P0341 TC on 2005 express 1500 4.3L

[gdicus]

Hello all,

First time poster here.

I am in the middle of trying to figure out why I am getting this P0341 code in order to pass smog. I have done extensive research and understand the inner workings, to a degree, of the Camshaft and Crankshaft sensors and why they do what they do.

However, what confounds me is the fact that, after resetting the codes, I can recreate the code without even starting the car. If I repeatedly turn the ignition to just before cranking it, I can get the check engine light to come on with the code. Doesn't make sense to me at this point. Also, I disconnected the sensor completely and it didn't throw the code either. Doubly doesn't make sense to me.

I just continued to test the voltage levels of the connector to see if I had a bad connector by jiggling it. In that time, the check engine never came on while at the same time, voltage levels never dropped far below ~11 Volts. Which brings up another question.

If my battery terminals are reading at about 12.25 V, should I not be getting that at the sensor? I'm seeing a 1 volt drop between the two.

thanks for any help understanding this.

[Stealthee]

The reason you are not seeing 12+ volts at the sensors is due to resistance. Voltage drop happens all throughout the vehicles particular sensors.

[gdicus]

Originally Posted by Stealthee

The reason you are not seeing 12+ volts at the sensors is due to resistance. Voltage drop happens all throughout the vehicles particular sensors.

I understand that, but a 1 volt drop seems too high.

Is there a minimum voltage level I should be concerned with?

[maxwedge]

Check this, I believe that the sensors work off 5v reference signal. Solenoids unless pulse width modulated are 12 v. https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...by-jay-safford

[gdicus]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Check this, I believe that the sensors work off 5v reference signal. Solenoids unless pulse width modulated are 12 v. https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...by-jay-safford

It is a three wire Hall Effect sensor.

UPDATE:

I'm not so sure the MIL was set with P0342 without cranking anymore.

I have not been able to repeat it and have seen enough to think I was a victim of coincidence.