Toyota Sienna: P0340 Camshaft Sensor Problem

In this video I look at a customers 2007 Toyota Sienna (with the big 3.3) that has a customer complaint of a SES light with a P0340. The customer played hopscotch with a ebay special cam sensor but didn't make any progress. Now it is my turn to guess what's wrong with it.
-Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SouthMainAuto]

*Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro Diagnostic Scan Tool:* *amzn.to/3EK0tj6* *What scope did I use?* The Pico 4425A. Want one of your own? AES Wave is the best place to get one. *www.aeswave.com/* Carlos is the guy there you want to talk too and tell him Eric O. sent ya there 😉 Be sure to ask about the AES Wave U-Test kit also.

[@ossysprog2]

Not a Sponsor?

[@jordancampbell5010]

Sold!! but it will not plug into my 55 chev maybe time to upgrade some things

[@ElectronicMechanic50]

I have the 906 pro bt I love it

[@Jon-O.]

So I'm going to try to ax u a ? 2015 dodge Journey 3.6 are coils a common problem I'm getting a p0305 and p0300 and she stumbles. I was going to switch coils to see if it follows. If the misfire don't follow could it be that injector? Your thoughts im sorry for bothering you.

[@Rithius3485]

The wires on that front sensor close to the pigtail, you can see they are cuts in the wire, and can see the copper.

[@porkchop4604]

My wife always thinks I'm nuts watching your videos. I tell her I'm learning from a Pro! I do all my own maintenance and repairs so your experience is worth it's weight in Gold baby!

[@annyer262]

I had a mass air flow sensor problem on my Hyundai elantra. I found a video here describing how to diagnose and fixed it up easily!

[@danfarris135]

No harm at all. Im a seasoned mechanic but still like watching Eric as he can even teach an old dog a new trick here and there.

[@devinice6020]

I guess I'm lucky, my wife will watch with me and she isn't even into cars but she is not afraid to to do her own maintenance.

[@bulwinkle]

Just make sure she knows which kind of pro that you mean. You don't want a misunderstanding.

[@sbc383zz]

@@devinice6020 Lucky guy.

[@crabmansteve6844]

Watching you do electrical diagnosis is incredible. Most thorough dude I've ever seen.

[@meganluke444]

Eric has the critical thinking skills of a good scientist. Excellent video and discussion!

[@ceesklumper]

Diagnose Dan is pretty good also

[@danielbarber8387]

Watch Wes work is another good guy.

[@powermoveschris9891]

@@lesreeves8783i agree!

[@donjohnson1416]

He is great, check out Yvan too. Pine Hollow, and Scanner Danner. if you like electrical diagnosis.

[@rickconstant6106]

I'm a mechanic in the UK, and most of the models you work on are different from what we see here. Not only that, I retired 3 years ago, so I've got no practical reason to watch your videos, but I've got great respect for the way you work and enjoy seeing the process, so I always look forward to your next video.

[@garybulwinkle82]

Same here. American, from west coast, retired, but still like to watch the new generation fix the new stuff. Used to ride/race dirt bikes too, and it's cool watching riding videos; feels like your out there in your mind, but your safe and comfortable sitting in your desk chair!! I always considered the electrical system as the Achilles Heal of cars! It's funny as they have multiplied the electronics by fifty now, and I wont buy a new car! Heck, if you gave me one, I'd probably sell it for the money which is also ridiculous!!

[@abdoalbasha4368]

Watch tihs channel too so .... pine hollow auto diagnostics

[@gospelman7222]

Same here also. Retired truck mechanic, but like to watch Eric's videos

[@Android_Warrior]

Commercial and Domestic Appliance Tech here but I like to watch his videos too.

[@danieljunordocherty4701]

@@abdoalbasha4368 😊

[@bryanphipps9131]

Man the DIY'er was so close, I'll bet he'll be a little peed off when you tell him what you found. Great work.

[@michaelpressman7203]

Cut the poor guy some slack and just tell him the part was junk have a great day

[@shemp308]

After years of working on vehicles and hands frozen backaches. This guy had the right idea bring it in and let Eric handle it! Lol

[@cullenmiller8170]

Nice video and great diagnosis. Never forget about pin drag testing. It almost cost me a $1000 for calling a control module on my Webasto boiler the other day. After going through all the troubleshooting it called for replacement of the module. Last thing I did used my AES Wave kit and checked the drag on the female connectors. Found a loose one and after tightening it up we’re back in business with heat and unlimited hot water.

