I have a 96 Ford ranger with cel p0340 I have recently done a timing belt, engine runs great replaced cmp sensor cel still on

I recently purchased a 1996 Ford Ranger. I replaced the timing belt and shortly after I got a check engine light p0340 camshaft position sensor. The engine seems to run great, so I replaced the camshaft position sensor. The check engine light still comes on. The check engine light doesn't come on right away, usually what it does is it will come on after I start and stop the engine a few times. Please help, is it possible the timing is off even though the engine runs smooth? Should I rry replacing the crankshaft position sensor?

My car has 12100 miles.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi There,
This may happen for a couple of reasons. First, check to be sure that the connections to the sensor are clean and not faulty or broken. Secondly, check to be sure you replaced the correct sensor as there are two camshaft position sensors in some applications. If you need further help with this, please reach out to us here at YourMechanic as we are always here to help.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The error code P0340 signals that there is a problem with the circuit of the camshaft position sensor. This sensor determines the rotational speed and the camshaft position, and then it sends this information to the PCM.
A P0340 error code indicates a problem with the Camshaft Position Sensor A circuit. It`s possible that the wires leading to the camshaft position sensor are faulty, or that the sensor itself has failed. This error code isn`t a sign of bad camshaft timing.
P0335 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for “Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction”.
Newer models use timing belts made of polyurethane and Kevlar for long life and durability. They can go as long as 100,000 miles although it`s always a good idea to change it before then. Belt failure can cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons and other internal parts of the engine.
This is the most common mistake when diagnosing the P0340 trouble code. Another mistake that is made during the diagnostic procedure is neglecting to consider a misfiring problem or a crankshaft sensor problem as possible sources of the P0340 trouble code.
OBD2 Diagnostic Trouble Code P0340 indicates that the Camshaft Position Sensor `A` Circuit Malfunction in Bank 1 has been detected. The camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) provides information regarding the rotational speed of the camshaft and where the camshaft is positioned in relationship to the crankshaft.
While the sensor itself can be damaged, a loose wire, missing connector, or broken wire casing can create a short and cause an error code P0340. Pushing together loose connectors can sometimes solve the issue. Another solution is to replace connectors or wiring.
The Camshaft Position Sensor detects the position of the camshaft, while the Crankshaft Position Sensor detects the position and speed of the crankshaft. Both sensors are vital to the proper functioning of the engine and should be regularly maintained and replaced if necessary.
OBD2 Diagnostic Trouble Code P0335 means that Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit has been detected.
Every 60k-90k miles.

If an engine is equipped with a timing belt, the timing belt must be replaced at the service interval specified by the vehicle manufacturer regardless of whether or not any problem is visible, typically in the range of 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

A P0340 code spells bad news for any vehicle. Drivers may find it difficult or impossible to start the engine because of the resulting engine performance problems. If they persist in operating the vehicle, they may lose power while on the road.
Another cause for the P0340 fault code could be a weak battery. Batteries are often overlooked when it comes to regular maintenance and even though your car starts and drives normally, the battery can lose its capacity and cause a number of issues with the car.
Unfortunately, there`s no way to reset a camshaft position sensor. If you`re having camshaft issues (check engine light on, acceleration trouble, sputtering and stalling, etc.), you`ll have to replace the part entirely.
Car Will Not Start: Over time, as the camshaft position sensor fails, the signal it sends to the engine control module weakens. When the engine no longer receives the signal, you will not be able to start your car.
Reasons for failure of the camshaft sensor can be: Mechanical damage. Break in the encoder wheel. Internal short circuits.
The most common cause is a failing or a defective camshaft position sensor. Other problems can include circuit issues, like loose connections or damaged wiring, errors with the PCM, or a damaged reluctor wheel for the camshaft position sensor.
Before connecting, clean the sensor with a cleaning solution and let it dry. Connect the sensor`s three wires to their original place. Reconnect the battery and restart the system. You have thoroughly disinfected the camshaft position sensor.
The most common cause is a failing or a defective camshaft position sensor. Other problems can include circuit issues, like loose connections or damaged wiring, errors with the PCM, or a damaged reluctor wheel for the camshaft position sensor.
The most common cause is a failing or a defective camshaft position sensor. Other problems can include circuit issues, like loose connections or damaged wiring, errors with the PCM, or a damaged reluctor wheel for the camshaft position sensor.
While the sensor itself can be damaged, a loose wire, missing connector, or broken wire casing can create a short and cause an error code P0340. Pushing together loose connectors can sometimes solve the issue. Another solution is to replace connectors or wiring.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a 96 Ford ranger with cel p0340 I have recently done a timing belt, engine runs great replaced cmp sensor cel still on
ANSWER : Hi There,
This may happen for a couple of reasons. First, check to be sure that the connections to the sensor are clean and not faulty or broken. Secondly, check to be sure you replaced the correct sensor as there are two camshaft position sensors in some applications. If you need further help with this, please reach out to us here at YourMechanic as we are always here to help.

