If on your dashboard Nissan Note (first or second generation) the check light came on, and the diagnostics showed an error P0340 — «Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1)“, don’t rush to go to the service station. In 60% of cases, the problem can be fixed with your own hands, having a minimum set of tools and understanding the principles of the system. This error is classified as “critical”, but does not always require expensive repairs.
Camshaft position sensor (CPRV, or Camshaft Position Sensor) on Nissan Note with engines HR15DE And HR16DE is responsible for synchronizing the operation of fuel injectors and the ignition system. When the ECU (electronic control unit) detects a failure in its signal, a P0340. Symptoms can vary: from floating speed and loss of power to complete engine failure to start. In this article we will analyze unique “weak points” of the Nissan Note that provoke P0340 most often, and also give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair.
What is P0340 and why does it occur on Nissan Note?
Code P0340 indicates a problem in the camshaft sensor circuit, but does not specify its nature. On Nissan Note (especially with mileage over 100 thousand km) the error is most often associated with:
- 🔧 Physical wear of the sensor — the resource of the original DPRV rarely exceeds 150 thousand km.
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the sensor connector or broken wiring (typical issue for humid climate zones).
- ⚙️ Mechanical damage to the camshaft gear or its displacement (relevant after timing belt repair).
- 💻 ECU firmware failure - rare, but occurs after “handicraft” chip tuning.
Feature Nissan Note — location of the camshaft sensor. On engines HR15DE/HR16DE it's installed on the back of the cylinder head (from the cabin side), which complicates access. In addition, the sensor wires run close to the exhaust manifold, and over time their insulation may melt.
⚠️ Attention: If the error P0340 accompanied by code P0345 (“Camshaft sensor circuit malfunction, bank 1”), the problem is 90% likely in the sensor itself or its connector. If they light up together with P0340 P0300-P0304 (misfire), the timing belt/chain or their tensioners are at fault.
Symptoms of error P0340 on Nissan Note: how to recognize the problem
Error P0340 may manifest itself in different ways depending on the degree of malfunction:
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Criticality level |
|---|---|---|
| The engine starts with difficulty and runs erratically | The sensor produces an incorrect signal, the ECU “loses” phases | Average |
| Floating idle speed (800–1200 rpm) | Intermittent signal from DPRV | Low |
| Loss of power, “dips” during acceleration | The ECU goes into emergency mode, ignoring sensor data | High |
| Engine stalls while driving and won't start | Complete sensor circuit break or failure | Critical |
| Check Engine lights up intermittently, error resets itself | Poor contact in the connector or oxidation of the ground | Low |
On Nissan Note with automatic transmission (CVT) error P0340 may provoke additional symptoms: jerking when changing gears or the gearbox locking in “emergency mode”. This is because the engine and transmission ECUs communicate, and a failure in one affects the other.
- First time
- Periodically (once a month)
- Constantly (every day)
- Only in wet weather
Where is the camshaft sensor on a Nissan Note and how to get to it
On Nissan Note E11/E12 with engines HR15DE And HR16DE camshaft position sensor (DPRV) located on the back of the cylinder head, next to the first cylinder. Exact location:
- 📍 From the salon side, closer to the partition of the engine compartment.
- 🔧 Under the valve cover, next to the thermostat.
- 🔌 Sensor connector directed upward and covered with a rubber cover.
To get to the sensor you will need:
- Remove decorative engine cover (4 plastic clips).
- Disconnect power connector from DPRV (press the latch and pull up).
- Unscrew fastening bolt sensor (10 mm head).
☑️ Preparation for replacing the DPRV with a Nissan Note
Important: when removing the sensor do not use metal tools for prying - its body is plastic and can crack. If the sensor is stuck, treat it with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10–15 minutes.
How to check the camshaft sensor on a Nissan Note: 3 diagnostic methods
Before changing the DPRV, make sure that this is the problem. Here are three reliable ways to check:
1. Checking the sensor resistance
Take a multimeter and measure the resistance between the sensor contacts (the connector is disconnected!). Normal values for Nissan Note:
- 🔹 Between pins 1 and 2: 500–700 Ohm.
- 🔹 Between terminals 1/2 and ground: infinity (no closure).
If the resistance is below 400 Ohms or above 900 Ohms, the sensor is faulty.
2. Checking the supply voltage
Reconnect the sensor connector and turn on the ignition (but do not start the engine). Measure the voltage between:
- 🔋 Pin 1 (power) and mass: it should be 12 V.
- 🔋 Pin 3 (signal) and mass: ~0.5–1 V (with the engine not running).
Lack of voltage on pin 1 indicates a wiring break or a faulty computer.
3. Checking with an oscilloscope (for advanced)
If you have access to an oscilloscope, connect it to the sensor signal wire (pin 3) and start the engine. On a working DPRV, the graph will be smooth, with clear voltage peaks. A chaotic signal or its absence is a sign of a malfunction.
