Error code 0340 on Nissan Primera P12 (body P12, 2002–2008) is one of the most common malfunctions associated with the ignition system and camshaft operation. This error often confuses owners: the car may jerk at idle, lose power, or even stall, and the dashboard lights up. Check Engine. What is the reason and how to eliminate it without extra costs?

In this article we will look in detail at:

  • 🔍 What does error 0340 mean? and what systems it is connected to.
  • 🛠️ The main reasons for the appearance — from the phase sensor to problems with the timing belt.
  • 📊 DIY diagnostics: what tools are needed and how to read the codes correctly.
  • 💰 Repair cost in the service vs self-removal.

Important: error P0340 (in some scanners it appears as 0340) indicates a fault in the circuit camshaft position sensor (CPR). But don’t rush to change it right away - the problem may lie deeper!

What does error 0340 mean on Nissan Primera P12

Code 0340 stands for "No Camshaft Position Sensor Signal" — there is no signal from the camshaft sensor. B Primera P12 this sensor (aka DPRV) is responsible for synchronizing the operation of fuel injectors and the ignition system with the position of the camshaft. If the signal is lost or distorted, the ECU (electronic control unit) goes into emergency mode, which leads to:

  • ⚠️ Floating revolutions at idle speed.
  • 🚗 Jerking during acceleration or loss of power.
  • 🔥 Increased fuel consumption (up to +2–3 liters per 100 km).
  • 🛑 Difficulty starting engine, especially in cold weather.

On Primera P12 with engines QR20DE And QR25DE The camshaft sensor is located on the cylinder head (intake manifold side). It reads the position of the shaft according to a special toothed disc (reference) and sends data to the ECU. If the signal is missing or outside the acceptable limits, an error occurs 0340.

📊 How often do you encounter error 0340?
  • First time
  • Regularly (once a month)
  • Only after rain/cold
  • Other

The main causes of error 0340

According to service center statistics, in 80% of cases The problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in the accompanying elements. Here is a complete list of possible causes, ranked by likelihood:

  1. Malfunction of the camshaft sensor (DPRV) — open circuit, damage to the housing or contacts.
  2. Wiring problems: oxidation of contacts, break or short circuit in the harness from the DPRV to the ECU.
  3. Reference disk malfunction (gear) on the camshaft - chipped, corroded or misaligned.
  4. Computer malfunction (for example, after an unsuccessful chip tuning or power surge).
  5. Mechanical damage to the timing belt: stretched belt/chain, misaligned valve timing.

Critical point: if error 0340 is accompanied by a metallic knock from under the hood, stop using the car immediately! This may indicate a broken timing chain or a broken tensioner - the consequences lead to bending of the valves.

Reason Symptoms Difficulty in eliminating
Faulty DPRV The error appears constantly, the engine troits Easy (sensor replacement)
Wiring problems The error appears and disappears (especially during vibration) Average (chain continuity)
Reference disk offset Error after timing belt replacement or engine repair Difficult (requires disassembly)
ECU failure Multiple errors, unstable operation of all systems Difficult (diagnostics at a service station)

Before rushing to change the sensor, check contact status on the DPRV connector. Often oxidation or poor contact causes false alarms. Also note ground wire — its corrosion can lead to unstable operation of the sensors.

How to diagnose error 0340 yourself

For diagnosis you will need:

  • 🔧 OBD-II scanner (For example, ELM327 or Launch CReader).
  • 🔍 Multimeter (to check voltage and resistance).
  • 🛠️ Screwdriver and pliers (to access the sensor).
  • 📱 Smartphone with the program (For example, Torque Pro or OBD Auto Doctor).

Step 1: Reading Errors

Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel, to the left of the pedals). Turn on the ignition and read the codes. If in addition 0340 there are errors 0300–0304 (misfire), the problem can be complex.

Step 2: Check the camshaft sensor

  • 🔌 Disconnect the connector from the DPRV (it is secured with a plastic latch).
  • 📊 Measure the resistance between the sensor contacts: the norm for Primera P12 — 500–700 Ohm.
  • 🔋 Check the voltage at the connector (with the ignition on): between +12V and the mass should be 5V (powered by ECU).

Disconnect the sensor connector|Check the resistance with a multimeter|Measure the voltage at the contacts|Inspect the sensor for mechanical damage-->

Step 3: Checking the reference disk

If the sensor is working properly, inspect toothed disc on the camshaft. It must be intact, without chips or signs of corrosion. When rotating the shaft (manually or with a starter), make sure that the gap between the sensor and the disk is 0.5–1.5 mm. Disc displacement or damage is a common cause of error after timing belt replacement.

How to check the reference disc without removing the valve cover?

If it is not possible to disassemble the engine, try the following method:

1. Remove the camshaft sensor.

2. Rotate the crankshaft with the starter (short starts).

3. Bring a metal object (for example, a screwdriver) to the sensor - if the disk is intact, you will feel a magnetic field (slight vibration).

