My 50,000 mile ranger starts and runs great.
I do have the P0340 warning code.
Any ideas on solving this problem?
It has been suggested that I ignore the warning, but I have a Massachusetts inspection coming up.
Thanks

 

Good to post definition you are using with the code
P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction

So this is a "Circuit" issue, a connection or wiring issue

Cam sensor is at the back of the engine at the top, sits on a distrbutor-like tower

In 1997 it will be a Hall Effect type sensor, 3 wires, 12v and ground wires, and then a signal wire, just FYI, in 1999 Ford change to a VR type sensor, 2 wires

Google: ford hall effect cam sensor testing

There are videos on how to test these sensors

First thing would be to unplug sensor's wires and then unscrew sensor to remove it from the tower, no re-timing is needed if you just remove the sensor
Take a look inside the tower
Picture here of a good and bad cam sensor: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...t_sensor-1.JPG

If there is no obvious damage inside the sensor or tower, then test the sensor
If there is damage then you should replace the whole unit, tower and sensor and it will need to be timed

If sensor test OK then test the wires for 12v(key on) and Ground
On the plug there will be:
Red wire, 12volt with key on
Black/wire wire, Ground, full time
Dark Blue/orange stripe wire, signal wire runs to computer pin 85

If no problems are seen so far then to be thorough you should test continuity of the signal wire to the computer, but at this point its most likely that the Computer circuit is the problem, which requires replacement of the computer, while not a common fault it is a "known" fault in the 3.0l computers

 

I have looked in my Manual, and on line, the all show me where it should be. But I am missing it. I am attaching a video and some pictures that I just took. Can you tell me what I am missing?

 

1997 will have a 3 wire Cam sensor

I think I see the connector in the last picture

You may need to pull off upper intake to get to it

 

Ahh!! that makes a big difference. My experience with removing bolts that have been in place for the past 20 years on this vehicle has sometimes been challenging.
I managed to pass the state inspection just now, so I have time to think and plan. I am fortunate that the vehicle is running just fine at the moment. I am hoping that the ultimate failure will be gradual.
Thanks for helping me locate it.
The attached image shows a red and green wire going into something down there. Even if it isn't it, at least I now know where I am going.
Thanks again.
Richard

 

Had a similar issue thought it was a misfire set code PO340 was caused by excessive AC ripple coming out of the alternater causing the misfire and false code