Aprila ECM code 0344 cam sensor

[scottzilla]

In my constant attempt to propell STN to the top of the heap for google searches, this is what you do when your Aprilia Mille/Tuono requires a cam sensor.  Who do you know your bike needs a cam senso?  Easy.  The entire dash will become a giant warning message advising there is a problem.

Go into ECM diagnostics on the left handlebar switch and your code will read "0344 cam sensor".
As an Altima owner, I didn't fuck around with this because a cam sensor failure can leave you stranded.

A call to AF1 and a hundred bucks later (Including 10% off coupon) I received this thing:


Left side of bike, just behind frame rail is where you need to look.


Lift tank for better access.  You can lift it easily by removing two bolts near steering stem.  Be sure to scratch your fucking plastic tank as you lift like I did!  Not much clearance.  Push back on tank a bit while lifting.


Piece of 2x4 worked well to hold tank in place.

[scottzilla]

The sensor is just behind this white connector.  Some will suggest you check the connection to make sure it didn't come loose but it's an automotive type connector that snaps into place, not sure how it could come loose.


Here you can see it removed.  The vacant hole is where it used to be.


This is the little bastard.


See that little bolt?  Well, Aprilia (Unlike Honda) doesn't give you a new bolt when you pay a hundred for their OEM part.  They use this brown goop to install this thing, so the bolt would not come out.  I had to dremmel the fucker.  See the brown shit?


Done.


My service light disappeared upon start up (I did not have to clear the code).  I did not ride the bike as it got cold so the battery is pulled.  Hopefully this is done once and for all.  2 months out of warranty but frankly, It was worth me doing it myself anyway.

[BlueRidgeKat]

I'm going to put this link in my Aprilia bookmark folder. Will need to refer back to it sooner or later.
Thanks for taking the time to post and take photos.

[MisterSmooth]

I'm going to put this link in my Aprilia bookmark folder. Will need to refer back to it sooner or later.
Thanks for taking the time to post and take photos.

Yeah, plus one.  This is good information.

As to scratching the fucking plastic tank, that is unfortunately pretty common.  My tech takes a long thin screwdriver and gently pushes the tank toward the seat as he puts it down to avoid scratching it.  He says that the tanks tend to grow, especially for some reason if you're using fuel with ethanol.  

[scottzilla]

A good piece of advice when working on plastic tanks is to always reinstall them if you have to leave them up or detached from the bike.  Even if you leave fuel lines disconnected, it's better to get all the bolts lined up and tightened down. A tank will expand and contract quite a bit, nothing worse than having a bolt hole off a 1/4" while trying to insert the bolt.

Thanks for the notice on the thread.  I try to contribute.  I didn't come up with much in my Google search so I figured this could be useful.