P0340 on 2015-2018 Ram ProMaster City: Camshaft Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY

The 2.4L Tigershark engine in the ProMaster City has two camshaft sensors, and P0340 specifically points to the intake sensor, which is notoriously difficult to access as it's buried under the intake manifold. This isn't a simple 10-minute swap like on many other engines. Furthermore, this engine uses Fiat's MultiAir system, which is sensitive to oil condition and level. A TSB (#18-063-17 REV. A) links P0340 with oil supply solenoid codes, suggesting that underlying oiling issues can sometimes trigger this sensor code. Finally, multiple TSBs from 2015 (#68080819A, #05149141A) instructed technicians to contact Ram engineering before replacing the sensor, indicating that this was a known, complex issue early in the vehicle's life, possibly due to a bad batch of sensors or a wiring harness design flaw.

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 stalls, sometimes while driving, especially at low speeds or when stopping
• Engine is hard to start or cranks but won't start
• Rough or unstable idle
• Hesitation or lack of acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine may enter 'limp mode,' restricting power and shifting

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Intake Camshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability Premature sensor failure is a widely recognized issue on this engine across multiple platforms (Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler). Early TSBs (#05149141A, #68080819A) from 2015 required technicians to call engineering before replacement, suggesting a known manufacturing or design flaw was being tracked.
   How to confirm: Scan for code P0340. Test the sensor's signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope if accessible. Due to the high failure rate and difficult access requiring intake manifold removal, replacement is often performed based on the code alone after ruling out simpler causes like low oil.
   Typical fix: Replace the intake camshaft position sensor and the intake manifold gaskets. This requires removing the upper intake manifold to gain access.
   Est. part cost: $69-$151
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The engine bay environment can cause wiring to become brittle or connectors to become loose or corroded. The wiring harness to the sensor is in a tight space subject to heat and vibration.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the intake camshaft position sensor for any signs of damage, fraying, melting, or corrosion. Check for a secure connection. This is difficult without at least partial removal of the intake manifold.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50
3. Low or Dirty Engine Oil ⚪ Low Probability The 2.4L Tigershark engine is known for potential oil consumption issues. The MultiAir valve actuation system relies on clean oil at the proper pressure. When oil is critically low, it can cause the valvetrain to function improperly, leading to stalling and triggering various timing-related codes, including P0340.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level and condition immediately. If the oil is very low or appears dirty/sludgy, this could be the root cause of the stalling and the code.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using the manufacturer-specified oil type (e.g., 0W-20). Address any underlying oil consumption issues, which may be a separate, significant problem.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80

Rare But Worth Checking

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Issue: TSB #18-063-17 REV. A indicates that a PCM software update can resolve an array of over 20 different codes, including P0340. If other codes from the TSB are present, a software flash at a dealership should be performed before replacing hardware.
• Timing Chain or Phaser Problem: While less common, excessive slack in the timing chain or a problem with the camshaft phaser can cause the camshaft's position to be out of sync with the crankshaft, triggering a P0340 code. This is a more complex and expensive mechanical issue and would likely be accompanied by other symptoms like rattling noises.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the PCM for all stored trouble codes. Note if P0340 is present alone or with other codes, especially those listed in TSB #18-063-17 REV. A.
2. CRITICAL: Check the engine oil level and condition. Low oil is a known cause of stalling and timing codes on this engine. Correct oil level and condition before proceeding.
3. Check with a dealer if TSB #18-063-17 REV. A (PCM software update) is applicable and has been performed. This may be the required fix.
4. Visually inspect the wiring and connector for the intake camshaft position sensor. This is difficult due to its location under the intake manifold but look for obvious signs of melting or damage near the back of the engine.
5. If access is possible, test the sensor's circuit. Check for 5V on the supply pin and less than 5 Ohms to ground on the ground pin. The signal wire should be checked with an oscilloscope for a clean square wave.
6. Given the high failure rate and difficult access, if the oil level is correct, the PCM software is up-to-date, and no obvious wiring damage is found, the most common repair is to replace the intake camshaft position sensor.
7. When replacing the sensor, it is mandatory to also replace the intake manifold gaskets to prevent vacuum leaks. The Mopar part number for the gasket set is 4627326AD.
8. After replacement, clear all codes and perform a test drive. Some vehicles may require a 'cam-crank relearn' procedure with a scan tool, though this is not consistently reported for the ProMaster City.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Intake Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #68080819AD (supersedes 68080819AC)) — This is the most common cause of code P0340 on this vehicle, with failure being a widely recognized issue.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Delphi, NGK/NTK, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $90-$131
  Aftermarket price range: $69-$110
• Intake Manifold Gasket Set (OEM #4627326AD) — This is a required part for the job. The intake manifold must be removed to access the intake camshaft sensor, and the gaskets are single-use and must be replaced to prevent vacuum leaks.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Fel-Pro (MS 97400), Mahle
  OEM price range: $17-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$20

