Timing and crank/cam sensorsGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0342: camshaft sensor: low signal
P0342 means: camshaft position sensor "A" circuit: low input (bank 1 or single sensor).[1][2] The ECU detects that the signal from camshaft position sensor "A" (on engines with a single sensor, the only one) is too low, that is, the circuit voltage is below what is expected. With the signal from this sensor and the crankshaft's, the ECU knows what phase each cylinder is in.[1][3]
What code P0342 means
The ECU detects that the signal from camshaft position sensor "A" (on engines with a single sensor, the only one) is too low, that is, the circuit voltage is below what is expected. With the signal from this sensor and the crankshaft's, the ECU knows what phase each cylinder is in.[1][3]
In a General Motors diagnostic standard recorded by DTCSearch, the code is set if no pulse arrives from the sensor for 5 seconds with the engine running. Other manufacturers may use different criteria.[2]
It is a generic code (it starts with P0): its definition is the same on all brands, although the most likely cause depends on the engine.[3]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Low (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)[1][2]
Causes of P0342
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on.[4]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Unstable idle, jerking and, in some cases, the engine stalling.[4]Engine stalls: faults that cause it
- Long cranking or, in some cases, the engine will not start.[4][5]Hard to start: faults that cause it
- Increased fuel consumption.[4]Uses more fuel: faults that cause it
How to diagnose P0342
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Read all stored codes and the freeze-frame data. If crankshaft codes (P0335) or correlation codes (P0016) also appear, the problem may be in the timing and not the sensor.[5]
- 2Inspect the sensor connector and wiring: sulphated or oily terminals, and chafed or pinched harness.[4][5]
- 3Check the sensor's supply, earth and signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope while cranking; a Hall sensor with no supply or earth indicates a wiring fault, not a sensor fault.[5]
- 4Check the camshaft reluctor wheel and the gap between sensor and wheel.[5]
- 5Replace the sensor only when the wiring and supply are fine, and avoid cheap low-quality sensors.[4][5]
Can I keep driving with P0342?
Garage soon
The sources consider it medium severity: if the engine starts you can usually get to the garage, but there may be jerking, stalling or failure to start at any time, and using the car normally is not recommended.[1][4]
Documented faults related to P0342
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Engine sensors: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalM264/M254Poorly tightened 48 V earth wiring in the mild-hybrid system (fire risk)Mercedes-Benz has issued several recalls (2022-2025) because the 12 V and 48 V earth connections of some cars with a 48 V system may be poorly tightened: resistance rises, the connection heats up and a fire cannot be ruled out. The official workshop checks them and repairs them if necessary in an hour or more.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.9 TDIUnit injector tappet wear and injector wiring damageOn the unit injector system, the tappets that operate the injectors can wear if the oil is not changed on time, and the injector wiring can be damaged by contact with oil, causing misfires or loss of power.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonRover 75Seat SRS connector fault with airbag and seatbelt warning light onAuto Express warns that the Rover 75's seat SRS connector can cause the airbags to fail, and dealers were fixing it with revised connectors. The Dutch APK inspection puts the airbag or seatbelt fault warning among the most frequent defects across almost all series.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
Frequently asked questions
What does code P0342 mean?
The ECU has detected a signal that is too low in the circuit of camshaft sensor "A" (bank 1 or single sensor). The problem usually lies in the sensor, its wiring or its connector.[1][2]
Is P0342 the same as P0343?
No. Both affect the same bank 1 sensor "A", but P0342 indicates a low signal and P0343 a high signal.[1][2]
Can I drive with P0342?
It depends on how the engine behaves, but it is not advisable: there may be jerking, stalling or difficulty starting, and it should be diagnosed as soon as possible.[4]
Does the sensor always need replacing?
No. The wiring and the connector often fail; check supply, earth and signal before replacing the sensor.[4][5]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0342?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[6]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- P0342 – Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Low Input (Bank 1)AutoDTCs · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- p0342 DTC: Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit LowDTCSearch · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- On-board diagnosticsWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
- P0343 Code – Meaning, Causes & How to fix itMechanic Base · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- How to Test Crankshaft and Camshaft Position SensorsAutoDTCs · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish