P0341 on 2009-2011 Chevrolet Aveo: Camshaft Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2009-2011 Chevrolet Aveo

For this specific generation of Chevrolet Aveo and its rebadged platform mates (Pontiac G3, Suzuki Swift+), the P0341 code is very frequently a straightforward intake camshaft sensor failure. This is not just a common observation but is strongly supported by a General Motors Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #PIP5329C) that directs technicians to replace the sensor as the primary fix. While other causes are possible, the sensor itself is the most common and well-documented point of failure for this code on this vehicle, a fact corroborated by countless owner experiences in online forums.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Difficulty starting the engine, or engine cranks but won't start
• Engine stalls unexpectedly, especially at low speeds or when stopping
• Rough idling or engine misfires
• Hesitation or bucking during acceleration
• Reduced engine power and poor performance
• Decreased fuel efficiency

Most Likely Causes

1. Failing Intake Camshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor This is a known common failure item for this engine, as documented in GM TSB #PIP5329C. The sensor can degrade from heat cycles over time. Owner forums for the Aveo and Pontiac G3 are filled with reports confirming this is the most common fix, but they also warn that cheap, unbranded aftermarket sensors often fail quickly or are dead on arrival.
   How to confirm: After confirming no visible damage to the wiring, replacing the sensor is the most direct diagnostic step due to the high failure rate. The intake sensor ('A') is located on the rear (firewall side) of the engine, held in by a single 10mm bolt. 🎬 Watch this quick walkthrough of the Aveo camshaft sensor replacement.
   Typical fix: Replace the intake camshaft position sensor. The OEM part number is 25195555 (which supersedes 55565708). The ACDelco Professional part number is 213-4671.
   Est. part cost: $25-$70
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability The wiring harness runs across the top of the engine and can become brittle from heat. The connector itself can also become corroded or damaged.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and the 3-pin connector leading to the camshaft position sensor for any signs of damage, melting, corrosion, or loose connections. The connector has a grey locking tab that must be pulled back before unplugging. 🎬 Vea este video para cambiar el sensor paso a paso. Wiggle the connector while the engine is running to see if it causes a change in engine behavior.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or clean/replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $10-$40

