P0342 on Ford vehicles
Cam Position Sensor Low Input (Bank 1) — what it means on a Ford, whether it's safe to drive, and the fixes by model and year.
P0342 on a Ford means cam position sensor low input (bank 1). Most vehicles stay drivable short-term, but diagnose it promptly. The most common cause is camshaft position sensor signal wire shorted to ground (typically $80–$350). Pick your Ford model below for its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
What does P0342 mean on a Ford?
P0342 is set when the ECM sees the Bank 1 "A" camshaft position sensor circuit sitting below its calibrated minimum voltage. On most engines "A" is the intake camshaft, or the single cam sensor on engines that only have one. The usual explanation is a signal wire shorted to ground, an open circuit that lets the ECM's internal pull-down hold the line low, or a sensor that has failed to a low output. P0342 is a voltage-level fault — distinct from P0340 (no usable signal) and P0341 (signal present but out of spec).
P0342 is a standardized OBD-II code, so its definition is the same on every Ford. What differs by model and engine is which cause is most likely — pick your Ford model below for a diagnosis tuned to its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Is it safe to drive a Ford with P0342?
In most cases a Ford stays drivable for short trips with P0342 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.
What causes P0342 on a Ford?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft position sensor signal wire shorted to ground | Most common | $80–$350 |
| Failed camshaft position sensor (output stuck low) | Most common | $100–$400 |
| Corroded or water-intruded sensor connector | Common | $50–$250 |
| Oil leaking into the cam sensor port and shorting the sensor internals — Replace the o-ring along with the sensor or the new one fails the same way. | Common | $80–$350 |
| Open or high-resistance reference-voltage or ground circuit feeding the sensor | Occasional | $80–$350 |
| Damaged or slipped camshaft reluctor / tone wheel | Occasional | $300–$1,200 |
| Failed PCM input for the cam sensor circuit | Rare | $400–$1,500 |
Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by Ford model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.
P0342 by Ford model
Select your Ford model and year for a P0342 diagnosis tuned to that vehicle's failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Ford F-150
43 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Ford Escape
3,364 NHTSA owner complaints · 24 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Ford Explorer
2,694 NHTSA owner complaints · 43 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Ford Bronco
328 NHTSA owner complaints · 21 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Ford Mustang
771 NHTSA owner complaints · 22 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Complaint and recall counts are NHTSA totals for the model years covered on this site, not counts specific to P0342.
P0342 on other makes
Other codes on Ford vehicles
P0342 on a Ford: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0342 mean on a Ford?
P0342 is set when the ECM sees the Bank 1 "A" camshaft position sensor circuit sitting below its calibrated minimum voltage. On most engines "A" is the intake camshaft, or the single cam sensor on engines that only have one. The usual explanation is a signal wire shorted to ground, an open circuit that lets the ECM's internal pull-down hold the line low, or a sensor that has failed to a low output. P0342 is a voltage-level fault — distinct from P0340 (no usable signal) and P0341 (signal present but out of spec). P0342 is a standardized OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on every Ford — which cause is most likely varies by model and engine.
What are the symptoms of P0342 on a Ford?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Hard start with extended cranking. Possible complete no-start condition. Stalling, often when the engine is hot. Rough running and noticeably reduced power. Misfire-like stumbling if the ECM loses cylinder sync. Reduced fuel economy
What causes P0342 on a Ford?
Camshaft position sensor signal wire shorted to ground (most-common). Failed camshaft position sensor (output stuck low) (most-common). Corroded or water-intruded sensor connector (common). Oil leaking into the cam sensor port and shorting the sensor internals (common). Open or high-resistance reference-voltage or ground circuit feeding the sensor (occasional). Damaged or slipped camshaft reluctor / tone wheel (occasional). Failed PCM input for the cam sensor circuit (rare)
Is it safe to drive a Ford with P0342?
In most cases a Ford stays drivable for short trips with P0342 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.