[@SirDeanosity]

As a coworker of mine once said "electrical things are a study in bad connections ".

[@NBSV1]

Yep. I had a truck a few years ago that threw a bunch of extra codes after someone had checked the pins at the ECM. Turns out they’d basically jammed the meter lead into the ECM terminals. After nearly re-pining the whole connector is was at least down to the original problem.

[@gonesideways6621]

Worked in connector industry 30 plus years we had a test called insertion and extraction which measured the number of times you could plug and unplug connector module most machinery autos, industrial equipment never approached threshold of failure, we had hardly no complaints.

[@tuberNunya]

@@gonesideways6621 Well I have some complaints.

[@rjpicc61]

Eric,your diagnostic skills are the best. I am a retired technician and like the in-depth process of troubleshooting you go through to do the job correct. Thanks for the vids!!!!!!!

[@michaelpressman7203]

I've been in the trades for 50 years and diagnostics and getting to pinpoint the source of the problem is the main objective most people miss that and end up throwing parts of stuff they don't need and then when they fix it they really don't know what they did have a great day

[@andrewg6238]

As a person who is challenged in the patience department, your patience blows me away. I am getting better, but I am no Eric O.! Nice work! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@michaelpressman7203]

If you start getting frustrated and aggravated you lose focus the best thing to do is walk away take a deep breath and come back and figure it out have a great day

[@harrywalker5836]

i used to be a bit,impatient, but i just wanted it done, not knowing about why its like that, why it broke, whatever, now, i investigate, want it done right, i clean, paint, greese, never sieze, protect, wrap,tidy up, everything i touch. first thing i found with mechanical, is, dirty earths. connectors. not enough earths,. i gave my tdi focus to a ''mechanic'', to replace belt seals idler w/pump, i was too busy with work, i told him vids to watch, & how to do the timeing,,he fkt it. $1,200 for a dusty shelf..now,,i still have to fix it.. tdi focus, brake rockers if timeing is wrong..easy fix..for some..

[@davegillett4036]

Hi Eric, I live in England and recently completed my IMI level 3. I have learned far more from watching your videos than I have from anything I’ve done at college. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos, your knowledge and experience is priceless.

[@neilmurphy845]

Ya same even the dealership I did work experience in said that you would actually learn more on KZbin than anywhere else.

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

YES! Eric O!

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

Being from Florida I thought the car had been rained on. But then I realized you're in New York. Which meant it's thawing out.

[@brianbanks3044]

nope, we are still in mid 40s and raining right now...no snow yet for next few days

[@shalnks]

"We know what NEW stands for Never ever works" Love it. Must remember that one

[@jcos55chev19]

Nice work. As far as that sensor being broken, it's very possible that the customer while swapping around the sensors, didn't seat it properly. He then cranked down on the bolt, fracturing it before it seated.

[@johnbeckett2624]

Good call, I was thinking that as well.

[@timd1833]

@@johnbeckett2624 ditto

[@alexsamson9942]

But the problem already existed before the customer attempted the swap

[@snoopdogie187]

@@alexsamson9942 Maybe not. Maybe the old part was bad, new part broken during install, causing the same symptoms.

[@NicholasCox85]

or when Eric put the screwdriver underneath and tightened down to 'tweak it', it cracked?

[@goooch888]

I've wondered how many mechanic students watch your channel, you are an excellent teacher. 😀

[@michaelpressman7203]

Personally I think Eric and Ray are to be mandatory viewing for automotive students that are up and coming have a great day

[@HaIoThree]

I was a little worried when you pulled out the NAPA sensor. My Tacoma had a no com cam sensor fault two years ago. The sensor from AutoZone got it started, but the crank time went from instant to 5-10 seconds. Ordered the Denso from Rock Auto and went back to instant. I don't mess with non OEM sensors anymore on Toyota.

[@two6s722]

Agree, surprised to see EO go non-Denso with a Yota.

[@Paul070]

I have to admit, your diagnostics are top notch I learn something new every time I watch.

[@jrtiura]

You're an awesome scientist! I have watched many of your videos, and your ambition for problem solving is amazing.

