P0341 Honda CR-V – Diagnosing and Fixing the Problem

Check engine lights are often ignored, especially if your car is still running fine. But sometimes they can be the only sign of a deeper problem. Having a good OBD2 scanner will help you figure out what could be wrong with your car, letting you know where to start.

P0341 code highlights

• Level of urgency:High
• Possible culprits:Camshaft position sensor, wiring
• Price for repair:$200 - $350
• If neglected:Engine damage, uneven work of the engine
• DIY repairs:Possible
• Can you drive?Not recommended

What Does P0341 Mean?

A P0341 trouble code in a Honda vehicle stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor Incorrect Phase Detected". It indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a problem with the camshaft position sensor circuit.

The camshaft position sensor is a crucial component in your vehicle's engine, as it provides important information to the engine control unit (ECU) about the position of the camshaft. This information is used by the PCM to control the engine's fuel injection and ignition systems.

Symptoms of P0341

When you're dealing with a P0341 code, it is helpful to know the symptoms that show up along with the code. Taking note of these symptoms will help you diagnose the problem and figure out how to fix the issue.

• Check Engine Light - The first sign of this problem is the check engine light lighting up on your dashboard. The check engine light is probably what prompted you to run a scan in the first place.
• Power Loss - You might notice that your Honda has reduced power output. This symptom isn't always present. The loss in power could also be mild enough to be hard to notice. Look out for a sluggish feeling in the car and watch for the gas pedal feeling less responsive than usual.
• Hard Starting or Not Starting - Problems with the powertrain timing can result in your car requiring a lot more effort to start.
• Misfiring - A problem with the cam position sensor could result in mistiming of the valve train and fuel injectors. This causes the cylinders to fire too early or too late, resulting in misfires.

It's important to look out for these symptoms to help you diagnose the problem. But keep in mind that you might not notice any symptoms apart from the P0341 code and the check engine light.

What Causes P0341 in a Honda CR-V?

Despite the name, this trouble code is not always caused by a faulty camshaft position sensor. While a faulty sensor is often the cause, problems elsewhere in the power train can result in timing issues with the camshaft. These issues will cause irregular timing in the valvetrain, which will cause a P0341 trouble code to show up.

1) Timing Problems                                                                                                           

The crankshaft and camshafts of your engine need to move together to ensure that the valves and cylinders open at the right time. This challenge is handled through the timing components. These components act together to keep the valvetrain components synchronized.

There are two major timing components that can fail and cause the P0341 error code to come up. These components are the timing chain and the timing chain tensioner.

• A stretched timing chain is often the cause of this problem in certain Honda vehicles, including the CR-V. The timing chain connects the crankshaft and camshafts to ensure that they are synchronized. It ensures the valves have the correct timing. The timing chain in your CR-V is designed to require no direct maintenance, but it still needs to be adequately lubricated. If you don't perform frequent oil changes, the chain can become damaged and worn, which can cause slack to build in the chain. As a result, the camshafts and crankshaft lose their timing and run out of sync.
• The timing chain tensioner maintains tension in the timing chain. If the tensioner fails, then the chain will develop slack, causing a timing issue to develop. Having the tensioner set to produce too much tension in the chain can also result in damage to the chain.

2) Faulty Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor

Your Honda has two camshaft position sensors, known as CMP Sensor A and CMP Sensor B. A problem with either of these sensors will cause the PCM to lose track of the camshaft timing and throw P0341.

The camshaft position sensors are electronic sensors that rely on wiring to operate. If the wiring is damaged or burnt out, it can hamper the function of the sensor. This will result in P0341 coming up on a scan.

3) Faulty VVT Oil Control Valve

The variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid controls the flow of oil to the actuators that control the valve timing systems.

If the solenoid is damaged or has faulty wiring, then it can cause the P0341 error to come up.

How to Diagnose and Fix the Problem

P0341 is an indicator of a problem with your car's powertrain. To diagnose the problem, you will need to examine the camshaft sensors and other parts of the powertrain to identify faulty components.

When diagnosing the cause of your engine problem, make sure to also take note of any other trouble codes that might appear. They can provide additional information that will make it easier to diagnose the problem.

1) Check the Timing Chain

A major sign of a timing chain problem is a grinding sound coming from the engine. Along with the check engine light and the P0341 code, this is an indicator that you should check your timing chain.

Replacing the timing chain is a difficult job that involves removing the valve cover, the timing cover, and some other components. If you don't have experience working on engines, it is best to have a mechanic examine the timing chain for you.

If you choose to examine the timing chain yourself, look for signs of wear and damage on the chain. Look for worn links, chips, and scratches in the metal of the chain.

If the timing chain has too much slack, then it can be fixed by manually tightening the timing chain tensioner. If there is still a lot of slack left over after tightening the tensioner, then the timing chain is most likely damaged.

If your timing chain is damaged, then you will have to replace it. It is recommended that you change the timing chain tensioner and sprockets at the same time. This is because a damaged timing chain often indicates potential damage to the tensioner and sprockets.

2) Examine the CMP Sensors and Wiring

You will need to check the camshaft position sensor and its wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion. The CMP sensors should be in the engine bay, on the side of the engine block beneath the airbox. You will need to remove the airbox to access it, then remove the single bolt holding the sensor in place.

If you have trouble locating the sensors, then you can consult the manufacturer's manual to find it.

Once you have removed the CMP sensor, you can make use of a multimeter to test the electrical connection. Make sure to test the sensor as well.

If the camshaft position sensor is faulty, you will need to replace it. Make sure to check the part number on the sensor so that you can order a suitable replacement part.

3) Examine the VVT Oil Control Solenoid

Some signs that your VVT solenoid is bad are dirty engine oil, rough idling, and decreased fuel efficiency. If you notice these symptoms along with the P0341 trouble code, then you will want to examine your VVT solenoid.

The position may vary depending on the year of your CR-V, but the solenoid is in an easily accessible area and does not require special tools to access. To replace the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) in a Honda CR-V, you will need to follow these steps:

• Disconnect the battery from the car.
• Locate the VVT unit. It is located on the side of the engine block.
• Disconnect the solenoid wiring.
• Loosen the bolts that hold the solenoid in place.

Now that you have removed the solenoid, you can examine it for signs of damage. If the solenoid is damaged or non-functional, it will need to be replaced.

Examine the wiring for signs of damage as well. Look for broken or burnt-out wires and loose connections. You can also use a multimeter to test the electrical connection. Bad wiring will need to be replaced as well.

Conclusion

P0341 in a Honda CR-V stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor Incorrect Phase Detected". It indicates a problem with the timing of the powertrain. In the Honda CR-V, this problem is typically caused by a slack timing chain. However, the problem can also be caused by a faulty camshaft position sensor or VVT solenoid.

To diagnose it, you should look out for the symptoms and research any other trouble codes that come up. Make sure to examine the camshaft position sensors, the VVT solenoid, and the timing chain. If you observe any damage to these parts, replace the affected part.