P0342

System Description
The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor is used to correlate crankshaft to camshaft position so that the power-train control module (PCM)/engine control module (ECM) can determine which cylinder is ready to be fueled by the injector. The CMP is also used to determine which cylinder is misfiring when misfire is present. If the PCM/ECM receives an intermittent signal from the CMP, then the CMP Resync Counter will increment. When the PCM/ECM cannot use the information from the CMP sensor, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set, and the PCM/ECM will fuel the engine using the Alternating Synchronous Double Fire (ASDF) method.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
- Engine is running.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
- The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
- The PCM/ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
- A history DTC is stored.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
- The MIL will turn off after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
- A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm up cycles without a fault.
- DTC(s) can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
An intermittent problem may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed-through wire insulation, or a wire that is broken inside the insulation.

Any circuitry, that is suspected as causing the complaint, should be thoroughly checked for the following conditions:
- Backed-out terminals
- Improper mating
- Broken locks
- Improperly formed
- Damaged terminals
- Poor terminal-to-wire connection
- Physical damage to the wiring harness

Steps 1 - 11:

Steps 12 - 14:

Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.
1. The On-Board Diagnostic (OBD II) System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and to store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.
2. This step determines if DTC P0342 is the result of a hard failure or an intermittent condition.
4. Determines if voltage is available to the CMP.
7. This step checks for a voltage supplied by the PCM/ECM to the CMP.
12. The replacement PCM/ECM must be reprogrammed. Refer to the latest Techline procedure for PCM/ECM reprogramming.