Code PO340 cam sensor malfunction ?

[Lonewolf]

My '98 3.0 (california) has been having intermittent power loss and pinging lately. I dealt with the pinging by cleaning the MAF, EGR and running Sea Foam through, the pinging problem seemed to get better, but it was still there sometimes at random. Then the check engine light came on after an episode of sluggishness, so I went and got an Actron OBDII reader and found a "PO340" code which translates to "Camshaft position Sensor malfunction".
I read in the manual that to replace the cam position sensor , I will not have to remove the entire Synchronizer.

But i am wondering if a malfunction at the syncronizer, (such as a spun roll pin that holds the cam gear or bearing wobble ), would throw this code ?

or possibly an intermittent fault at the connector plug ?

I didnt notice any squeel in the snchro as some are reporting lately

I am debating trying to clean the connector and using dielectric grease and see if it helps
stethescope on the synchro ?
just replace the Camshaft Position sensor ?
or the whole $yncro and CPS ?

 

[TomB1269]

They tend to go all at once and shear the gear. When the syncronizer stops so does the oil pump. It may be worth it to replace it now so you do not have to replace a motor later........................

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I also vote to replace it.
A new Motorcraft synchro is about 140 bucks from the
dealer, and the tool is another 30.

Not a hard job at all to replace, and you'll feel more
confident when driving it.......