[@MakersEase]

2006 Toyota corolla here.. Yes - tanks.. Stopped driving as a daily around 250K miles. Original clutch.

[@cyoungso]

Really pumping out the content Mr. O. Great work

[@RenegadesGarage]

South Main Auto Repair.. Excellent diagnostic skills Eric. Love you commentary as well and the bit at the end had me choking on my coffee. 😂🤣😂

[@BimmerLife843]

I love people who have passion like you Eric. Dying breed. Watched all of your videos even when you had the Honda ridge line. Best overall auto teacher on the web. You, Ivan, and shroedingers box are some awesome smart dudes 😎

[@davetestu]

Since I found you thru Ivan's channel (who I found via Wes) I never miss a video. I'm in Quebec so, like you, no stranger to salt corrosion. I respect your work and really love your first class disposition. You're just the coolest guy there is. Clint and the Duke were pretty cool but my guess is they couldn't fix shit.

[@Darjan_Spasojevic]

Eric o is a gentleman. No cuss, some fuss, and the job gets done with the classic reach around Babbyy😁

[@syncrosimon]

Great job, thanks for sharing. It’s amazing that the world actually works with so few people willing, like you, to actually get to the bottom of a problem!!

[@michaeltemple895]

I learn something every time i watch a video on this channel. Thanks

[@trekOCLVone]

I learn a lot of technical troubleshooting with the use of your electronic Oscope tools. I'm an electronic engineering person and can follow what you are doing. Excellent approach. I also watch Rainman Ray's channel and he approaches things kind of the same up front (codes downloaded) and then takes a bit of a different tact without using the Oscope. Your two channels complement each other very well. You both know how to find the bad parts very well. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelpressman7203]

To be honest between you and Ray you both inspired me and I've gotten a little aggravated with some of the service work I've gotten and started doing all my own work again I'm 69 years old and working my driveway but I know when I'm done I know what I did and I know the job is right have a great day

[@geologic740]

Thanks for explaining the entire process. I know you typically do but I don't comment much on your videos, so I owe it to you. Keep up the good work.

[@richardthomas1743]

Eric! BOOOM goes the parts cannon!!

[@crisprtalk6963]

Another half hour of tortured bliss! Thanks Eric.

[@dr.shorty8765]

always a joy to watch your videos

[@TheZakimus]

I still really appreciate just how thorough you get in these 👍👍

[@TheJmich2001]

Thank you for all the recent content. We love it. NJ

[@cass71291]

Relaxing on the sofa watching your video. Goes without saying always a great experience to watch, but the comedy involved as well 😂 “ The SHOCKER” 😅

[@adamsupan]

Love your videos Eric, you do excellent work!

[@dkeglerg]

Thanks for the string of new content. Love coming home to find a new video- several times a week!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

If I had a nickel for every Toyota Cam sensor I've replaced over the years I'd have a dime...usually broken during repairs. Nissan, now that's a different story. Nice work.

[@iandalton3839]

Love your videos, no nonsense every day diagnosics.

[@shelleyking8450]

Non-stop know-how, Eric! LOVE that you do this so well and explain it all. Helps every fix-it-at-home guy learn a little more every time. The editing with the big scan screen is great! We see what you see, and the lesson sinks in.

[@benhealy7155]

Great video as always Eric O, love watching your fault finding methodologies.

[@bartscave]

Thanks for doing these diagnostic videos Eric! I get a lot out of them.

[@mdspisak]

Another great example of taking your time and paying attention to the details !!!

[@thisoldjeepcj5]

You do really well with the equipment you have. Keep the videos coming.

[@ronaldbrosius7488]

Thanks so much for another great video. Much of us really love watching your videos. Keep up the awesome job

[@elmerfrejoles98]

I'm always amaze with your thorough diagnostics. That little part was the cause of not starting. Amazing!

[@ozzykrahn806]

love watching your videos, learning alot from you, i take your knowledge and use it when i work on my car

[@jasontillilie3669]

Watching you; your attitude, knowledge, honesty and humor brings a sense of joy into my life. Thank you. And God Bless you. J

[@jakejones9502]

I used some of your advice just the other day doing a front wheel bearing. Your advice goes a long way thank you for that. Keep up the great work.

