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Old 08-07-2009, 08:09 AM   #1
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Cam position sensor PO341

Ok ...got this code PO 341 on bank 1 and made the mistake of replacing the sensor to no avail and about $75.00 later. Can anyone give me some suggestions that do not involve expensive shop equipment? thanks in advance.

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Old 08-08-2009, 04:26 PM   #2
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Solid or flashing CEL?


How old is car? How many miles? When is the last time you did regular maintenance (how old are your spark plugs)?


If it was a solid CEL, I might just reset it and drive on. See if it comes back. It might be time to change your plugs and coils if they have 30K miles on them. The Boxster is the 1st car that I've owned that the spark plugs seem to actually matter. Suspect O2 sensor and MAF with every code.


But I don't know anything. Smarter folks here than me.
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Old 08-08-2009, 06:02 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by bustingear
Can anyone give me some suggestions that do not involve expensive shop equipment? thanks in advance.
one word...Honda.

Trying to find a cheap answer on a car of this caliber isn't going to be easy..you might find yourself chasing (and spending) more than if you just took it to a professional.

I'm hoping that your sensor is faulty - either that, or maybe your cam is actually triggering the fault...in which case...well, never mind
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Old 08-08-2009, 06:07 PM   #4
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You need to clear the code then turn the key on (without starting or touching the gas pedal) for about 90 seconds then turn the key off for at least 10 seconds.

This code can be caused by:

A loose connector at the sensor

Corrosion on the connector

Bad wiring from the sensor to the DME

Bad sensor

Bad DME
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Old 08-08-2009, 06:09 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Paul
You need to clear the code then turn the key on (without starting or touching the gas pedal) for about 90 seconds then turn the key off for at least 10 seconds.

This code can be caused by:

A bad connection

Corrosion on the connector

Bad wiring from the sensor to the DME

Bad sensor

Bad DME

paul, could the cam be the cause of this?
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Old 08-08-2009, 06:15 PM   #6
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p0011, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23 would indicate timing issues with the cams.
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Old 08-09-2009, 02:38 PM   #7
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Well I replaced the plugs and they did look crappy.
I cleaned the coils and switched bank 1 to bank 2
The code did not go off but I will shut it off and see what happens. If the problem switchs to bank 2 then i will know coil.
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Old 08-09-2009, 02:40 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul
You need to clear the code then turn the key on (without starting or touching the gas pedal) for about 90 seconds then turn the key off for at least 10 seconds.

This code can be caused by:

A loose connector at the sensor

Corrosion on the connector

Bad wiring from the sensor to the DME

Bad sensor

Bad DME
Paul sorry not clear on this. Is this how you shut off code or something you do after. If after please define purpose. Thanks is advance.
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Old 08-09-2009, 04:49 PM   #9
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You need to read and clear the code(s) using a Durametric or PST2. They do not clear themselves.

Once cleared you need to do the 90 second procedure so that the DME can relearn the base value of the sensors.
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Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974. Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.

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Old 08-09-2009, 05:10 PM   #10
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You need to read and clear the code(s) using a Durametric or PST2. They do not clear themselves.

Once cleared you need to do the 90 second procedure so that the DME can relearn the base value of the sensors.
great and thanks I will try
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Old 08-10-2009, 05:04 PM   #11
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great and thanks I will try


Well I tried this and made it about 20 miles ...shut it down and thought i was home free. this was an improvement because I have tried a couple of other times and only made it a couple of miles. I started it up after a brief shut down and took off and the light kicked back on. Just checked it out and same code PO341. before this I changed the plugs and reversed the coils from left to right side. I am perplexed. Any other suggestions?
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Old 08-10-2009, 05:15 PM   #12
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Please elaborate on "replacing the plugs" and "cleaning the connector."

What are you calling the coils?
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2001 Boxster original owner. I installed used motor at 89k.
1987 924S. 2002 996TT. PST-2
Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974. Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.

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Old 08-11-2009, 05:59 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by bustingear
Well I tried this and made it about 20 miles ...shut it down and thought i was home free. this was an improvement because I have tried a couple of other times and only made it a couple of miles. I started it up after a brief shut down and took off and the light kicked back on. Just checked it out and same code PO341. before this I changed the plugs and reversed the coils from left to right side. I am perplexed. Any other suggestions?
P0341 is for an “implausible signal” from the cam sensor; what you should be looking at is the signal itself, and the route it takes to the DME.

First, using a digital multi-meter, with the ignition on, between the ground pin and pin #3 on the rear of the cam sensor plug, you should see 5 Volts. If you do not, the sensor is not getting power.

To check for continuity (test the wiring and connections to the DME), you will have to have a Porsche pin out box #9616, which is hard to come by. You can “jury rig” connections using some wire and plug, but you would need a wiring and pin layout diagram to accomplish this. If you do this, you should see 0-5 ohms on the power supply wiring, and infinity on the sensor to DME wire.

Tracking down these wiring issues is pain without the correct tools……….
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Old 08-11-2009, 04:55 PM   #14
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If you do this, you should see 0-5 ohms on the power supply wiring, and infinity on the sensor to DME wire.

And infinity from each of above to ground with them disconnected at both ends.
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1998 Boxster with 7.8 DME, 2005 3.6 liter/325 hp, Variocam Plus, 996 Instrument panel
2001 Boxster original owner. I installed used motor at 89k.
1987 924S. 2002 996TT. PST-2
Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974. Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.
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Old 08-13-2009, 10:45 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by Paul
Please elaborate on "replacing the plugs" and "cleaning the connector."

What are you calling the coils?
Lietrally took out the Beru spark plugs and replaced with 4 electrode Bosch and remoed the coils which are connected to eack plug with two bolts to the head. Every plug has a coil?
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Old 08-13-2009, 03:13 PM   #16
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The spark plugs and their coils have nothing to do with this code.
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1998 Boxster with 7.8 DME, 2005 3.6 liter/325 hp, Variocam Plus, 996 Instrument panel
2001 Boxster original owner. I installed used motor at 89k.
1987 924S. 2002 996TT. PST-2
Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974. Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.

Last edited by Paul; 08-13-2009 at 03:25 PM.
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Old 08-13-2009, 04:21 PM   #17
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Lietrally took out the Beru spark plugs and replaced with 4 electrode Bosch and remoed the coils which are connected to eack plug with two bolts to the head. Every plug has a coil?
I think you need to take this car to a indie shop and just pay the 100 bucks diagnostic.. it sounds like you've spent more money fixing what isn't broken in an effort to save money. My hats off to you, but sometimes a good shop can save you money...

keep us posted, and good luck
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Old 09-24-2009, 08:45 AM   #18
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I love how this happens being new to the Boxster i listened to an AutoZone employee on which bank was number 1. that was a mistake as he had them reversed and I can kick my own a*s because after i replaced the Air Oil seperator i left the bank 1 cam sensor unplugged. Good news that is fixed!
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Old 09-24-2009, 09:15 AM   #19
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Ow! That sucks, but congrats on getting it figured out.

After one grueling session on my previous car, I had swapped the leads for the idle air control and throttle postion sensor (stupid Hyundai made the connectors identical), and I threw a stunning number of codes and freaked out for a few hours before just rechecking my work.

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