Powertrain, generic · Ignition system or misfire

P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Bank 1 or Single Sensor

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

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 petrol engines 2014–2019 and Ford petrol engines report this under P0340.

Likely causes

Signal wire shorted to ground
5 V or 12 V supply of the sensor missing
Camshaft position sensor faulty
Connector corroded or wiring chafed

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Longer cranking before the engine starts
  • Loss of power (cam timing held in its base position)
  • Rough idle, occasionally stalling

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€30–300
Time0.3–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

camshaft position sensorcamshaft tone wheelsensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0340P0343P0347P0367

References: fordservicecontent.com, saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, law.cornell.edu.