[@theswissmechanic]

Hopefully you enjoyed your early Christmas gift. Hopefully it will save your arms from all that pumping on your next coolant pressure test!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh it will. Thank you sir. Arrived today ;)

[@theswissmechanic]

@@SouthMainAuto You're welcome! I was tracking it and it's my favorite piece of kit even if there isn't a space for it in the big blue box. Makes finding leaks a snap since you don't gotta focus on pumping so much to keep the leak squirting like ol Faithful and more looking for the ladys problem :P

[@charlesperry1580]

Your videos are so educational. Between Ivan, Keith, and Danner you guys keep me interested in this detective work

[@chosipian]

excellent diagnosis as usual

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Eric O. Nicely done ✅😊 take care of yourself and family ❤️❤️❤️

[@kc0rzw]

20 years at a toyota dealer i've never seen a cracked cam sensor

[@dannysheppard2882]

Great job Eric, I’ve been watching you for years, and I know you can’t answer every comment, but I appreciate you sharing all the knowledge,I’ve learned a lot from you, and thanks I appreciate you! From West Virginia!! And great job!!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Eric, Ivan would be proud. 🙂 You and the family stay safe.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Love those diagnosis vehicles. Nice one Mr. O!

[@markmalikowski4971]

Your videos are awesome! Your ND Ivn have proved to me that a Pico scope is a required tool for any electrical issue. Thanks again for the great video!

[@billkaczynski7709]

I gotta get me one of dem pico’s! Wow man you make it look so easy. A mechanical defect caused a electrical glitch. I loved your through explanations as you solved his problems. Thanks!

[@ootyguy9805]

What... a broken toyota???! scotty is going to be disappointed. Nice fix as usual, only wish the replacement was an OE Denso.

[@throttlebottle5906]

a broken Toyota! Kilmer's head just imploded 🤯💥

[@michaelpressman7203]

Excellent diagnostic and I really appreciate the way you scope to actually verify your tests and the comparison and swapping of the two sensors and it was obvious that that one was no good hey it's a shame it got a broken but that happens when you buy certain parts have a great day and thanks again

[@jayjudd6518]

Ok my secrets Mr O” I always tune in to see what’s new. This was a good one. Customer thought it was a doozy but tamed it quickly. Congratulations

[@Carp4125]

Pure genius. You have more info stored in your head than All Data.

[@robertmckee5895]

Hi Eric, Rab from Scotland uk here , just one thing I have to say,,, you are an electrical genius in my book ,, everything mechanical is always an easy fix for you ,, great videos, it's a pity there aren't many guys like you over in Scotland uk 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃👍

[@tedwagoner5618]

That air gap/hold down side bracket issue is nice to know, I could never diagnose the electrical as thorough as you. Thanks

[@Maxx1066]

Great video shows how little things can make a big difference.

[@tracklever8889]

Always great to watch you work 😂

[@janpur1417]

Eric, Ivan would not be happy because you used a non-OEM sensor!

[@michealgarlick6319]

Hi Eric. Great video, explaining what your doing and why . Air gap is so sensitive who would have thought. Cheers from Australia Mick.

[@dougbourdo2589]

247k miles. That is what I put on my '05 F140 4.6L 4x4 from '06 to 2018. That truck was amazing. Hauled 3880 lbs. once, broken concrete. I abused it & she ran like a dream all those years & miles.

[@mrkttrdr2919]

Learned a ton from this vid, watch for bad new parts, the right air gap, and most of all the right hand signals!😂 thanks for posting

[@michaelpressman7203]

I remember years ago when I worked on cars and the only Gap you had to worry about was the points have a great day

[@TechieGuy-zw5mp]

I like the big washer free fix suggestion. I hope you and your family are enjoying the Christmas season!!!

[@billscott2472]

Hi Eric, Great video. You make my night. Good job

[@PatrickJago]

Stuck at work but at least I have a SMA video to pass the time. You can shine a mirror (Windex) and you enhance my knowledge of the infinite number of things that can go wrong with a vehicle. Thanks.

[@leecarroll1817]

Good content, diagnosis. Keep up the good work. Post retirement I missed the craziness some, now I roll over and sleep an hour or two more. I like your stuff.

[@precisionautodiagnosticsre8109]

Another great video Eric O. I recommend your channel to every mechanic I know or meet. Keep up the great content..

[@ThatGuyThatGames24]

Come on this guy couldn't figure out the sensor was busted? What the heck! Great work as always Mr. Eric sir.

[@jamesterrill1938]

It is one thing to have the right tools but another thing to KNOW how to use them, great video..

[@davefilicicchia6341]

Good observation and troubleshooting skills (and tools).

