Cold start probs: starts then dies when its cold out, CEL=0340

[neverending]

This only really affects the car when its cold out (~40*F). I'll try and start the car, it cranks over ok and starts up, idles for a couple seconds, and then dies. Right before it dies, the RPMs seem to move up slightly, like its going into accelerated warm-up, then it goes dead. I can even tap on the gas and it will rev fine for those few seconds before it dies. I've even rev'd it up to 2000-3000 during that window (I know, very bad for engine) but still dies, no matter how high I rev it. It will take about 15-20?? (lost count) tries before it will actually start and stay running. Like it needed to get warmed up a bit before it would work. Once I get it started, it runs fine (well, once its warmed up). The code that I get is the 0340 camshaft position sensor error. Anyone have any ideas??? I'm going to try to get my hands on another sensor but if that doesn't work, I don't know what else to try. I'm afraid its going to leave me stranded one day...one COLD day...

Here is another post of someone with what sounds like the [post=1506999]same problem[/post]

 

[-Stroked-]

Did it just start doing it now? Because if it did it might not just be the cold the camshaft position sensor might be bad. Does it start up normal when it is warm outside? I would start first by checking over the wire's that run to the CPS and making sure they are all in tact and then. This basically controls when the computer puts in fuel and spark so if it is going bad then it will do what you are saying. Not to scare but early 2g's had the CAS down by then crankshaft and it would sometimes do this because of excessive crankshaft movement or crankwalk. How many miles are on your car and have you had it's endplay checked lately? I doubt that will be it but it's a theory. Another one would be the actual harmonic balancer. Huge problem for going bad in 2g's. Does your motor have in abnormal vibration or anything like that. Might wanna check that it is tight as well. Make sure all belts connected to it are tight as well.

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

This only really affects the car when its cold out (~40*F). I'll try and start the car, it cranks over ok and starts up, idles for a couple seconds, and then dies. Right before it dies, the RPMs seem to move up slightly, like its going into accelerated warm-up, then it goes dead. I can even tap on the gas and it will rev fine for those few seconds before it dies. I've even rev'd it up to 2000-3000 during that window (I know, very bad for engine) but still dies, no matter how high I rev it. It will take about 15-20?? (lost count) tries before it will actually start and stay running. Like it needed to get warmed up a bit before it would work. Once I get it started, it runs fine (well, once its warmed up). The code that I get is the 0340 camshaft position sensor error. Anyone have any ideas??? I'm going to try to get my hands on another sensor but if that doesn't work, I don't know what else to try. I'm afraid its going to leave me stranded one day...one COLD day...

Here is another post of someone with what sounds like the [post=1506999]same problem[/post]

Check behind the cam closest to the firewall (intake?) and see if the metal wheel thing (trigger plate?) connected to the cam is bent in any way. You can also see the sensor that it triggers if you look closely enough. That is your cam position sensor and it may be damaged. When mine was damaged my car went into limp mode (idled at about 200-300 rpm) and died. If you cannot find the problem there, you may also test the ECT gauge to see if it is working properly. If it's not, your car will have hard starting issues because the ECU will see the car as being warm all the time.

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

This is the trigger plate on the backside of the cam gear. Yours should look better than this. If it looks like this, that's your problem.