P0341 on 2017-2019 Land Rover Discovery: Camshaft Sensor, Timing Chain, and VVT Issues

What's Unique About the 2017-2019 Land Rover DISCOVERY

On this generation of Land Rover Discovery, particularly with the Ingenium engines, P0341 is not a simple 'replace the sensor' code. It is strongly associated with known mechanical issues documented in Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). A user on Reddit with a 2016 Discovery Sport (which shares the Ingenium engine) reported that replacing the sensor did not fix the P0341 code, and a mechanic later confirmed a stretched timing chain was the root cause. Owners and technicians frequently discover the code is a symptom of a stretched timing chain, failing chain tensioners, or faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) components. Ignoring these underlying causes and only replacing the sensor often results in the code returning because the root mechanical problem was not addressed.

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 illuminated
• Rattling or ticking noise from the engine, especially on cold startup or as RPMs increase.
• Difficulty starting the engine, extended cranking, or a crank-no-start condition.
• Rough idling, engine misfires, or surging.
• Reduced engine performance and accelerator response
• Engine stalling, particularly when returning to idle.
• In some cases, no noticeable drivability issues other than the Check Engine Light, which is common for the VVT solenoid issue.

Most Likely Causes

1. Worn Timing Chain, Guides, or Tensioners 🔴 High Probability As documented in TSB LTB00916NAS5, these engines can experience timing chain issues that cause a rattle and throw correlation codes like P0341. The 2.0L Ingenium engines, in particular, are known for premature timing chain stretch, sometimes occurring around 60,000-80,000 miles. 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing a potential timing chain issue on an Ingenium engine. The plastic guides can become brittle and fail, causing slack.
   How to confirm: Listen for a distinct rattling from the rear of the Ingenium engine or front of the V6, especially on cold starts. A mechanic must perform a timing correlation test with a scope or advanced scan tool. The presence of P0016 is a strong confirmation.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the timing chains, guides, and tensioners. This is a labor-intensive job, often requiring engine or gearbox removal.
   Est. part cost: $400-$800
2. Faulty Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid 🟡 Medium Probability TSB SSM74161 identifies a batch of faulty VVT solenoids that can cause P0341 along with other codes, often with no driveability symptoms. The bulletin advises replacing the solenoid if the manufacturing date is before August 23, 2018 (etched as 180823xxxxx).
   How to confirm: Check for accompanying codes like P054A-00, P0014-71, or P000B-00. A technician can command the solenoid with a scan tool and check the date code on the part itself. The part number is LR073778. 🎬 See this video to locate all four VVT solenoids.
   Typical fix: Replace the affected VVT solenoid (LR073778) with a part manufactured on or after August 23, 2018.
   Est. part cost: $80-$150
3. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Swap the Bank 1 and Bank 2 intake camshaft position sensors. Clear codes and drive. If the code changes to P0366 (Bank 2 sensor), the sensor is confirmed bad. If P0341 returns, the sensor is not the issue. Alternatively, use a multimeter to test the sensor's reference voltage (should be approx. 5V) and signal wire.
   Typical fix: Replace the camshaft position sensor for Bank 1. This is often done first but frequently fails to fix the problem.
   Est. part cost: $70-$180
4. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the camshaft position sensor for any signs of damage, corrosion, oil contamination, or loose connections.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wire or clean/replace the connector.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Loose or Failed VCT Actuator Bolt: A TSB (LTB01309NAS1) for the 3.0L Ingenium petrol engine (a successor to the V6) mentions that the retaining bolt for the VCT actuator can become loose, causing a rattle and setting P0341. This requires renewing both the intake and exhaust VCT actuators.
• Low Engine Oil Level or Pressure: The VVT system relies on oil pressure to function. Critically low or diluted oil (especially on diesels with DPF regeneration issues) can affect cam phasing and potentially trigger timing-related codes. A technician fixed a P0341 on a Range Rover Evoque that was 4 liters low on oil; topping it off resolved the code.
🎬 Watch: How low oil levels can trigger the P0341 code.
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Fault: In very rare cases, the PCM itself may be the source of the problem. One TSB (JTB00516NAS1) for the Ingenium diesel noted that overly sensitive DTC parameters in the PCM software could trigger P0341, requiring a software update. All other possibilities should be exhausted first.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read all stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with an OBD-II scanner. Note any codes that appear with P0341, especially P0016 or VVT-related codes.
2. Listen carefully to the engine at idle and while revving, particularly on a cold start. A rattling or ticking noise is a key symptom of a timing chain issue.
3. Check the engine oil level and condition. Low or dirty oil can impact VVT system performance. A fuel smell in the oil on diesel models can indicate DPF regeneration issues compromising lubrication.
4. Inspect the wiring and connector for the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor ('A' sensor) for any visible damage, corrosion, or looseness.
5. If codes from TSB SSM74161 are present (P054A-00, etc.), inspect the VVT solenoid's manufacturing date. If it's before 08/23/2018, replace it with part number LR073778 or a superseding number.
6. If a rattle is present and codes like P0016/P0017 are stored, a mechanical timing problem is highly likely. Professional diagnosis is needed to confirm timing chain stretch or tensioner failure using an oscilloscope or by physical inspection.
7. If no noise or other codes are present, consider swapping the Bank 1 and Bank 2 intake cam sensors. If the code moves to P0366, the sensor is faulty. If P0341 returns, the problem lies elsewhere.
8. If the sensor signal is suspected to be faulty after the swap test fails, use a scan tool to observe its live data. Look for an inconsistent or dropping signal while the engine is running.
9. If all other causes are ruled out, the issue may be with the VCT actuator itself or, rarely, the PCM software.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Timing Chain Kit (Chains, Guides, Tensioners) (OEM #LR032048 (Primary Chain, V6), LR132676 (Primary, Ingenium Diesel), LR139320 (Secondary, Ingenium Diesel)) — This is a very common root cause for P0341 on these vehicles, especially when a rattle is heard. A full kit is required.
  Trusted brands: Genuine Land Rover, INA
  OEM price range: $600-$900
  Aftermarket price range: $350-$600
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid (OEM #LR073778 (superseded by LR126832, LR162948, etc.)) — A known faulty batch of these solenoids causes P0341, as identified in TSB SSM74161.
  Trusted brands: Genuine Land Rover
  OEM price range: $100-$180
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$120
• Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #LR084884 (for 2.0L Ingenium Gas), LR013458 (for 3.0L Diesel)) — The sensor itself can fail, causing an erratic signal. While a common cause on many vehicles, it's often a misdiagnosis for this specific platform.
  Trusted brands: Bosch, NGK, Genuine Land Rover
  OEM price range: $120-$210
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$110

