2001 Saturn SL1 CAM shaft sensor

Tiny
DAVID0389
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN SL1
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 34,000 MILES
I have a saturn sl1 that has an error code of p0341. This states that the cam sensor voltage is out of range, but all sites checked and autozone do not show the part as listed for that car. It runs poorly during exceleration and feels like it surges BADLY like it is missing. It runs, but I do not want to run this auto in bad shape. So with that in mind, can you help with advice?
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 AT 9:52 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

When I look up that code that is not what is calls for. You car does not have a cam sensor. Where did you get the code from and what says it is a cam sensor?

My information talks about a misfire.

Let's look at a couple of things. When was the last time you had a tune up... Plugs, wires etc?

Next - take a spray bottle of water and with the car running spray the plug wires all over really good. Tell me what happens.

The simple things may be a plug wire arcing - corroded or loose spark plug wire ends, specifically plugs #1 and #4.

You plugs could be bad and not properly gapped.

Let's start simple and move from there. Let me know the above.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
DAVID0389
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I was wondering about that, Autozone did a test on the car and said it was a code p0341 which indicated a cam shaft sensor problem. So much for auto zone, I have never tuned the car up, nor have I changed the plugs. I will say that the car ran a little better after I pulled the number 1 plug off and put it back. I do not have a service light on, and the book that came with the car said that the check engine light referred to emissions rather than service light that meant a bad component. I did not know that plugs could have such a bad impact, nor that they went bad. I have run the car in the rain and it did not seem to run any different. I will run the car tonight with the lights off, put some water in the plugs and see if I can see any arching. As of the donation, Sir, if I could have I would have doubled it. I should be thanking you for your input.
David
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
David

Try not to be too hard on the AZ folks. You can take the scanner at AZ and hook it to a Mercedes Benz and that code will be different than at the Benz dealership. Remember, there are thousands of codes and many cars have different codes or definitions for the code numbers. If all were the same... Gee... You might be able to fix more things yourself instead of taking it to the dealer.....

So, they were telling you what their test equipment shows... Which it may be different. But that is why I ask for the code and what they say to compare. Since they, you and I don't have the fancy equipment hooked up to your car... We have to do it this way... Kind of a team effort thing with all of us working together to get you back going again. So... The AZ folks are okay on this one.

Based off of what you said...I am hoping it is just needing a good tune up... Once you do your check then we can go over that.

You car will still throw codes... Sometimes you may not even see it...

Oh yes my good friend... Plugs are a major item. The wrong plug can do many things and if you figure what they are doing and how often..... Wow...I am surprised they last as long as they do.

Good thought on the rain..... Really good thinking... In this case though the sparks may be only once in a while jumping..... When you mist the bottle on it the spark hits the water and jumps.

You don't need to do it in the dark... Just be careful... Many moving parts.

You are more than welcome for the help. Let me know the results and we will take it from there.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
DAVID0389
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I wanted to thank you for the help, the error code p0341 was an indicator that one of the dual coils had gone bad. This was a so so fix as far as difficulty goes. I purchased new cables and a new coil and replaced the items in question. The check Engine light went away and the car runs strong once again. So, if anyone has a SL1 car that has symptoms that are surging during driving ranges and mostly when placed under a load, accompanied with a check engine light then that might be the problem.

David
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, December 7th, 2008 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
David

Nice to hear from you and with great results.

Thanks for the update. . ..this will help others.

Hey, one more thing to assist you. . .

Looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Saturn_1_2.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Saturn_2_2.jpg

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, December 7th, 2008 AT 7:06 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links