[@uglysteve1]

That sure sounds like a “Diesel Creek “ contact ! Steve

[@IHcubcadet]

Nicely done Eric.

[@larrywall1642]

My 2007 has 170,000 an going strong. Great information and video.

[@johngoodwyn8246]

Inspector O solves it again great job Eric....

[@geraldguenard4095]

Job done right bravo ERIC.

[@ludvigjakobsson9347]

I wouldn´t fix it. but I love sitting here watching you fix it..BEST youtube channel ever..

[@mikesautomotivediagnostics8080]

As always, I love your diag videos., Not that I dislike the others, but I always learn something on your diag. Keep up the good work.

[@Frankie--da-fixer]

I wish I had this Man's knowledge,Great video thank you!!

[@fieldsofomagh]

Pico shows the reality. Invaluable tool for a mechanic. Nice fix along with Josh and not forgetting her self, on the phone. Adiós amigo.

[@hipshot823]

Eric!! Be careful with those hand gestures! 😳....Great diagnostics as usual. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I'm always looking forward to the next video.

[@CHEVboy86]

I am a redseal in canada and I love watching your videos. Full of info. Awesome job.

[@CHEVboy86]

My wife thinks I should do the same. Bit if I I want to compete with the likes of you... I am done before I even start lol

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

Sweet diag Boss. Great work as always, watching you is like being in auto technical school. I'm learning so much from you Thank you so much. Keep the great video Coming.

[@andrewtelford7711]

Love all of your videos you make it look so easy and I know it's not. Got out of the game a few years ago but still dabble

[@johnlenoir1023]

I knew those sensors were sensitive but man I didn't realize they was that touchy dang Skippy Love video thank you so much for showing us how to figure it out love watching your videos

[@Graham_Wideman]

Yeah, intuitively you think about a magnetic sensor like it was a magnetic door-close sensor or similar that should be quite forgiving of exact door position. However, cam and crank sensors are responsible for delivering signal edges (high-low, or low-high) that precisely reflect rotation angle position of their respective shafts. As such, they have to be in close proximity to the toothed wheel to register an on/off or off/on at precise angular positions. They could indeed be adjusted or designed to register from a distance, but the magnetic signal would be weaker, and more important, the transition of the magnetic signal from "tooth present" to "tooth absent" (or vice versa) would be much less sharp, and render less-precisely-timed waveform edges.

[@simonduffy6386]

Good work Eric

[@philipershler420]

As a retired bioengineer, I’m truly impressed with diagnostic no how. You really checked ever other issue than the sensor itself before you condemned it. Nice Job.

[@traveltoforex9927]

Absolutely love the diagnostic capabilities of this channel and Legitstreetcars. This guy is way ahead of all the crap out there on youtube.

[@klumpy103]

I knew as soon as you got your big mittens on those sensors that you'd virtually figured out what was going on, strange how some materials fail, obviously the metal insert is to prevent overtightening but....if the whole assy is misaligned to begin with? it can bring on a world of woes. Great diag as usual, your experience shows and just maybe that was really the root cause here, not customer blaming in any way , I have definitely done the same thing myself.T here are always new things to learn. 👍

[@I-watch-at-2x]

That's the difference between a mechanic and a parts changer! Great job Mr O!

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey excellent video tutorial. It amazing that little movement and air gap would be the issue. I hate when a new part is somehow defective.

[@kdiekman]

Had a 07 Hyundai replaced crank shaft sensor in summer. Crank no start when it got below 20. Found out it wasn’t seated all the way corrected that and fired right up a -10. Great video. Have had lots of trouble with after market sensors.

[@dennissytsma3561]

I'm a do-it-yourself person and I have had good experiences using NAPA parts. I would have swapped sensors first to see if code followed the sensor but what you did was good video to explain why and how you did your diagnostics to attain a solid repair. It would be interesting to see if you used the sensor in the vehicle what the results would have been to prove the new part was no good or if the vehicle owner lacked the skills to replace the sensor to attain the results desired. I enjoyed watching your video and learned a lot so thanks.

[@NikMitchell]

as always, being able to "actually point to the failure" is sooooo much nicer than the "best guess/more than likely the culprit" mentality is what helps you sleep at night. Even when it's a lucky accident to stumble upon the issue, the relief of knowing for sure you've pinned it down is what makes the job worth it. Grats on the diagnosis - I always enjoy these videos, Mr. O!