The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Audi models that log P0342.
DTC/P0342·Audi
P0342 on Audi: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeverityNot safe to driveAudi
P0342 on a Audi means the ECU is reading a voltage on the camshaft position sensor signal circuit that is lower than the expected range, usually because the signal wire is shorted to ground, the sensor has failed, or the connector has lost contact. On most modern engines the camshaft signal is essential for sequential fuel injection and for VVT control; without it the engine may still run on crankshaft signal alone but with degraded performance. VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT apps often show this code as P034200; the last two digits are a failure-type byte.
Typical repair cost, all makes€60 - €550
Connect any standard Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to your Audi and Skanyx tells you what P0342 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Audi A4
2008-2024B8 A4 with the 2.0 TFSI commonly sets P0342 alongside P0011/P0012 when the cam adjuster oil control valve fails. The cam sensor itself reads correctly but the cam is not where the sensor signal says it should be at startup, leading to a low-input fault during the initial sync window.
What causes P0342 on a Audi?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0342 page, these are the patterns noted for Audi models:
Audi A4Cam adjuster oil control valve failure on 2.0 TFSI
Audi A4Cam sensor harness chafing against the engine cover
How to diagnose P0342 on a Audi with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0342:
- Read freeze-frame data and note whether the code is triggered at crank, idle, or during warm operation
- Locate the camshaft position sensor and inspect for oil weeping around the sensor body or connector. Oil intrusion is a strong indicator of cam cover gasket failure
- Unplug the sensor and measure resistance across its terminals if it is a magnetic pickup, or check the 5 V reference and ground pins for a Hall-effect sensor
- Measure resistance from the signal wire to chassis ground with the sensor unplugged. A near-zero reading confirms a wiring short to ground
- After replacing the sensor or repairing wiring, clear codes and verify the cam-to-crank correlation in live data
How much does P0342 cost to fix on a Audi? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P0342 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect Audi parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Codes related to P0342
These codes are often seen alongside P0342 or point to related issues, on any make:
Looking for the full P0342 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P0342 guideSkanyx · Audi
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