Replacing the Lumina APV for the 1997 model year, the Chevrolet Venture was a welcome addition in the minivan marketplace, with modern styling and creature comforts not seen in its predecessor. The StabiliTrak system and GM's OnStar were available. The Venture’s 3.4-liter engine featured a sequential fuel injection system, which heavily relied upon the camshaft position sensor to accurately determine fuel injector timing. Failure of the sensor may set trouble code P0341, while affecting performance and fuel economy.
Connect a memory saver to the vehicle, according the device’s instructions. Disconnect the negative battery cable, using a socket and ratchet. With a 3/8-inch-drive breaker bar or serpentine belt removal tool, disengage the drive belt tensioner and pull the belt from the power steering pump pulley.
Remove the cap for the power steering fluid reservoir. Place a piece of cardboard on the ground, below the power steering pump. Remove as much power steering fluid as possible with a turkey baster; put the fluid in a suitable container. Disengage the hose clamp for the power steering pump's soft return line, using a pair of small slip-joint pliers, then disconnect the return line. Disconnect the hard line from the pump with a line wrench; do not attempt to loosen the fitting with an open-end wrench.
Rotate the power steering pump pulley until the holes going through the pulley align with the heads of the mounting bolts, then remove the bolts with the aid of a socket extension. Remove the power steering pump from the vehicle. Disconnect the wiring connector for the camshaft position sensor. Remove the bolt securing the camshaft position sensor, then pull the sensor from the engine block.
Insert the new camshaft position sensor into the block and align the mounting flange with the threaded hole. Secure the sensor with the original bolt, tightening to 8 foot-pounds. Connect the sensor wiring connector.
Secure the power steering pump to the bracket, and tighten the mounting bolts to 25 foot-pounds. Connect the return hose and secure it with the clamp. Connect and tighten the hard line. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with fresh fluid, to the “Cold” fill line, replace the cap, then clean off any spilled fluid from the engine and/or accessory drive components, using shop rags and brake cleaner.
Reinstall the serpentine belt and reconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnect the memory saver. Chock the rear tires and engage the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle with a jack, then secure the subframe with a pair of jack stands. Make certain that the placement of the jack stands will not interfere with the steering travel of the front wheels.
Turn the steering wheel to the leftmost position, then check the power steering fluid level; add fluid to the “cold” mark if necessary. Turn the steering wheel -- lock-to-lock -- at least 20 times, then recheck the fluid level. Start the engine and check the fluid level again, straighten the wheels, then lower the vehicle. Allow the engine to idle for a couple of minutes before rechecking the fluid level. Inspect the power steering hoses for leaks.