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0016 — Indicates a Crankshaft/Camshaft timing correlation error, strongly suggesting a mechanical timing issue like a stretched chain.
• P0017 — Similar to P0016, this points to a timing correlation problem between the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft, also indicating a base timing fault.
• P054A-00, P0014-71, P000B-00 — These codes are specifically mentioned in TSB SSM74161 alongside P0341 as being linked to a faulty VVT solenoid.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM74161: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTCs P054A-00, P0014-71, P000B-00 and/or P0341-00 due to faulty VVT solenoids on AJ20-P4 & AJ20-D4 engines.
• LTB00916NAS5: Engine rattle and/or MIL with codes P0016, P0017, P0026, or P0341, potentially caused by VCT actuator failure on 2.0L GTDi engines.
• LTB00916NAS2: An earlier version of the above TSB, also pointing to a detached 'stopper' in the VCT actuator as the cause for rattle and codes including P0341.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB LTB00916NAS5: Notes that a rattle from the engine combined with code P0341 (among others) may be caused by a failure within the intake camshaft VCT actuator, specifically a detached 'stopper'.
• TSB SSM74161: Identifies a batch of defective VVT solenoids (part LR073778) manufactured before August 23, 2018, that can cause P0341 with no driveability concerns. The fix is to replace the solenoid.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Reference Voltage — expected: Approximately 5V at the sensor connector with ignition on.. Failure: No voltage or significantly lower voltage suggests a wiring or PCM issue.
• Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Signal Voltage — expected: A pulsing digital signal that switches between approximately 0V and 5V as the engine rotates.. Failure: A constant high (5V) or low (0V) voltage, or an erratic/intermittent signal indicates a failed sensor or wiring fault.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P0341-00: No sub type information. This is the generic sub-code for the fault and is mentioned in TSB SSM74161. (see via JLR SDD/Pathfinder or advanced professional scan tool.)
• P0341-91: Component failure - parametric failure. An owner of a 2018 Discovery reported this code, which was diagnosed by the dealer as a timing chain issue. The '-91' suffix points towards a mechanical failure parameter being breached. (see via JLR SDD/Pathfinder or advanced professional scan tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• JLR SDD / Pathfinder: VVT System Test / Actuator Control — This bidirectional test allows a technician to command the VVT solenoids to advance or retard cam timing. If the camshaft position does not change as commanded (monitored in live data), it helps isolate a faulty VVT solenoid, a stuck phaser, or an oil pressure problem, distinguishing a component failure from a base timing issue.
• JLR SDD / Pathfinder: Live Data Monitoring (Cam/Crank Correlation) — This is a primary diagnostic step to graph the requested vs. actual camshaft position for Bank 1. Any significant deviation or an erratic signal that isn't commanded by the PCM points towards a mechanical timing issue like chain slack or a VVT phaser problem.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/LandRoverDiscovery (2016 Discovery Sport with Ingenium engine) — Check Engine Light with code P0341.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the camshaft position sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who confirmed the root cause was a stretched timing chain. The owner was then taking it to a Land Rover dealer for the timing chain replacement.
• AULRO.com forum user (2017 Discovery Sport TD4 180 (2.0L Ingenium Diesel) at 140,000 km) — Engine stopped while driving, cranks but does not start, camshaft not rotating during cranking inspection. Previously had P0341 code.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Topping up engine oil after a low level warning.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The symptoms (P0341 followed by non-rotating camshaft) strongly indicate a snapped timing chain, a catastrophic failure requiring major engine repair or replacement.
• YouTube channel 'CSM Garage' (Range Rover Evoque (shares Ingenium engine architecture)) — P0341 code with a horrible rattling noise that would come and go, especially when the VVT system was active.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Clearing the code with a DIY scanner (it returned immediately).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The engine was found to be extremely low on oil (4 liters). Topping up the engine oil to the correct level resolved the rattling noise and the P0341 code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• LR073778 → LR126832, which was then superseded by LR162948, LR163187, and finally LR177463. — Standard part evolution for improved reliability and design updates.
  Heads up: LR073778 is the part number specifically called out in the TSB as potentially faulty. Using any of the newer, superseded part numbers (like LR126832 or higher) is the correct fix.