I have a p0171 code on my ford ranger 2.5 and have replaced fuel filter maf sensor, iac sensor, fixed vacuum leaks, replaced fuel
ANSWER : Hello there. You might to read this article about the P0171 OBD-II trouble code; as it will give you ideas on causes and possible solutions.

check engine light O2 sensor already replaced same codes still popping up after replacing old O2 sensor
ANSWER : Hi there. What you received from the parts store was a code retrieval, not a diagnostic. The codes are set when a fault is detected against normal operating parameter. The computer does not know what caused the fault, only that the fault meets the criteria for this code to set. There could be a problem in the wire harness, converter, or the ECM. The code and data are needed to properly assess the direction that a diagnosis needs. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

I have a 2010 camry. I just recently replaced the engine with a 2014 camry engine. Now I have Four engine lights on. I replaced on
ANSWER : If you swapped the engine from a vehicle that is 4 years newer than the car is then you are going to have electrical and sensor incompatibilities that may not be able to be fixed by just a few sensor replacements. There were many changes in computer and emission related items between 2010 and 2014 engines. I would recommend having a mechanic like one from YourMechanic come to you and compare the two engines to isolate the possible differences and see if the problem can be fixed.

My engine belt is coming off slowly now it is halfway out. Does this mean i need to replace the belt or it is a faulty engine?
ANSWER : When the drive belt is walking itself off the drive pulleys, it can be due to tension or pulley damage. If the belt tensioner spring is weak or broken, the belt will be loose and can begin to come off the pulleys. Also, if any of the pulleys, whether crankshaft, water pump, etc, are damaged and not spinning properly, this can put a side load on the belt and begin pushing it off any or all pulleys. Have a technician inspect the vehicle as soon as possible to avoid over heating the engine.

Replaced crankshaft sensor and timing belt on 05 kia optima lx after. Kia engine kept stalling cutting off now its still not running
ANSWER : Hello. If the vehicle is not starting after the timing belt was replaced, then the compression needs to be checked as the timing may still be off. If the compression is fine, then the crank sensor may not be installed correctly or it may be defective. I usually install my scan tool to monitor its reading to see if it is working correctly. If it is, then further testing will need to be done as it may have another sensor failure or possibly a fuel system issue. If you need to have this no-start issue diagnosed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to have this resolved.

Check Engine light comes on, mechanic replaced o2 sensor but light still comes on.
ANSWER : Hi there:

If the mechanic completed the O2 sensor replacement, reset the codes and the error code was triggered again, it is possible that the catalytic converter is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, it’s also very common for the electrical harnesses that power these sensors to become frayed, damaged or faulty; which can also trigger the check engine light. It’s not advisable to drive a vehicle with a damaged catalytic converter for extended periods of time, as it can cause damage to internal engine components.

Replaced a timing belt and timing belt tensioner pulley. Still wont run. Why?
ANSWER : If you broke the timing belt while driving then you may have bent the valves. You should have the engine compression checked to see if you are loosing compression due to bent valves. If compression is low then have cylinders leak tested to see which cylinder is leaking and what valves are bent.