'98 Mountaineer 5.0 AWD - P0340 on startup

[BobT55]

Yesterday my CE light came on. Code reader said P0340 and 1309. I cleared the codes, restarted the engine and the CE came on again but only the P0340. With the engine running I clear the codes the CE light stays off until I shut it down and restart at which time the CE/P0340 returns.

I'm going to try to isolate the alternator and see if the CE/P0340 returns , as other threads suggest, that may be my issue but in the meantime I'm hoping someone knows if:

- the Cam Position Sensor is only checked on start-up or continuously?
- if the "only on start-up" indicates a different issue altogether.

Thanks in advance!
- BobT55

 

[Turdle]

Reaching out there, I have heard of alternator noise corrupting the CPS signal.

The sensor cap screws should be 5.5 mm. stick a socket on a 1/4" drive swivel and you should be able to get the cap off easily. You don;t even need to unplug it to flip it over and have a look see inside-

I hope the center flag has not broken, and all the sensor needs is cleaning.

Does the engine make any squeaky noises that sound like the belt slipping?