P1340 Volkswagen Engine Code – Diagnosis & Repair

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P1340 Volkswagen/Audi Fault Code: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor Signals Out of Sequence

If you get a CEL illuminating, the first thing you should do is bring out an OBD-II scanner to see what is causing the light to illuminate. If a P1340 shows up, the scanner will read “Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor Signals Out of Sequence” or “Camshaft Position Sensor (G40) / Engine Speed Sensor (G28): Incor. Correlation”. Don’t fret however, this sounds worse than it usually is. When this code pops up, best-case scenario, there is a faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor that just needs to be replaced. Worst-case, the timing of your engine is off, which could cause major engine damage if ignored. This code tends to pop up after a timing belt or chain is installed incorrectly.

Can I still drive with a P1340 Volkswagen or Audi Fault Code?

If you aren’t experiencing rough engine performance, you can drive on it for a short period of time, but it is not recommended. When the timing of an engine is off, many major things could occur, such as: engine knocking, decreased fuel efficiency, engine overheating, poor engine performance. If this is ignored, major engine damage is possible. We advise you to take it to a shop ASAP or look at the following causes listed below to try to resolve this issue.

P1340 VW/Audi Symptoms

• Check engine light (CEL) illuminating
• Acceleration lag in low RPMs
• Engine doesn’t turn over or takes a while
• Rough Idle
• Engine stalls
• Engine misfires

Causes of P1340 VW/Audi Engine Code

• Faulty camshaft position sensor
• Faulty crankshaft position sensor
• Timing belt or chain incorrectly installed
• Timing chain stretched
• Engine incorrectly timed
• Faulty engine speed sensor (G28)

How to Repair a Volkswagen or Audi with a P1340 Engine Code

Before getting into the guides below, we want to preface that all of the replacement parts ad DIYs are for a Volkswagen/Audi 1.8t engine because it seems to be the most prominent engine with this code. If your vehicle is not a 1.8t, feel free to reach out in the comments to ask for assistance when it comes to parts or guides. Lastly, make sure the replacement parts listed below fit your vehicle. As stated above, the engine code sounds worse than it normally is, so let’s jump into the diagnosis and fixes.

How to Replace a Camshaft Position Sensor

The next two fixes will be the most common solutions for the P1340 VW/Audi codes. A camshaft position sensor monitors the camshaft’s speed and position. Without a functioning camshaft sensor, the timing of the engine can be thrown off causing poor shifting, decreased fuel economy, AFR issues, and engine not starting.

Buy Here: VW OEM Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement
DIY Difficulty: Intermediate
Written DIY Guide
Video DIY Guide

How to Replace a Crankshaft Position Sensor

A crankshaft position sensor monitors the crankshaft, engine valves, and pistons. A failing crankshaft position sensor can be detrimental to an engine causing engine stalls, engine vibration, or the engine simply not starting.

Buy Here: VW OEM Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
DIY Difficulty: Intermediate
Video DIY Guide

How to Check if an Engine is Properly Timed

Video DIY Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7_T2ZlAm-Q
Video DIY Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b97yc9C7ddA

How to Replace a Timing Belt

Another common cause for this engine code is a stretched or failing timing belt. The timing belt links the cylinder head, camshafts, and crankcase to run in unison. If it fails, there could be major engine internals damage. Although not the easiest DIY, we advise replacing the belt, water pump, and tensioners to ensure all components are new a free of faults.

Buy Here: VW Timing Belt Kit Replacement
DIY Difficulty: Intermediate
Video DIY Guide

P1340 VW Conclusion

Hopefully, the fixes above resolved the P1340 code for your Volkswagen or Audi. To reiterate, you can drive on this code under certain circumstances, but it is not recommended. Most of the time it is a faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, but can also be a timing belt or chain. If you are looking to fix this code for another engine, reach out in the comments and we’ll assist in every way possible.