battery causes most electronic systems in the car to malfunction or behave abnormally, and the camshaft position sensor is not excluded. It is a less likely cause, but it can still happen. The reference voltage to the sensor could be low due to a weak battery, which results in a fault reading.
So, before changing the sensors, check the battery voltage. The voltage reading when the engine is stopped should be about 12.5V.
Damaged Starter Motor
Another unlikely cause of code P0341 is a faulty starter motor. The chances are unlikely, but if your starter motor does not function correctly. The engine will have problems starting or may stall when already running. But in most cases, the timing belt and pulleys are the culprits rather than the starter motor.
Related Honda DTC Guide: P3400 Code on Honda Pilot (Explained & Solution)
What Should You Do If You Get P0341 Code?
The code P0341 is associated with many problems. Regardless of the cause, you should seek help immediately. Continued driving with it can lead to long-term engine damage, among other consequences.
Firstly, the engine may stall or fail to start. That will demand immediate attention. And even if the engine still runs, you will still experience poor fuel economy, higher emissions, and a rough ride. You will be uncomfortable in your car. So, the best step is to take the vehicle to the dealership or call a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
How To Fix P0341 Error Code?
Fixing the DTC P0341 involves diagnosing the car for the exact cause and repairing or replacing the damaged component. You can do this yourself or let experts handle it for you.
The code P0341 diagnostic steps include the following:
1. Check Additional Active Codes
Use an OBD2 scanner to check other stored error codes. You should diagnose and resolve these codes before proceeding with the rest of the steps.
2. Perform Careful Inspection
Start by inspecting the camshaft position sensor and the wiring harness for any visible damage. Broken or corroded wires or sensors should be replaced because they may be the possible cause of the P0341 error code. Also, check the reluctor wheel for damage. It can be a bit challenging, but you can use the hole in the engine’s timing cover.
3. Check Freeze-Frame Data
Again, you need an OBD2 scanner with this capability to check the freeze-frame data. Check and analyze the camshaft position sensor’s info and determine how often the fault occurs and what causes it. If you are not an advanced DIYer, you may need help interpreting the freeze-frame data.
4. Check Continuity to PCM
The camshaft position sensors send signals to PCM through the signal wire. Use a multimeter to test its continuity. If it is open, replace the harness. Otherwise, test the sensor. For a 3-wire sensor, measure the reference voltage and the ground, which should be about 5 volts. Do this measurement with the ignition turned on.
You may need to check other components of the variable control system, such as oil control valves, solenoids, and actuators. They are also a possible cause of the P0341 error code. Contact a qualified mechanic or take your vehicle to the dealership if you can’t do it yourself.
After fixing the cause of this error code, you can erase it from the car’s computer memory. You will need your OBD scanner, but remember not to do that before fixing the problem. Alternatively, you can let your vehicle erase it and turn off the check engine light when the system initializes.
But if the P0341 becomes active after resetting, the problem is misdiagnosed. You should take your car to an experienced mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis.
Related Honda DTC Guide: P1009 Honda- Meaning and Possible Causes
Final Remarks
The P0341 Honda code should be fixed at the first available opportunity. Some vehicles can drive just fine, but others can default to limp mode once the code is set to protect your engine. Whichever the case, don’t overlook the problem. Timely actions will save your engine from further damage, and you will be back on the roads within no time.
Brian is an auto technician who writes DIY repair articles and creates how-to videos for MechanicAsk. He focuses on common repairs like brakes, oil changes, and lighting. Brian draws on his 5 years of dealership experience to explain repairs in an easy-to-follow manner, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. His technical articles always include detailed tool lists, supply checklists, and visual guides.
