Dreaded 0343 code, cam bolts NOT loose
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Dreaded 0343 code, cam bolts NOT loose
Recent rebuild 383 stroker forged, cam, supporting valve train, all new seals. Tune is still from previous 5.7 ls6 with the same cam (MAFless tune)
Since rebuild, 0342 cam code has lit up at some point every time I drove the car. Also getting CEL for MAF Code P0103. Continuously harder to start. Now almost not starting at all and gave me 0343 code. Car enters REDUCED POWER every time accelerating past 3500-4000 rpm.
I have done the following
-clean and inspect cam sensor and wires (didn't work)
-replace cam sensor (temporarily worked)
-inspect cam bolts for looseness (they're tight)
I read this forum extensively and found that 80-90% chance of loose cam bolts. Ripped it down last night, bolts are tight.
I know there's a lot of info in here but my question is as follows...
1- should I remove cam since motor is almost completely apart and inspect reluctor on cam?
2- should I replace cam bolts w/ARP anyway since they are exposed?
3- Just reassemble and bring to mechanic to properly diagnose the electrical issue? I do not have the DVOM or other electrical tools or knowledge to diagnose.
4- am I an ******* and I just have a bad ground?
Thanks so much everyone, this forum has been my handbook for issues so far and helped immensely!!
Since rebuild, 0342 cam code has lit up at some point every time I drove the car. Also getting CEL for MAF Code P0103. Continuously harder to start. Now almost not starting at all and gave me 0343 code. Car enters REDUCED POWER every time accelerating past 3500-4000 rpm.
I have done the following
-clean and inspect cam sensor and wires (didn't work)
-replace cam sensor (temporarily worked)
-inspect cam bolts for looseness (they're tight)
I read this forum extensively and found that 80-90% chance of loose cam bolts. Ripped it down last night, bolts are tight.
I know there's a lot of info in here but my question is as follows...
1- should I remove cam since motor is almost completely apart and inspect reluctor on cam?
2- should I replace cam bolts w/ARP anyway since they are exposed?
3- Just reassemble and bring to mechanic to properly diagnose the electrical issue? I do not have the DVOM or other electrical tools or knowledge to diagnose.
4- am I an ******* and I just have a bad ground?
Thanks so much everyone, this forum has been my handbook for issues so far and helped immensely!!
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,619
Likes: 4,066
From: Cape Coral, Florida
One of the symptoms of a failing cam sensor is a “hard start”...you said you “cleaned and inspected” the cam sensor and wiring unfortunately that’s NOT good enough...the wiring to the sensor must be tested and since you don’t have the electrical equipment and knowledge your out of luck...just bring it to a mechanic and keep your fingers crossed that he knows how to diagnose this and you won’t be paying for another cam sensor or even a PCM !!...question...did you replace the cam sensor with an aftermarket or OEM (AC Delco)...any sensors on this car that are aftermarket most of the time just don’t work...good luck !!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I thought I bought an acdelco cam sensor, but when I got it... Said made in China SMH. I still have the original that I will reinstall and bring to a reputable mechanic. I should probably just order the original equipment cam sensor and be done with it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Can you at least get a meter and insure that you have the correct reference voltage on the CAM sensor??
There are three wires on that connector/sensor:
Pin A = Sensor signal
Pin B= Low Reff (PCM Module internal ground)
Pin C= 12 VDC from PCM
Bill
There are three wires on that connector/sensor:
Pin A = Sensor signal
Pin B= Low Reff (PCM Module internal ground)
Pin C= 12 VDC from PCM
Bill
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,619
Likes: 4,066
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Last edited by C5 Diag; Jul 30, 2019 at 01:40 PM.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,619
Likes: 4,066
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Hey Buddy !!...spend that cash !!...get yourself a used Snap On Vantage Pro...that thing measures EVERYTHING...graphing multimeter, a scope (just OK), and a component tester that will show pin outs and guided tests for all sensors, charging system and a whole bunch more !!...yes, Fluke makes some great stuff...industry standard !!
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