P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input (Bank 1)
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low (Bank 1)
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC), which means it covers all makes/models, 1996-newer. However, specific troubleshooting steps will vary depending on the vehicle.
The automotive trouble code P0342 is one of several generic malfunction codes relating to the camshaft position sensor (CPS). Trouble codes P0335 through P0349 are all generic codes related to the CPS inferring different reasons for the failure.
In this instance, code P0342 infers the sensor’s signal is to low, or not strong enough. The signal is low enough to be vague and difficult to interpret. P0342 refers to the Bank 1 "A" sensor. Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder #1.
Description and correlation of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors
It’s important in today’s vehicles to understand what these sensors are and how they interact. All distributorless ignition vehicles use a crank and cam sensor to take the place of the module and trigger wheel found in an electronic distributor.
The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) signals the engine control module the location of the pistons relative to top dead center in preparation for injecting fuel and firing the spark plugs.
The camshaft position sensor (CMP) signals the position of the camshaft intake lobe relative to the CPS signal and the opening of the intake valve for fuel injection on each cylinder.
Description and location of sensors
The crank and cam sensors provide an "on and off" signal. Both are either hall effect or magnetic in function.
A hall effect sensor uses an electro-magnetic sensor and a reluctor. The reluctor is shaped like small cups with squares cut out of the sides making it resemble a picket fence. The reluctor spins while the sensor is stationary and mounted very close to the reluctor. Every time a post passes in front of the sensor a signal is produced, and when the post passes, the signal is off.
A magnetic pickup uses a stationary sensor and a magnet attached to the rotating part. Every time the magnet passes in front of the sensor a signal is produced.
Locations
A hall effect crank sensor is located on the harmonic balancer in the front of the engine. The magnetic pickup can be in the side of the engine block where it uses the center of the crankshaft for a signal, or it can be in the bellhousing where it uses the flywheel as a trigger.
The camshaft sensor mounts in the front or rear of the camshaft.
Note: In the case of GM vehicles, this code description is slightly different, it is CMP Sensor Circuit Low Input Conditions.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
Potential Causes
The causes for this DTC may include:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
Check the technical service bulletins (TSBs) for any that pertain to this code. TSBs are a list of complaints and failures dealt with at the dealer level and the manufacturers recommended correction.
Example photo of a camshaft position sensor (CMP):
Related Camshaft Trouble Codes: P0340, P0341, P0343, P0345, P0346, P0347, P0348, P0349, P0365, P0366, P0367, P0368, P0369, P0390, P0391, P0392, P0393, P0394.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0342 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0342 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0342.