⚠️ Attention: If during testing you find that there is no voltage at the DPRV connector 5V, the problem may lie in ECU or broken wiring. In this case, diagnostics using professional equipment is required (for example, Nissan Consult).

Step-by-step instructions for resolving error 0340

Depending on the cause, repair methods will vary. Below are algorithms for the most common cases.

1. Replacement of the camshaft sensor (DPRV)

If the sensor is faulty (resistance is abnormal or mechanical damage is visible), it must be replaced. For Nissan Primera P12 Original sensors with article numbers are suitable:

  • 23731-AL500 (for engines QR20DE).
  • 23731-AL505 (for QR25DE).

Analogues: Bosch 0 261 210 115, ERA 550433.

Replacement procedure:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
  2. Remove the decorative engine cover (if equipped).
  3. Disconnect the connector from the sensor.
  4. Unscrew the fastening bolt (the key is on 10 mm) and remove the sensor.
  5. Install the new sensor, maintaining the gap to the reference disk.

Important! After replacement, reset the errors using the scanner. If the code 0340 appears again, the problem is not in the sensor.

2. Wiring repair

If the sensor is OK, but the signal does not reach the ECU, check the circuit:

  • 🔍 Inspect the wiring harness from the DPRV to the ECU for chafing or melting (especially near the manifold).
  • 📊 Test the circuit with a multimeter for an open or short circuit.
  • 🔧 If necessary, restore the insulation or replace the damaged area.

💡

If the wiring is intact, but the error remains, try flashing the ECU to standard firmware. Sometimes failures occur after unsuccessful chip tuning or battery disconnection.

3. Checking and replacing the reference disk

If the disk is damaged or misaligned, it will have to be replaced. To do this you will need:

  1. Remove the valve cover.
  2. Remove the camshaft sprocket.
  3. Replace the reference disk (original article number - 13070-4M000).
  4. Set the timing marks according to the manual.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the reference disk, be sure to check the condition timing chain tensioner. If it is worn out, the chain may slip, which will again lead to an error. 0340.

Repair cost: service vs self-repair

Repair prices depend on the cause of the problem and region. Below are indicative prices for Nissan Primera P12 (for 2026):

Type of work Cost in service (₽) Cost yourself (₽)
Diagnostics (read errors) 1 000–1 500 0 (if there is a scanner)
Replacing the DPRV (with work) 3 500–5 000 1,500–2,500 (spare part only)
Wiring repair 2 000–4 000 500–1,000 (insulating tape, terminals)
Replacing the reference disk (with disassembly) 8 000–12 000 3,000–4,000 (if you have experience)

As you can see, DIY repairs can save up to 70% cost. However, if the problem is ECU or the timing belt adjustment is required, it is better to turn to professionals - mistakes here can lead to serious damage.

💡

The most common cause of error 0340 is oxidation of contacts or broken wiring. Before replacing the sensor, always check the circuit with a multimeter!

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Primera P12 make the same mistakes when eliminating 0340. That's what can't do:

  • 🚫 Change the sensor without checking - in 40% of cases the problem is not in him.
  • 🚫 Ignore timing errors (For example, 0345 - phase mismatch).
  • 🚫 Use non-original sensors of dubious quality (they can give false signals).
  • 🚫 Reset errors without eliminating the cause - they will return.

Typical scenario: the owner changes the DPRV, but the error remains. Reason - wiring, which was not checked. Or worse: after replacing the sensor, misfires begin because the new sensor was defective.

How to avoid problems?

  • ✅ Before replacing the sensor ring the chain.
  • ✅ Buy spare parts only from trusted suppliers (original or Bosch/ERA).
  • ✅ After renovation test the car at idle and while driving.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error 0340 on Nissan Primera P12

Is it possible to drive with error 0340?

Short term - yes, but not recommended. The engine operates in emergency mode, which leads to increased wear of parts and increased fuel consumption. If the error is accompanied by knocking or vibration, operation is prohibited!

Why does the error only appear when it is cold?

This is a typical sign unstable contact in the DPRV circuit. When heated, the metal expands and contact is temporarily restored. Check the sensor connector and wiring for oxidation.

Could error 0340 be caused by bad gasoline?

No, directly - no. However, low-quality fuel can lead to detonation, which over time damages the reference disc or shifts the timing phases. If the error appears after refueling, check knock sensor (code 0325).

How to reset error 0340 without a scanner?

You can disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10–15 minutes. However this will reset all errors, and if the cause is not eliminated, 0340 will return. It is better to use a scanner or program on your smartphone.

What other errors may accompany 0340?

Often together with 0340 appear:

  • P0345 — mismatch of camshaft and crankshaft phases.
  • P0300–P0304 — misfires in the cylinders.
  • P0171/P0174 — lean mixture (due to incorrect injection timing).