Generic fault code
P0342 — Camshaft position sensor A (bank 1 or single sensor), circuit: signal low
The control unit stores code P0342 when it detects this fault: “Camshaft position sensor A (bank 1 or single sensor), circuit: signal low”.
Indicative severity: HighEngine (mechanical, cooling and lubrication)
Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on
What does code P0342 mean?
The engine's mechanics, timing (camshaft and crankshaft), cooling and lubrication. Many of these codes check that the engine is in time and at the right temperature.
- System
- P · Powertrain
- Area
- Engine (mechanical, cooling and lubrication) · Car system: Engine and lubrication
- Type
- Generic (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6): the same meaning on every make
- Indicative severity
- High. Diagnose as soon as possible: it may affect safety or cause damage (engine, catalyst, brakes).
What usually causes code P0342?
- Faulty, aged or drifting sensor
- Short circuit to ground
- Loose or corroded connector, backed-out terminals
The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.
What are the symptoms of code P0342?
- Hard starting or an engine that will not start
- Stalling, jerking or loss of power
- Chain or timing noise, especially when cold
These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.
Can I keep driving with code P0342?
Better not, except when you really have to. This fault may affect safety or damage the engine, the catalytic converter or the brakes. See a workshop as soon as possible; if you must move the car, drive gently and only short distances. If the light flashes, the car loses power, makes unusual noises or the brakes or steering feel different, stop somewhere safe and call for assistance.
This is guidance only: only someone who checks the car can say whether it is safe to drive.
An indicative description of the code's generic meaning. Each manufacturer may give it a different meaning, conditions or tests: always follow its service information and your workshop's advice.
What you can do yourself
For this kind of fault
Variable valve timing depends on the oil: check the level and that the oil change is up to date. If the code is about crankshaft and camshaft correlation, do not let it slide: it may point to a stretched chain or belt.
Read the code and keep the report: with an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see it on your phone or computer, with the data captured when the fault happened.
Look for anything obvious: a loose connector, a disconnected hose, a fuel cap not closed properly or a low fluid level. Do not take apart anything you do not know.
Clear the code only after writing it down or after the repair. Clearing turns the light off, but it also deletes the freeze-frame data and the readiness monitors used at the inspection.
Drive normally for a few days and read the codes again. If the code comes back, the fault is still there: book the workshop and bring the report.
Read your car's fault codes on your phone
With an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see the codes in your account, with the data captured when the fault happened, and your workshop can check them remotely, always with your permission.
Related codes
- P0339Crankshaft position sensor A, circuit: intermittent
- P0340Camshaft position sensor A (bank 1 or single sensor), circuit: malfunction
- P0341Camshaft position sensor A (bank 1 or single sensor), circuit: range/performance
- P0343Camshaft position sensor A (bank 1 or single sensor), circuit: signal high
- P0344Camshaft position sensor A (bank 1 or single sensor), circuit: intermittent
- P0345Camshaft position sensor A (bank 2), circuit: malfunction
P03xx codes: ignition system or misfire
In the glossary
Read more: Remote OBD diagnostics: what it is, how it works and what it can't do