[FIXED] Camshaft Position Sensor - Whole assembly or just sensor?

[Seth]

I got code P0340 "Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit, Bank 1 or Single Sensor"

Vehicle: 2000 Suzuki Vitara 4WD 4 Cylinders 2.0L FI DOHC 122 CID, USA model.

What I'm unclear on, is if I need to replace just the sensor...



Or the whole assembly...

Backstory

Got the engine bay detailed to prep for sale. It ran fine prior. It wouldn't start after cleaning. It cranks but not even the slightest chug. Cleaner tells me they covered the head & battery, but nothing else. The cleaner wasn't confident they completely protected the camshaft position sensor. 

Troubleshooting I did...

• Check inside the airbox. It was dry and a bit dusty. No signs of water.
  
• Judging from the filth remaining on top of the head, no water got in the coils/plugs.
  
• I let the car dry for 2 days.
  
• Hosed down the MAF with MAF cleaner and let it dry before reassembly.
  
• I pulled every electrical connector I could see, looked for water, sprayed them down with contact cleaner for good measure, let them dry, and reconnected them.
  
• I checked every fuse under the driver-side dash and by the battery. All ok.
  
• I tried cranking while giving it some starter fluid to give me an idea if it was fuel or spark. No change. 
  
• I tested for spark. No spark. 
  
• I tried to back probe the camshaft position sensor to see if I was getting anything out of it per these instructions (YouTube) but I couldn't get a paperclip in there. I did pull the sensor portion to see if it looked like water had gotten inside. It was bone dry but the o-ring was a bit suspect. 
  
• I borrowed a scan tool. There were no codes at first, but after cranking for 5 seconds it threw up the code I described above (P0340) which confirmed my suspicions about the sensor. 
  

Does anyone know whether I need to replace the whole assembly or just the sensor?

Thank you for your time,
Seth

[fixkick]

I got code P0340 "Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit, Bank 1 or Single Sensor"

Vehicle: 2000 Suzuki Vitara 4WD 4 Cylinders 2.0L FI DOHC 122 CID, USA model.

What I'm unclear on, is if I need to replace just the sensor...



Or the whole assembly...

Backstory

Got the engine bay detailed to prep for sale. It ran fine prior. It wouldn't start after cleaning. It cranks but not even the slightest chug. Cleaner tells me they covered the head & battery, but nothing else. The cleaner wasn't confident they completely protected the camshaft position sensor. 

Troubleshooting I did...

• Check inside the airbox. It was dry and a bit dusty. No signs of water.
  
• Judging from the filth remaining on top of the head, no water got in the coils/plugs.
  
• I let the car dry for 2 days.
  
• Hosed down the MAF with MAF cleaner and let it dry before reassembly.
  
• I pulled every electrical connector I could see, looked for water, sprayed them down with contact cleaner for good measure, let them dry, and reconnected them.
  
• I checked every fuse under the driver-side dash and by the battery. All ok.
  
• I tried cranking while giving it some starter fluid to give me an idea if it was fuel or spark. No change. 
  
• I tested for spark. No spark. 
  
• I tried to back probe the camshaft position sensor to see if I was getting anything out of it per these instructions (YouTube) but I couldn't get a paperclip in there. I did pull the sensor portion to see if it looked like water had gotten inside. It was bone dry but the o-ring was a bit suspect. 
  
• I borrowed a scan tool. There were no codes at first, but after cranking for 5 seconds it threw up the code I described above (P0340) which confirmed my suspicions about the sensor. 
  

Does anyone know whether I need to replace the whole assembly or just the sensor?

Thank you for your time,
Seth

P0340 Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit (book quote)

p0340 on the J20 engine means  the CMP is dead. cam sensor dead.
and with that dead there will never be spark.

best is to try replacing just the sensor part that way, you do not lose the timing, setting
be sure to anyway mark the slot in the photo left above called match marking and mark it so if you do replace, it. you have 1/2 the marks to set it again
'
i do not have a book on 2000 vitara so can not look up and see if the DLC2 connector near the left strut tower has a  spark timing freeze jumper. DLC2, DCL1 is under dash OBD2.
some models of suzuki only  a special scan tool at the old dearer, can set freeze via software.
take all care to not lose your timing, I use s prick punch or center punch  and match mark  head side and CMP flange (indexed)  so it can be put back accuracy. If must do that.

see j20 comments.
https://fixkick.com/IGN_timing/IGN-FREEZE.HTML



good luck to you ! cover all sensors before washing an engine and never use pressure  washer, (3000psi is crazy high) clean all gently .
cheers to you.




DLC2 CAN BE FOUND BEHIND RIGHT HEADLAMP
BUT MOST UPPER YEARS ARE AT LEFT TOP STRUT TOWER,  WITH RUBBER COVER TO KEEP DUST OUT A 6 PIN CONNECTOR.  MANY PINS WILL BE EMPTY IN 2000 ,(MAY)
D & E PINS MUST BE PRESENT. (4 TO 5)

[fixkick]

DO NOT DRIVE WITH FREEZE SET. but sets a new DTC code if did,.
to burn all fuel, every drop they use aggressive spark timing, even at idle.
this makes setting spark timing near impossible
thus the freeze jumper, ,my 2004 had none they moved it to suzuki only scan tool access, the rats

[Seth]

Thanks, FixKick!
Replacing just the sensor did the trick.  


I really appreciate your advice.

[fixkick]

Thanks, FixKick!
Replacing just the sensor did the trick.  


I really appreciate your advice.

great
not easy to find any CMP that is spazzed OUT ,doing wild things and they sure are known for that...
so happy for you !!!!!