Before checking, clean the contacts of the DPRV connector with alcohol or a special liquid for electronics. Contact oxidation is one of the most common causes of false P0340 alarms.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the camshaft sensor on a Nissan Note
If the diagnostics confirm a faulty DPRV, proceed with replacement. To work you will need:
- 🔧 10 mm head with extension cord.
- 🔧 Socket wrench (for hard-to-reach bolts).
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40).
- 🧤 Gloves (work is carried out in tight spaces).
Sequence of actions:
- Disconnect the battery (removing the negative terminal).
- Remove the decorative cover engine.
- Disconnect the connector DPRV by pressing the latch.
- Unscrew the fastening bolt sensor (10 mm head).
- Carefully remove the sensor, rocking it from side to side.
- Install a new sensor (original article number -
23731-4M210, analogues: Hitachi, Denso). - Tighten the bolt torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
- Connect the connector and install the engine cover.
After replacement be sure to clear the error using a diagnostic scanner or disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes. If P0340 appears again - the problem is not in the sensor, but in the wiring or ECU.
What should I do if the error does not disappear after replacing the sensor?
Check the wiring chain from the DPRV to the ECU for opens or shorts. Pay special attention to the area near the exhaust manifold - wires often melt there. If the circuit is OK, check the voltage at the ECU connector pins (pins 47 and 78 for HR15DE/HR16DE).
Other causes of P0340: when the sensor is not at fault
In 20% of cases there is an error P0340 on Nissan Note not connected to the camshaft sensor. Let's consider alternative reasons:
1. Problems with the timing chain/belt
If the timing chain is stretched or has jumped by 1-2 teeth, the valve timing is confused, and the ECU detects a discrepancy between the signals from the DPCV and DPCV (crankshaft sensor). Symptoms: engine troits, loses power, error P0340 accompanied by P0011 or P0016.
2. Malfunction of the crankshaft sensor (DPKV)
The ECU compares the signals from the DPRV and DPKV. If the second one produces incorrect data, it may work P0340. Check the resistance of the DPKV (standard: 500–700 Ohms) and the integrity of its wiring.
3. Problems with the ECU or firmware
Rarely, but it happens that an error P0340 appears after flashing the ECU or it gets stuck. In this case, resetting adaptations or flashing to the stock version will help.
⚠️ Attention: If on your Nissan Note installed gas cylinder equipment (GBO), error P0340 may be due to incorrect calibration of the gas ECU. In this case, adjustment of the ignition timing for gas is required.
Repair cost: how much will it cost to fix P0340 at a service station
If you decide to contact the service, the final price depends on the cause of the malfunction:
| Type of work | Cost (RUB) | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics (read errors) | 500–1 500 | 30 minutes |
| Replacing the camshaft sensor (work) | 1 500–3 000 | 1–1.5 hours |
| Camshaft sensor (original) | 3 500–5 000 | — |
| Timing chain replacement (kit + labor) | 15 000–25 000 | 4–6 hours |
| Wiring check/repair | 2 000–5 000 | 2–3 hours |
Replacing the DPRV yourself will cost only the cost of the sensor (RUB 3,500–5,000 for the original). Analogs (for example, Hitachi or Denso) can be found for 1,500–2,500 rub., but their resource is lower.
If error P0340 appears after replacing the timing belt/chain, most likely the timing marks were not set correctly. In this case, repeated disassembly and adjustment is required.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error P0340 on Nissan Note
Is it possible to drive with P0340?
Short term - yes, but not recommended. The ECU goes into emergency mode, which leads to increased fuel consumption (up to +20%), loss of power and the risk of damage to the catalyst. Driving for a long time with P0340 can cause errors P0420 (catalyst malfunction).
How to reset P0340 without a scan tool?
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10–15 minutes. If the error returns, the problem is not resolved. Alternative method: press and hold the gas pedal while turning on the ignition (on some versions Nissan Note this resets the ECU adaptations).
What sensors can affect P0340?
In addition to the DPRV, on the appearance P0340 influence:
- 🔹 Crankshaft sensor (CPCV) - if its signal is unstable.
- 🔹 Coolant temperature sensor (DTOZH) — if the data is incorrect, the ECU corrects the ignition angles incorrectly.
- 🔹 Knock sensor - its malfunction can lead to false alarms of P0340.
What happens if you don't change the camshaft sensor?
Ignoring P0340 is fraught with:
- 🔥 Engine overheating due to improper operation of the ignition system.
- 💣 Damage to the catalyst (due to rich fuel mixture).
- 🚗 Broken timing chain (if the error is due to stretching).
In the worst case scenario, the engine may need to be overhauled.
Does the sensor from Nissan Micra fit on Note?
Yes, but only for models Nissan Note E11 (2006–2012) with engine HR15DE. Sensors are interchangeable with Micra K13 (2010–2016) and Juke F15 (2010–2014) subject to matching article numbers. For Note E12 (2012–2020) from HR16DE need a sensor with an article number 23731-4M210.