P0342 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon)

In this tutorial, I'll explain the meaning of trouble code P0342: Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage.

I'm also going to explain how to troubleshoot and repair the cause of this trouble code.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Código P0342 ¿Qué Significa? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

APPLIES TO: This tutorial, on the P0342 OBD II trouble code, applies to the following vehicles:

Chevrolet:

• Silverado (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Silverado (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Suburban (1500):
  • 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Suburban (2500):
  • 6.0L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Tahoe:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

GMC:

• Sierra (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Sierra (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon XL (1500):
  • 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon XL (2500):
  • 6.0L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

RELATED TROUBLE CODES:

• P0341 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).
• P0343 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).

RELATED WIRING DIAGRAMS:

• CMP And CKP Sensor Circuit Diagram (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).

What Does Trouble Code P0342 Mean?

The camshaft position sensor is designed to produce a 1X voltage signal that corresponds to the rotation of a tooth on the camshaft.

The CMP sensor's 1X signal is then sent directly to the fuel injection computer.

A trouble code P0342: Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage is set when:

• The CMP sensor's voltage signal stays stuck at a low value when it should be higher.
• A problem has occurred with the CMP sensor's wiring that is causing a low voltage value to be transmitted to the fuel injection computer.

Common Symptoms Of A P0342 Trouble Code

A failure of the camshaft position sensor will cause one or more of the following symptoms:

• Extended cranking time (engine takes longer than usual to start).
• Lack of power when accelerating engine under load.
• Engine may stall after starting.
• Check engine light illuminated on the instrument cluster.
• Trouble code P0342 registered.

What Does The Camshaft Position Sensor Do?

In a nutshell, the camshaft position sensor monitors and reports the position and rotation of the camshaft to the fuel injection computer.

The camshaft position sensor does this by monitoring a tooth on a reluctor wheel on the rear of the camshaft.

When the tooth (on the reluctor wheel) passes under the camshaft position sensor, it produces a pulsing ON/OFF voltage signal.

The fuel injection computer then uses the camshaft position sensor signal info to:

• Determine if the pistons are on their compression (firing) or exhaust stroke.
• Fine tune ignition timing and fuel injection.

What Causes A P0342 Trouble Code?

Generally, the culprit behind the P0342 trouble code lighting up the check engine light is a bad camshaft position sensor, but not always.

Other things that can cause a P0342 trouble code are:

• Damaged CMP sensor connector making a poor connection.
• Wiring harness problem causing tension on the CMP sensor connector.

How To Diagnose And Repair A P0342 Trouble Code

A P0342 trouble code is diagnosed by testing the camshaft position sensor to see if it's bad (or not).

Testing the camshaft position sensor involves:

• Checking that 12 Volts are being fed to the CMP sensor (from the fuel injection computer).
• Checking that Ground is being fed to the CMP sensor (from the fuel injection computer).
• Making sure that the CMP sensor is producing its CMP 1X signal.

The 3 above mentioned tests can be done with a simple multimeter.

You can correctly conclude that the CMP sensor is bad, and needs to be replaced, if:

• The CMP sensor is receiving 12 Volts from the fuel injection computer.
• The CMP sensor is receiving Ground from the fuel injection computer.
• The CMP sensor IS NOT producing its CMP 1X signal.

The following tutorial will help you test the camshaft position (CMP) sensor:

• Bench-Testing The CMP Sensor (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).

Where To Buy The CMP Sensor And Save

The following link will help you comparison shop for the AC-Delco camshaft position sensor:

NOTE: The AC-Delco brand is the original equipment part for the Chevrolet and GMC vehicles.

More Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, And Yukon Tutorials

You can find a complete list of V8 Chevrolet Silverado (Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe) and GMC Sierra (Yukon, Yukon XL) tutorials in this index:

• GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L Index Of Articles.

Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• Resistance Specifications Of The TAC Electronic Throttle Body.
• How To Test The GM Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 2.
• How To Test The MAF Sensor (GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 8.1L).
• Blown Head Gasket Test (GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L).