Rare But Worth Checking

• Magnetized Cylinder Head Components: This is a very rare issue mentioned specifically in GM TSB #PIP5329C. It can occur if the vehicle had a previous front-end collision and improper welding procedures were used, magnetizing metal parts in the head and disrupting the sensor reading. If a new sensor does not fix the code, this should be investigated.
• Timing Belt Issue: → Shop Engine Timing Chain If the timing belt has slipped a tooth, it will cause the cam and crank signals to be out of sync, triggering P0341. This would typically be accompanied by very poor engine performance and possibly other timing-related codes like P0016. Given the platform's history with timing belts, this is a serious consideration on high-mileage engines with unknown service history.
• Damaged Camshaft Reluctor Wheel: → Shop Engine Camshaft The sensor reads a toothed wheel on the camshaft. If this wheel is damaged, bent, or has come loose, it will produce an erratic signal. This is uncommon and requires removing the valve cover to inspect.
• Failing Engine Control Module (ECM): ECM failure is extremely rare but possible. All other potential causes should be ruled out before considering the ECM as the culprit.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0341 and check for any other related codes.
2. Visual Inspection: Inspect the wiring and connector for the intake camshaft position sensor (on the firewall side of the engine). Look for obvious signs of damage, melting, or corrosion.
3. Replace the Sensor: Given the extremely high probability of sensor failure on this specific vehicle (backed by a TSB), the most common and effective step is to replace the intake camshaft position sensor. Use a quality brand like ACDelco or Delphi.
4. Clear Code and Test Drive: After replacing the sensor, clear the trouble code with the scanner 🎬 See how to fix a P0341 code and save money. and perform a test drive to see if the code returns.
5. Advanced Diagnostics (if code returns): If the code comes back, investigate rarer causes. Check for correct timing belt alignment, especially if the belt is old or service history is unknown. Inspect the reluctor wheel for damage. Investigate vehicle history for front-end collisions, which could point to the rare magnetized head issue described in TSB PIP5329C.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Intake Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #25195555) — This is the most common failure part for code P0341 on this vehicle, as confirmed by GM Technical Service Bulletin PIP5329C. Owner experiences strongly suggest using an OEM or OEM-equivalent part for a lasting repair.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine Part), Delphi, NGK/NTK, Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0340 — P0340 indicates a general circuit malfunction for the same sensor, while P0341 points to a performance issue. They often appear together as the sensor begins to fail completely.
• P0300 — A bad camshaft sensor signal disrupts ignition and fuel timing, which can directly lead to the random/multiple cylinder misfires indicated by P0300.
• P0366 — This code is for the exhaust camshaft position sensor ('B'). The sensors are identical parts and often fail around the same time due to shared heat and age. TSB PIP5329C covers both codes, and it's common for mechanics to recommend replacing them in pairs.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIP5329C: Addresses DTC P0341 and/or P0366. The primary instruction is to replace the corresponding camshaft position sensor. It also notes a rare secondary cause related to magnetized cylinder head components after improper collision repair. According to TSB Bulletin #PIP5329C, if the concern is duplicated, the technician is directed to replace the related Camshaft Position sensor and retest for the code.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• GM issued Technical Service Bulletin #PIP5329C which identifies a frequent failure of the camshaft position sensors (both intake P0341 and exhaust P0366) on the 1.6L engine in the 2009-2011 Aveo. The primary fix is sensor replacement.
• Real Owner Experience: A user on AveoForum.com with a 2009 Aveo5 experienced power loss and a Check Engine Light. An auto parts store scan revealed a camshaft position sensor code. The owner located both sensors on the engine and asked the forum to identify which was the intake vs. exhaust, a common point of confusion. Other users confirmed P0341 is for the intake sensor and that replacement is the correct fix.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• CMP Sensor 5V Reference Voltage — expected: Approximately 5V at Pin 1 (Gray wire) with Key On, Engine Off (KOEO).. Failure: 0V or significantly less than 5V points to a wiring or ECM power supply issue.
• CMP Sensor Signal Wire Voltage (KOEO) — expected: Approximately 5V at Pin 2 (Green wire) with KOEO.. Failure: 0V or a significantly different voltage suggests a problem with the sensor or the signal wire to the ECM.
• CMP Sensor Ground Circuit — expected: Near 0 Ohms resistance to a known good ground at Pin 3.. Failure: High resistance or an open circuit (OL) indicates a broken or corroded ground wire.
• CMP Sensor Signal Voltage (Engine Running) — expected: Voltage should vary or pulse, typically between 2.0V and 3.5V, when checked with a multimeter while the engine is running.. Failure: A static voltage or a voltage that doesn't change with engine speed indicates a failed sensor or a problem with the reluctor wheel.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 / Tech2 (or high-end aftermarket scanner): Crankshaft Position (CASE) Relearn — After replacing a camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, the ECM may need to relearn the precise positions and variations of the new components. While not always mandatory for a P0341 fix, if a P0300 (Random Misfire) code appears after the repair, performing a CASE relearn can resolve misfire detection inaccuracies.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• CMP Sensor Connector — On the intake camshaft position sensor, located on the rear (firewall side) of the valve cover.. This 3-pin connector is where all diagnostic voltage and resistance tests for the sensor circuit begin. Pin 1 is the 5V reference, Pin 2 is the signal, and Pin 3 is the ground. It is exposed to significant engine heat, making it a potential point of failure.
• G103 — On the engine block, below the Engine Control Module (ECM).. This is a primary ground point for the engine control system, including the ECM. A loose or corroded G103 can cause a host of erratic sensor readings and seemingly unrelated codes, including P0341, because the ECM lacks a stable ground reference.
• G104 / G105 — Located near the starter motor mounting bolt.. This is another critical engine block ground. While G103 is more directly tied to the ECM, a poor connection at G104/G105 can introduce electrical noise that may interfere with sensitive sensor signals like the one from the CMP sensor.
• ECM Connector X2, Pin 26 — At the Engine Control Module (ECM).. This is the specific pin where the signal from the intake camshaft position sensor arrives at the ECM. Testing for continuity between this pin and the signal wire at the sensor can definitively rule out a broken wire in the harness.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• aveoforum.com user / Go-Parts repair database summary (2009 Chevrolet Aveo) — Check Engine Light with code P0341.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the camshaft position sensor with a cheap, non-OEM aftermarket part from a local auto parts store.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The P0341 code returned almost immediately after the first replacement. The problem was only resolved after replacing the sensor a second time, using a genuine Delphi (OEM supplier) part. This confirms the widespread forum advice to avoid low-quality aftermarket sensors for this specific part.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 55565708 → 25195555 — Part number consolidation and potential minor design revision by GM.
  Heads up: The two part numbers are considered fully interchangeable for the 2009-2011 Aveo. No known incompatibility issues exist.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Premature Timing Belt Failure 🔴 High → Shop Engine Timing Chain — The service interval is 60,000 miles, but failures have been reported as early as 40,000-50,000 miles. This is an interference engine, so belt failure causes catastrophic engine damage. (Ref: TSB 06-06-01-021 (for earlier models, but indicates known issues with belt longevity))
• Cracked Plastic Thermostat Housing 🔴 High — Extremely common failure. The OEM plastic housing becomes brittle from heat cycles and cracks, causing a sudden and complete loss of coolant, leading to engine overheating.
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak 🟠 Medium — Very common. The gasket hardens and leaks oil, often directly into the spark plug tubes, which can cause ignition coil failure and misfires (e.g., P0300). Many owners report replacing it annually.
• Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure 🔴 High — A known issue on automatic models where the internally-housed TCM fails, causing harsh shifting, getting stuck in one gear, or complete loss of shifting capability. Often occurs between 60,000-100,000 miles.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, a used part from a junkyard is NOT recommended. The camshaft position sensor is an inexpensive electronic component known for failure due to heat and age. A used sensor carries a high risk of being near the end of its life or already faulty.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Camshaft Position Sensor

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Delphi (often the OEM supplier)
• NGK/NTK
• Standard Motor Products (SMP)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or 'white-box' sensors from online marketplaces or discount parts stores are frequently reported by owners to be dead-on-arrival or fail within a few weeks, causing the P0341 code to return.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0366 — This is the companion code for the exhaust camshaft position sensor; both are identified in TSB #PIP5329C as frequent failure points on this engine.
• P0340 — Often appears alongside P0341 as a general camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction code.
• P0300 — A random misfire code that can be triggered by a failing camshaft sensor or by oil leaking into spark plug tubes from a common valve cover gasket failure.

Frequently Asked Questions