OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0342 Mazda

Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0342 Mazda definition:
The Camshaft Position Sensor is an electronic device used in an engine to record the rate at which the camshaft is spinning. This information is used by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Electronic Control Module(ECM) to control ignition and fuel injection. The camshaft position sensor senses the retraction of camshaft (intake) to identify a particular cylinder. The camshaft position sensor senses the piston position. The sensor system consists of a rotating part, typically a disc, as well as a static part, the actual sensor. When the engine is running, the high and low parts of the teeth cause the gap with the sensor to change. The changing gap causes the magnetic field near the sensor to change. The change in the magnetic field cause the voltage from the sensor to change. When the crankshaft position sensor (POS) system becomes inoperative, the camshaft position sensor provides various controls of engine parts instead, utilizing timing of cylinder identification signals.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0342 Mazda
– Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light) – Lack/Loss of Power – Engine Stall

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0342 Mazda
– Harness or connectors (The sensor circuit is open or shorted) – Camshaft position sensor may be faulty – Camshaft (Intake) may be damage – Starter motor may be faulty – Starting system circuit – Dead (Weak) battery The Error code is generally activated on detection of the following conditions: – The camshaft position sensor signal is sent the ECM is too low

Possible Solutions

– Charge battery – Repair harness or connector – Replaced Camshaft Position Sensor.