P0342

DTC P0342:

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
During cranking, the ignition control module monitors the 3X crankshaft position sensor sync signal. The sync signal is used to determine the correct cylinder pair to spark first. After the sync signal has been processed by the ignition control module, it sends a fuel control reference pulse to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on CKT 430.
When the PCM receives this pulse it will command all six injectors to open for one priming shot of fuel in all cylinders. After the priming, the injectors are left "OFF" for the next six fuel control reference pulses from the ignition control module (two crankshaft revolutions). This allows each cylinder a chance to use the fuel from the priming shot. During this waiting period, a cam pulse will have been received by the PCM.
Now the PCM begins to operate the injectors sequentially based on true camshaft position. With the engine running, the PCM monitors the cam and fuel control references pulses it receives and expects to see six fuel control pulses for each cam pulse. If the sequence of these pulses is not correct for 10 occurrences.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0342 WILL SET WHEN
Cam reference pulses are not detected by the PCM for 5 seconds while the engine is running. DTC P0342 is looking for loss cam pulses.

ACTION TAKEN (PCM WILL DEFAULT TO)
The PCM will pulse the injectors sequentially though possibly not in the correct sequence. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will be illuminated.

DTC CHART TEST DESCRIPTION
Number(s) below refer to circled number(s) on the diagnostic chart.

1. Determines if conditions necessary to set DTC P0342 exist.
2. By repeatedly "bumping" the starter, the camshaft interrupter and the camshaft position sensor will align with each other. At this point, the voltage from the sensor applied to the PCM should drop to near zero temporarily. This indicates that the camshaft position sensor is capable of sending a signal to the PCM.
3. Before replacing the camshaft position sensor, inspect the sensor for proper installation.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
An intermittent cam reference signal can be caused by poor connections, cracked sensor or internal engine problem.