1999 Buick Regal Check Engine Code P0341

The check engine light was on for a few months and we were able to pull the code from the PCM and got P0341 - cam sensor. We planned on having the cam sensor changed but life happened and three months later the car started to lose power/jolt shifting (automatic transmission). Took it in to have the cam sensor replaced along with ssome factory recall work. The cam sensor apparently had a dead mouse in it somehow is what they told us.

The sensor was replaced. The check engine light came back on a day later and code P0341 is back in the ECM memory.

Should we take it back and have them double check the connections or what do you suggest? Could there be a different issue with my car?

buick regal

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ANSWER:

Hello and welcome. Thank you for the tip/donation.

Yes, i would definitely take it back to that mechanic. It is possible that the sensor was the original problem, but in the mean time that it took till it got replaced, this mouse may have damaged some other wiring under the hood. They love to eat wires.

We have seen it many times over the years at the shop. The mouse may have chewed through the wires for that sensor anywhere under the hood. Since it started running bad as you described, it is possible that he chewed through other wires not related to the cam sensor, but to other systems as well. I would get all harnesses inspected jjust to be on the safe side.

The other thing about this code is that it can be caused by a faulty ignition module, or the cam sensor magnet on the timing chain gear behind the engine front cover that the sensor mounts to. You can see that through the hole of the cam sensor while turning the engine by hand and using a mirror to see it the sensor magnet is missing from the cam gear.

These possibilities would require a bit more involved diagnosis than just replacing the sensor related to the code. I have done a technical bulletin search for this code, and come up with nothing that is related.

Again, need to get harnesses checked, and if wiring is OK, further diagnosis of the ignition system by a mechanic is required.


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