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0365 — This code is for the exhaust camshaft position sensor ('Sensor B'). It's common for both sensors to fail around the same time due to age and operating conditions, though P0340 is more prevalent.
• P106A / P106C — These codes relate to the MultiAir oil supply solenoid valves. TSB #18-063-17 REV. A lists these alongside P0340, indicating a potential link between the MultiAir system's health, oil condition, and the cam sensor signal.
• U1424 — This code for 'Implausible Engine Torque Signal' can be a secondary code triggered by the primary engine performance fault caused by the bad camshaft sensor. TSB #18-063-17 REV. A also lists this code as being resolved by a PCM flash. Fixing P0340 often resolves U1424.
• P0335 — This code for the Crankshaft Position Sensor is also listed as being potentially resolved by the PCM flash in TSB #18-063-17 REV. A, suggesting an electronic, rather than mechanical, root cause in some instances.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-063-17 REV. A: Recommends a PCM software update to fix a list of over 20 DTCs, including P0340, P0335, and U1424.
• 68080819A: Notes to review information and contact an engineer before replacing the camshaft position sensor for a P0340 and/or P0344 fault codes, indicating a known issue was being tracked by the manufacturer in 2015.
• 05149141A: Similar to the above, advises technicians to contact an engineer before replacing the sensor for P0340 and other related cam/crank codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The intake camshaft position sensor (for P0340) is located under the intake manifold, making replacement a labor-intensive job compared to the easily accessible exhaust sensor. A DIY video shows this process requires removing the entire front bumper and radiator support structure for access.
• TSB #18-063-17 REV. A provides a software update for the PCM that addresses a list of over 20 DTCs, including P0340, which may be the fix in some cases, especially if multiple codes are present.
• TSBs #68080819A and #05149141A instructed technicians in 2015 to contact Ram engineering before replacing sensors for P0340, highlighting the complexity and frequency of this issue during the vehicle's early production years.
• The 2.4L Tigershark engine can have oil consumption issues. Critically low oil can cause stalling and trigger timing codes like P0340 before the sensor itself has failed.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor Power Supply Voltage — expected: 4.5V - 5.2V. Failure: Voltage below 4.5V or no voltage indicates an open/high resistance in the supply circuit from the PCM.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Ground Circuit Resistance — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms indicates a poor ground connection.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector Pinout — expected: Pin 1: 5V Power Supply, Pin 2: Signal, Pin 3: Ground. Failure: N/A - Reference for testing.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or compatible advanced scan tool (e.g., Appcar DiagFCA): Cam Crank Relearn / Camshaft Position Sensor Adaptive Learn — This routine should be performed after replacing the camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, or any timing components to allow the PCM to learn the new relationship between the sensors. The engine coolant must be above 158°F (70°C) to run the procedure.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector (C1) — On the intake camshaft position sensor, located under the intake manifold.. This 3-pin oval connector is the primary point for testing the sensor's power, ground, and signal. A poor connection or damaged terminal here is a common cause of the fault.
• G104 — On the left front side of the engine.. This is a primary engine ground point. A loose or corroded connection at G104 can disrupt the ground circuit for multiple sensors, including the camshaft sensor, leading to erratic signals and code P0340.
• Engine Ground Strap — Runs from a starter mounting bolt to the vehicle's frame.. This is another critical ground path for the engine. If this strap is loose, corroded, or broken, it can cause a host of electrical issues, including sensor circuit malfunctions.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Electrical Car Repair LIVE' (2015 Dodge Dart with 2.4L MultiAir (same engine and sensor)) — Engine light on, hard to start / cranks but won't start, code P0340 present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The video proceeds directly to diagnosis and replacement.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replacing the intake camshaft position sensor and clearing the fault code resolved the hard starting issue.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While the sensor is the most common cause, this is not always a simple fix. Forum users have reported cases where replacing the sensor, the connector pigtail, and even the camshaft phaser ($1700+) did not resolve the code. In these difficult cases, the root cause often ended up being a complex wiring issue requiring dealer-level diagnostics with Chrysler's STAR engineering support, or a PCM software flash as outlined in TSB #18-063-17 REV. A. This underscores the importance of checking for software updates and performing thorough wiring checks before replacing expensive hardware like a cam phaser.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5033308AB → 68080819AB — Part revision or manufacturer change.
• 68080819AB → 68080819AC — Part revision, likely for improved reliability, addressing premature failures.
• 68080819AC → 68080819AD — Latest part revision. The long history of supersessions indicates known issues with earlier versions of the sensor.
  Heads up: Using the latest 'AD' version is highly recommended to prevent repeat failures.