How Do I Translate An Error Code?
 

My Check Engine light just came on, staying in a Steady-On state. I used my SCT Xcalibrator 2 to get the error code. How do I find out, in English, what it means?

BTW, the screen displayed was as follows;

1st Line: P0340 CAM POS
2nd Line: S CIR ER 1 S 1


Thanks.

EDIT: Yes, I am Googling the code too.

you need a cam position sensor.

Yepper... bad CPS sensor data. Replace cam position sensor. It's right behind the power steering reservoir on the driver side front of the timing cover.

Ok, but another question then. A couple of other forums (AllFordMustangs.com and ModularFords.com) have posts with this code, to which the replied fix was a new alternator. (Oddly and surprising enough, Randy replied to the post on the AllFordMustangs forum.)

Also, if it is the CMP Sensor, any idea which one? My Haynes book says "On these models there are two CMP sensors, one for each cylinder head. The CMP sensors are located on the front ends of the cylinder heads."

There's a TSB about this issue out there. http://www.stangnet.com/images/stori...SBs/06-2-9.pdf

"Some 2005-2006 Mustang GT vehicles equipped with 4.6L 3v engine, may exhibit a diagnostic trouble code P0340 and\or P0344. This may be due to a malfunctioning diode or open phase connection in the generator."

I'm going to guess that since my car is no longer under warranty, that even if this is the exact problem that I'm having, and even though there is a TSB out about it, I'd still have to pay to have it fixed, huh?

Well, just to update and post it for posterity's sake, I pulled the left sensor, as the code specifically states that one, reseated it, and put everything back together. Owners manual says three drive cycles with no light is a clean bill of health essentially. So I just got back from my 1st cycle.

New alternator... seems odd but possible. bad cps is odd for asuch a new car. In any case, yeah you're responsible for the cost. props for going out and wrenching and learning. Takes guts to go into places you don't know.

Well, I'll admit, I was nervouse as hell. Looks like I'll end up taking it to Ford. Damn code has come back 2 times. I'll post back to let you all know what they say ends up being wrong.

WHat a fucking rip. Needs new alternator. Dealer wants $800 parts and labor. $420 for alternator alone. Thinking I may just buy new alt from AM http://www.americanmuscle.com/130amp...or-0509gt.html and put it in myself.

That's just BS that they can charge $800 per vehicle on an item that is a known defect on 6 different lines of vehicles, half of which are their most popular lines.

Yeah thats BS man. On the Bright side should not be to hard to change out.

I know EXACTLY how you feel and add me to another victim of that particular TSB.

My alternator took a shit on me at 12,500 miles. It was throwing a 'check charging system' message on my screen, but no codes, so I took it in. The dealer couldn't replicate the problem, but from information I had given them, they knew it was the alternator.

I got an OEM alternator installed by a local and well known Ford dealership for $545 total price. I had/have no warranty on my car. The place you called is attempting to rape you so you need to protect your ass. Call around and see if you can get a better price.

Good luck, man.

Alternators are easy as pie to change.. Shouldn't take you more than an hour, taking your time and a couple of smoke breaks too. lol

Throw it in google translate. That usually works.

Better than the 2V plug problem. At least Ford issued a TSB/recall for the 3V alternators...

Well, went by dealer yesterday to tell them to just give me my car back, that I wasn't gonna pay $800 for an F'ing Alt. Service rep says they already removed my old one and opened the new one. I tell them that's to bad. For them. I want my car. I bring up the TSB. He says that there is no TSB for this. I tell him he's crazy and pull it out for him. I ask why they're charging 3+ hours labor, when the TSB calls for .9 hours labor? He goes to "talk to someone" and comes back saying they can do it for $550 plus I get my car back in the next hour versus the next day as originaly quoted (which saves me another days charge for a rental car) so I told him go ahead.

Hell yeah, man. Good job. :)

Thats how you roll! good job dude!