P34C2 code meaning
B Camshaft Position Actuator Position Sensor A Circuit Low Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P34C2 means
Mercedes-Benz documents this code as P34C200: on cylinder bank 2, the feedback line of CAMTRONIC exhaust solenoid 1 is grounded. The code is one of sixteen that bulletin LI05.20-P-080192 groups together for engine types M176 and M177, found in AMG 63 models as well as S-Class, G-Class and GLS cars. Since heat damage turned up on wiring that runs over the firewall beside the windshield, a harness inspection comes first, before parts are replaced; Mercedes also wants actuators with the older numbers ending 02 03, 16 00, 03 03 and 17 00 exchanged for the current versions and the engine software updated. A low signal can also come from an actuator with internal damage. Bank 1 low: P34BE; bank 2 high: P34C3.
P34C2 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P34C2
- Check engine light on
- CAMTRONIC limp-home, exhaust lift on bank 2 fixed
Common causes of P34C2
- Most likelyHarness near the windshield heat-damaged, signal to ground
- PossibleSensor in the bank 2 CAMTRONIC actuator shorted
- Less likelyEngine control software outdated
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cam actuator b pos sensor b2Sensor wiring
What each part of P34C2 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 3 | Mixed range: generic and manufacturer-specific codes. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| C2 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P34C2 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 P34C2
What does P34C2 mean?
P34C2 means "B Camshaft Position Actuator Position Sensor A Circuit Low Bank 2". Mercedes-Benz documents this code as P34C200: on cylinder bank 2, the feedback line of CAMTRONIC exhaust solenoid 1 is grounded. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P34C2?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P34C2 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P34C2 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P34C2 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 P34C2 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P34C2 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.