P0342 code meaning
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Bank 1 or Single Sensor
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0342 means
P0342 means the signal of the intake camshaft sensor of bank 1 (or the only cam sensor) stays at ground level without edges – signal wire shorted to ground, sensor supply missing or the Hall sensor faulty. Ford's 2023 diesel sets it when the signal stays at 0 V over 10 or more crank revolutions (3 s), while cranking or running. On the Saab 9-4X V6 (GM LAU) the signal must stay low without pulses for more than 1 s, or 10 s cumulatively, and the code follows after two trips; with the sensor disconnected the signal wire should show 4.8–5.2 V. Saab's Motronic 2.8.1 (900 V6) treats low and high together: no connection or short to ground or battery, about 4.5 V at idle, air gap at most 1.5 mm. GM gasoline engines 2014–2019 and Ford gasoline engines report this under P0340.
P0342 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0342
- Check engine light on
- Longer cranking before the engine starts
- Loss of power (cam timing held in its base position)
- Rough idle, occasionally stalling
Common causes of P0342
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground
- Possible5 V or 12 V supply of the sensor missing
- PossibleCamshaft position sensor faulty
- PossibleConnector corroded or wiring chafed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Camshaft position sensorCamshaft tone wheelSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0342 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 42 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0342 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0342
What does P0342 mean?
P0342 means "Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Bank 1 or Single Sensor". P0342 means the signal of the intake camshaft sensor of bank 1 (or the only cam sensor) stays at ground level without edges – signal wire shorted to ground, sensor supply missing or the Hall sensor faulty. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0342?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0342 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0342 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0342 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0342 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0342 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.