I started my car this morning and it sounded like it misfired on startup-it never actually started the first time. I waited a few seconds and started it again and it started right up. Drove to work and the car sat for 7 hours. Started the car again-it was fine, but it felt like it was bucking here and there at random rpms-like timing was being pulled. I parked and started the car soon after. The car did the misfire popping sound again and wouldnt start. I cranked it again and it started and ran for a few seconds, then died. I waited again, started it and ran but i threw a CEL. The code is for cam positioning sensor-circuit malfunction...any idea what could cause this and if I'm guaranteed that it is my sensor. Secondly, where is the sensor located?

 

A P0304 code means that the the car's computer has detected that one of the engine's cylinders is not firing properly

Symptoms may include:
[ul][*]the engine may be harder to start[*]the engine may stumble / stumble, and/or hesitate[*]other symptoms may also be present [/ul]
A code P0304 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
[ul][*]Faulty spark plug or wire[*]Faulty coil (pack)[*]Faulty oxygen sensor(s)[*]Faulty fuel injector[*]Burned exhaust valve[*]Faulty catalytic converter(s)[*]Running out of fuel[*]Poor compression[*]Defective computer [/ul]
Possible Solutions

If there are no symptoms, the simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back.
If there are symptoms such as the engine is stumbling or hesitating, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the cylinders (i.e. spark plugs). Depending on how long the ignition components have been in the car, it may be a good idea to replace them as part of your regular maintenance schedule. I would suggest spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (if applicable). Otherwise, check the coils (a.k.a. coil packs). In some cases, the catalytic converter has gone bad. If you smell rotten eggs in the exhaust, your cat converter needs to be replaced. I've also heard in other cases the problems were faulty fuel injectors

i found this on the net i think it should help
here is the site i got it from
http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_cod...e-detected.php

 

not 304---340

 

P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
po340- camshaft position(CMP) sensor A, bank 1- circuit malfunction
inspect the wiring to the cam sensor, possible the sensor is faulty as well

 

does anyone know where this sensor is located?

 

I found and replaced the sensor, but I am still having the startup issues. I also erased the code after changing the sensor, but the code came back again. Somebody have an idea of what my car is doing to me?

 

okay, you're gonna owe me big for this one.........


it's your alternator, more specificaly the voltage regulator, sounds crazy huh? i had the same thing happen to me a few months ago and none of the mechs could figure it out. the car would start, backfire, then die but start right up on the second try. after lots of research, i told the mech to check the alt. and it fixed the problem

 

any reasoning behind what causes this-I know the s197 guys are having lots of trouble like this after installing udps. But you're the first person ive come across in a square edge with this problem.

 

Omg.. I have a 2002 GT too and im having the EXACT same problem. Car will not start after u drive it for a bit. It will just start then stall. Also have the same check engine light code po340 and Ive replaced the sensor already. the ford dealer has no idea whats wrong with it. After checking this site im really hoping its just the alternator and that i didnt just buy a lemon... =(