P0340 on 2011-2012 Dodge Charger: Camshaft Sensor Circuit Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2012 Dodge CHARGER

For this specific generation of Dodge Charger, particularly those with the 5.7L V8 engine, the P0340 code has a significant known issue that is not a hardware failure. Dodge issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for both 2011 and 2012 models indicating that this code, sometimes appearing with others, can be caused by a software glitch in the PCM. In these cases, the correct fix is not to replace the sensor but to have a dealership perform a software update. This makes it critical for owners to check for TSBs before spending money on parts that may not solve the problem. The 3.6L V6 uses two distinct dual-output sensors (one per bank), while the 5.7L V8 uses a single sensor at the front of the engine.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine is hard to start or cranks for a long time before starting.
• Engine will crank but not start at all.
• Engine stalls or idles roughly, especially at low speeds.
• Noticeable loss of engine power and poor acceleration.
• Transmission may enter 'limp mode' and seem stuck in one gear.
• Decreased fuel economy.

Most Likely Causes

1. Outdated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software 🔴 High Probability Manufacturer TSB #18-067-15 and its revision #18-067-15 REV A specifically call out P0340 as a code that can be resolved with a software update on 2011-2012 models with the 5.7L engine.
   How to confirm: A Dodge dealership or a qualified shop with access to OEM service information can check if the vehicle's VIN has an outstanding TSB for a PCM reflash using a tool like wiTECH.
   Typical fix: Flashing the PCM with the updated software provided by the manufacturer. This procedure requires a battery charger to maintain stable voltage during the flash.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 1) 🔴 High Probability The sensor itself is a common failure point on many vehicles due to heat and vibration in the engine bay. Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets can also contaminate the sensor and connector, causing failure.
   How to confirm: After confirming the PCM software is up-to-date, the sensor can be tested with a multimeter. On 3.6L V6 engines, a common diagnostic trick is to swap the Bank 1 and Bank 2 sensors; if the code changes to P0345 (Bank 2), the sensor is confirmed bad. This is not possible on the 5.7L V8, which only has one sensor.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor. Using an OEM Mopar sensor is highly recommended, as some owners report issues with aftermarket sensors.
   Est. part cost: $25-$80
3. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring is exposed to high engine temperatures, which can cause wires to become brittle, cracked, or connectors to become loose or contaminated with oil. People may also damage the wires by pulling on them to disconnect the sensor.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for signs of damage, corrosion, or oil contamination. Check for proper voltage (typically 5V reference) and ground at the connector with a multimeter. 🎬 See how to test the sensor and circuit with a multimeter. Ensure the red locking tab on the connector is fully engaged.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or clean/replace the connector.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Timing Chain or Cam Phaser Issue: A stretched timing chain or a failing cam phaser can cause the camshaft's position to be out of sync with the crankshaft, triggering a sensor circuit code even if the sensor is good. This is often accompanied by rattling noises on startup. A Chrysler TSB notes that a failed locking pin inside the phaser can cause independent movement and trigger circuit codes like P0340.
• Low or Incorrect Viscosity Engine Oil: The VVT system, which includes the cam phasers, operates on oil pressure. If the oil level is dangerously low or the wrong viscosity oil is used, it can lead to improper phaser operation and trigger timing-related codes, including P0340. This may be accompanied by rattling noises.
• Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor: On some Dodge vehicles, a failing crankshaft position sensor can cause related, seemingly incorrect codes like P0340 to appear because the PCM relies on both signals for correlation. If the engine cranks but won't start, and you have no RPM signal on a scan tool, the crank sensor is a strong suspect.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare, but the PCM itself can fail. This should only be considered after all other possibilities (software, sensor, wiring, and mechanical timing) have been exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for all diagnostic trouble codes. Note any other codes that appear with P0340, as they can provide clues (e.g., U-codes pointing to a software issue).
2. Check for TSBs (Especially 5.7L): Contact a Dodge dealer or use a professional database to see if TSB #18-067-15 or #18-067-15 REV A applies to your vehicle's VIN. If it does, a PCM reflash is the most likely solution.
3. Inspect Wiring: Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor's wiring and connector for any signs of melting, chafing, corrosion, or oil contamination from a leaky valve cover. Ensure the connector is securely fastened with the red lock tab in place.
4. Test the Circuit: Use a multimeter to verify the connector has a 5-volt reference signal, a good ground, and a signal wire.
5. Test the Sensor (3.6L V6): The easiest test is to swap the Bank 1 (passenger side) and Bank 2 (driver side) sensors. Clear the codes and drive. If the code returns as P0345, the sensor is faulty. Note that accessing the sensors on the 3.6L requires removing the upper intake manifold.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the 3.6L cam sensor.
6. Test/Replace the Sensor (5.7L V8): Since there is only one sensor, swapping is not an option. If the wiring and software are good, the next logical step is to replace the sensor. It is easily accessible on the front of the engine block.
7. Check Mechanical Timing & Oil: If all else fails, the issue may be mechanical. Check engine oil level and condition. Investigate the timing chain, guides, and phasers for wear or damage, especially if you hear rattling noises on startup.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Sensor (5.7L V8) (OEM #5149054AC) — This is the most common hardware failure for this code on the 5.7L V8 after software issues are ruled out. The V8 has one sensor on the front of the block, behind the power steering pump. 🎬 Watch: How to locate and replace the 5.7L Hemi sensor.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Delphi, NGK/NTK, Bosch
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Camshaft Position Sensor (3.6L V6) (OEM #5149141AF) — This is the sensor for the 3.6L V6. The engine uses two identical sensors, one for each bank. P0340 refers to Bank 1 (passenger side). Access requires removing the upper intake manifold.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Delphi, Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $40-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$45

