P0340 on RAM: How to Diagnose & Fix
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
1 RAM model · 1 documented issue · $50-$250 repair
P0340 on RAM by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 3.9/5.2/5.9 Magnum uses a camshaft position sensor inside the distributor plus a crankshaft position sensor on the bell housing. These sensors are heat-sensitive and fail intermittently — the engine stalls or dies when hot and refuses to restart until it cools, or cranks-but-won't-start with no other symptom. Corroded/loose sensor connectors cause the same behavior.
Common Symptoms
- Stalls when hot, restarts after cooling
- Cranks but won't start
- Intermittent dying while driving
- Rough idle before failure
- Tach drops to zero at stall
How to Fix
Inspect the sensor connectors/wiring for corrosion or a pulled pin first. Replace the failing sensor with a Mopar unit (owners report frequent failures of cheap aftermarket sensors): camshaft (distributor pickup) sensor Mopar 56027868 and crankshaft position sensor 56027865 (verify by engine/year). On distributor-cam-sensor trucks a full distributor may be needed if the pickup is integral. Parts $30-$150; typical $50-$250.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Mopar 56027272 crankshaft position sensor
1994-1996 Dodge Ram 1500 3.9L, 5.2L or 5.9L applications listed; confirm OE 56027272 and connector before purchase.
- Crankshaft position sensor replacing Mopar 56027870AB
The live page explicitly lists 1998 3.9L and 1999-2003 5.9L Ram 1500 applications; other 1997-2003 automatic Magnum combinations must be confirmed by OE number/VIN rather than inferred.
- Mopar 56027871AB manual-transmission crankshaft position sensor
1997-2003 Dodge Ram Magnum applications using OE 56027871AB with manual transmission; confirm engine, transmission and connector.
- Mopar 56026746 distributor pickup / camshaft position sensor
1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Magnum applications cross-referenced to 56026746; confirm distributor and connector.
- Genuine Mopar 56028143 distributor pickup / camshaft position sensor
1998-2003 Dodge Ram 1500 applications shown by the catalog; confirm engine, distributor and VIN because the page also covers other Dodge/Jeep models.
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Sources for this issue (2)
P0340 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0340 mean on a RAM?
P0340 stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction." This code means the engine computer lost or received an erratic signal from the camshaft position sensor. That sensor tells the computer the exact position and speed of the camshaft, which it uses together with the crankshaft sensor to time fuel injection and spark precisely. When the camshaft signal is missing, intermittent, or out of range, the computer sets P0340. Symptoms often include hard starting, stalling, rough running, or a no-start because the engine can't time itself correctly. On RAM it is documented across 1 model: 1500.
What are the most common causes of P0340?
The most common causes of P0340 are: Failed camshaft position sensor, Corroded or loose sensor connector, Damaged or shorted sensor wiring, Bad reluctor/tone ring on the camshaft, Loose timing chain/belt or jumped timing, Metal debris or oil contamination on the sensor tip, Poor sensor power or ground supply, Faulty PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0340 on a RAM?
Published repair estimates on RAM range from $50 to $250 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0340 on a different make?
View P0340 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.