2000 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 P1391 and P0340 - Camshaft Synchronizer Replacement - Cam Sensor Grenaded!

In todays video I work on my neighbors (well former neighbors) Jeep Cherokee. The car was towed in with a CRANK NO START with codes P1391 and P0340. Both were related to Cam and Crank Sensor. Since one of the Codes was the CAM sensor only we started with that replacement. I noticed on changing it the magenet was not attached anymore but honestly didn't think anything else of it. I swapped a new Camshaft position sensor and the car seemed like it was going to start and run. Unfortunately it made no real change. I then decided to swap the crankshaft sensor just in case as they are known to cause problems but the issues persisted.
After checking out the camshaft synchronizer I found the spinning part that sends the signal was no longer firmly attached at the pin allowing it to wobble and not spin when the cam/crank spins. This surely appeared to be the issue and was. We replace it in the video and get this Jeep back on the road.
The job requires the motor to be at Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke for Cylinder 1. This ensures the new part is put in proper alignment. The steps I took are below for reference.
1. Removed the Driver side Shroud/fan with the two bolts and one wire clip
2. Remove the 4 13 MM bolts holding in the ignition coil
3. Remove Number 1 Spark Plug
4. Use a 19 MM socket and ratchet to rotate the crank until you feel pressure coming out of Cylinder 1.
5. Once you are on the compression stroke continue to turn the crank until the Mark on the Crank lines up with 0 on the timing marks
6. With Motor at Top Dead Center remove the 13 MM bolt on the Camshaft Synchronizer hold down
7. Unplug Camshaft Position sensor and Remove Camshaft Synchronizer and clean the old gasket off the block
8. Attach the alignment tool onto the new synchronizer. Adjust the Oil Drive to match what is shown in picture or as needed so the synchronizer can drop in and be in alignment. it will slightly spin as it seats into the cam gears
9. Ensure Synchronizer is fully seated flat with motor and the alignment tool is straight facing towards rear of car If its left or right of that its in the wrong gear and timing will be off.
10. Once installed put hold down clamp on and reinstall 13 MM Bolt
11. remove alignment piece and Install Camshaft position sensor with the two provided bolts (I believe 8 MM but may vary). Plug in the Camshaft position sensor
12. Reinstall Spark plug in cylinder 1
13. Install Ignition coil and take care to ensure every spark plug goes into its respective Boot (its easy to miss one) then install the 4 bolts to hold it down
14. install the fan/shroud back into place and plug in the required wire.
That should be all the steps and can be done with simple hand tools. The entire job took about an hour from start to finish with no real rushing. Be sure to take your time and make certain it aligned properly.

[@josersanchezmagana4937]

Thanks for sharing. I just. Fix my truck. With all information that you did. Im so glap Thanks man nice job

[@JustFixinGarage]

Glad it was helpful !

[@41GarageandGrill]

Nice work! Very helpful

[@JustFixinGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@levitezoe1804]

Appreciate the video I'm currently having a similar issue I changed the top sensor did not change the synchronizer when I start my vehicle it hesitate and I usually have to start it two or three times before actually cranks over I would like to know if you think that's due to the synchronizer and whatever you able to just drop the secret answer in without any type of alignment

[@JustFixinGarage]

What code are you throwing if any ? When you pull the cam sensor off does the spinning part have any play? It should be fairly solid and not be able to spin around . Mine had a lot of play and if I spun hard enough it would move independently . Be careful doing this so you don’t strand your vehicle somewhere .

[@technical19d34]

Replaced my sensor on 2000 XJ, still getting P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Bank 1 or Single Sensor.

[@JustFixinGarage]

Did your synchronizer have any play ? Did you inspect the wiring for any issues? This code could also be caused by crank position sensor as well .

[@technical19d34]

@Just-Fix-in Garage had crank position sensor replaced right before this. Also synchro seemed to have no play. What was strange though when I replaced the cam sensor the wiring connector looked like something scorched the hell out of it. Not on the inside of the connector but the outside where it all clips together.

[@JustFixinGarage]

@@technical19d34 is it a crank no start you are getting or just a code but car runs ?

[@technical19d34]

@@JustFixinGarage it was crank no start intermittently before all this. I could drive it for days with no issue, then after a short trip or 2 crank no start, would start after 5 or 10 minutes, but gradually it became more often with longer duration before it would ever start again.

[@bpebler]

@@technical19d34 any update? I have another Crankshaft & Camshaft Position Sensor plus an Ignition Coil. I’ve replaced the CPS several times but not the others.

[@RaiderTank65]

What size was the hex head bolts on top of the Camshaft Sensor??? 5/32”?? 4mm too small and 5mm too big

[@JustFixinGarage]

Hey raider sorry I don’t recall . I just know I had one on my socket rail so it must have came in a regular set. When I googled your question it said it was a 4 mm . Perhaps some rust build up is making it not work ?

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

I think it varies. I swapped mine today. One had very rusted bolts that I hammered a 5mm onto. The other used a 5.5mm socket.

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

As the oil pump drive to cam gear relationship wasn't messed up on the original, you shouldn't have had to mess with the oil pump. If the upper part hasn't broken off the shaft, you don't even need to be at top dead center. You just need it to be in a known indexable location. I chose to align the tall part of the shaft parallel with the block. With how course the gear is, a tooth off in either direction is very noticeable.