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U0401-00 — This code for 'Implausible Data Received From ECM/PCM' is specifically mentioned alongside P0340 in TSB #18-067-15 as being resolved by a software update.
• P0441 — This 'EVAP Purge System Performance' code is also listed in TSB #18-067-15 as being related to the same software issue.
• U0140 — 'Lost Communication With Body Control Module' is mentioned in TSB #18-067-15 REV A in conjunction with P0340.
• P0345 — This code indicates a fault with the Bank 2 camshaft sensor. If you swap sensors on a 3.6L V6 and P0340 becomes P0345, you have confirmed the original sensor was bad.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-067-15: Notes that P0340 can be set due to a software issue and is resolved by a PCM update on 2012 5.7L models.
• 18-067-15 REV A: Revises and expands the software update fix for P0340 to include 2011 models with the 5.7L engine, and lists other related codes like U0140 and U0401.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• PCM Software Update Required (5.7L V8): TSBs #18-067-15 and #18-067-15 REV A state that P0340 can be triggered by a software error and fixed with a PCM reflash. This is a crucial first check for any 2011-2012 5.7L model.
• Sensor Location & Difficulty (3.6L V6): On the 3.6L V6, the Bank 1 (passenger side) and Bank 2 (driver side) sensors are located on the rear of the cylinder heads. Accessing them, particularly for swapping or replacement, requires removing the upper intake manifold, which adds to the repair time.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Voltage Test (3-wire sensor, e.g., 5.7L V8) — expected: With Key On, Engine Off, test the harness connector. You should find one pin with ~5V (supply), one with <1 Ohm to ground (ground), and one with ~5V (signal pull-up). While cranking, the signal wire voltage should rapidly switch between ~0V and ~5V, creating a square wave.. Failure: Missing 5V supply, poor ground, or a signal voltage that is stuck high, low, or at an intermediate voltage (e.g., 0.5V) during cranking indicates a fault in the wiring or sensor.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Resistance Test — expected: Not applicable. These are Hall-effect sensors.. Failure: Performing a resistance test across the sensor's terminals is not a valid diagnostic procedure for this type of sensor and will not yield useful results.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (OEM Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Tool): PCM Reflash / Software Update — This is the primary service function to use when TSB #18-067-15 or #18-067-15 REV A applies to the vehicle's VIN. It is the specific fix for the software glitch causing P0340 on affected 5.7L models.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Sensor Connector (5.7L V8) — On the front of the engine block, near the top, behind the power steering pump.. This 3-pin connector provides power, ground, and signal path for the sensor. The pins are typically: 5V supply, sensor ground, and CMP signal. Damage or oil contamination here is a common cause of the code.
• Sensor Connector (3.6L V6) — On the rear of the right (passenger side) cylinder head for Bank 1.. This 4-pin connector houses two sets of circuits as it is a dual-output sensor. A fault in the Bank 1 portion of the connector or wiring will set P0340. Access requires removing the upper intake manifold.
• G101 / G104 — Right front of the engine compartment / right front of the engine.. These are primary engine ground points. A loose or corroded ground connection here can introduce electrical noise or voltage drops, potentially causing erratic signals from engine sensors like the CMP.
• G901a — Left front of the engine compartment.. This is another main chassis/engine ground. Verifying all major grounds are clean and tight is a crucial step in diagnosing any electronic circuit fault code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube Channel 'FerKurl' (Dodge with 5.7L Hemi (similar diagnostics)) — Engine stalling and shutting down once it reached operating temperature. Code P0340 or P0344 present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial inspection showed the sensor was soaked in oil from a valve cover leak, but cleaning it did not resolve the issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The camshaft position sensor was failing due to heat soak. When tested cold, it functioned correctly. When the engine was hot, the sensor's signal voltage would get stuck at 0.5V instead of switching between 0V and 5V. After cooling down, it would work again. Replacing the sensor with a new OEM part resolved the stalling.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While replacing the sensor is the most common fix discussed on forums, the official Manufacturer TSBs for the 5.7L engine provide strong counter-evidence, stating that a PCM software update is the correct repair in many instances. This contradicts the 'parts-first' approach. Furthermore, a real-world diagnostic case demonstrated that a sensor can pass all tests when cold but still be the root cause due to heat-related failure, a scenario that can lead a technician to incorrectly suspect the wiring or PCM after a simple bench test.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5149054AB → 5149054AC — Standard part revision or manufacturer change.
  Heads up: The new part number (5149054AC) is the correct service replacement for the 5.7L V8.
• 05149141AE → 5149141AF — Standard part revision or manufacturer change.
  Heads up: The new part number (5149141AF) is the correct service replacement for the 3.6L V6.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2012: The primary variation is not a physical part but the factory-installed PCM software. TSBs #18-067-15 and #18-067-15 REV A were issued specifically for these model years (among others) with the 5.7L engine, indicating the original software was susceptible to erroneously setting code P0340. This makes a software check a critical first step for these specific years, which may not be necessary for later models that received the updated software from the factory.