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I was driving in my 2003 Saturn VUE with the 3.0 V6 front wheel drive when I suddenly lost power. It has been sitting in my yard for about 4 months now and I have been trying desperately to fix it myself as I can not afford any other method. I got an error code sensor and it read PO343, but when I replaced the camshaft position sensor it still will not start and now reads PO342. I am on the verge of being forced to scrap the car but it has gotten me through so many winters and I even lived in it at one point when I was practically homeless. I want to fix it but am moving out of state soon and cant afford to keep it or move it unless it works. So if anyone has any advice I desperately need help and would appreciate any insight.
More info:
- Was driving and lost power
- Wont start
- Sounds like the starter is not even activating
- Current error code PO342
- If I attempt to force it to start by holding the key in the ignition position it will make a loud popping or proofing sound and a small could of smoke will come out of the engine
- It makes weird electrical sounds when I keep the battery on but don't start
- Has oil and all fluids are good, battery is good, radio still comes on
Please, any help is appreciated. If I somehow find the solution on my own I will add it here for future people to reference.
the engine SHOULD be able to start and run even without a camshaft signal from the sensor. So you should be able to completely disconnect the sensor and still start the engine (and nothing else is wrong obviously). From the circuit description:
This signal, when combined with the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal, enables the ECM to properly synchronize ignition timing, fuel delivery and knock control. As long as the CKP signal is available, the engine can start and run. The ECM will default to a non-sequential fuel injector operation even if there is no CMP sensor signal. If the ECM detects extra or missing CMP sensor signal transitions within a certain number of crankshaft revolutions, DTC P0341 sets.
and
IMPORTANT: The ECM will default to non-sequential fuel injection and will fire both mating cylinder spark plugs if the CMP sensor signal is lost. Therefore, the engine will start and run if the CMP sensor signal is lost.
Therefore, from your description of your problem, I would ignore the camshaft sensor codes for the moment and focus your troubleshooting on your NO CRANK, NO START.
"Inspect IGN 0/3/CR 30amp maxi fuse in UHFB" I am assuming refers to the circled fuse here in the under hood fuse box, take a look and see if it's toast:
Triple check that battery you have in it, make sure it is fully charged and can actually pass a load test. Take it to an auto parts store for a free check or get yourself a cheapo load tester like this https://www.harborfreight.com/100-am...ter-61747.html which will work great ( it's basically a 100A electric heater), if your car battery can't run it without the battery voltage collapsing then it won't be able to start your car. You can probably get a load tester as a free loaner tool at an auto parts store as well.
A 'ground' is just a wire connecting your battery circuit to a point on the car body or on the engine, and good grounding points means electricity can flow properly. Check G105, G107, G101, and G103. Your engine (and starter!) draws all it's battery energy through those four points, so if they are rusty and crusty you literally won't be able to send enough power to the starter to crank over the engine, because all the energy will be lost through those rusty crusty or non existent grounding points. This can be true even if your radio and lights still work!!! Bad grounds might still be able to power the radio, but not the starter. If they are rusty or broken you need to clean them up and maybe replace the wire.
A ground will look something like this, just a wire bolted onto the body or the engine block:
Anyway, just my GUESS, but the smoke you're seeing could be a grounding point is getting super hot because of a crappy connection. I would check those and the battery first. Once you can reliably start the engine, worry about the cam sensor code then (and save your receipt and your old sensor! It might actually be perfectly fine).
And finally GOOD LUCK! As Napoleon said, "better a lucky general than a good one"! Let us know how it goes.
I suspect the timing belt may have failed. You can see the end of one of the camshafts by removing the oil fill cap. This will be easier with a helper, look at the cam and see if it moves when attempting to start the car. If the alternator belt turns when attempting start the car and the cam does not move, it is an engine failure.
Error Code PO342
