P 0342 Error Code

[din888]

Hi guys, hope all's well. Need some thoughts/feedback. I have 2 problems which could potentially be linked to each other i.e. i) idling and ii) hesitation during acceleration. The problem still persist despite changing all coils and spark plugs over last weekend. I also have an error code P 0342 Camshaft position sensor "A" circuit bank or single sensor. Appreciate any thoughts on what this means and how best to rectify it. Cheers..

[odix]

Hi -- I may have missed it -- your model and year please. Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Turbo S?

[din888]

Ooops Sorry..still quite new to this great site. My car is the MY04 Cayenne S 4.5 (VIN: WP1ZZZ9PZ4LA45841, Engine no: M48/0081410556). Many thanks!

[odix]

Error P 0342 may drive comments from other members -- I don't have a lot to add. Like you, given the original manifestation of the problem I would also have changed the coils and spark plugs.

There are some very talented and savvy folks (like Loren) on the boards who may have solid advice/troubleshooting. And by the way, welcome to Rennetch, it's an awesome resource.

[Loren]

P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor, Bank 1 – Below Limit

Possible cause of fault

- Short circuit to ground in signal wire

- Camshaft position sensor, bank 1 faulty

- DME control module faulty

[din888]

Many thanks Odix, Loren. Yes, I couldn't agree more on how supportive this site has been for fellow enthusiasts. Quietly I have also enjoyed the site making my research before the final purchase, which took some 24 months to conclude. I live in Kuala Lumpur and was targeting pre-owned cars coming from the UK (there are also those from Japan but specs are lower ...definitely with no PCM and leather dashboard). After looking through 40-50 cars, I finally found what I was looking for - original mileage of 42k miles, had 2 previous UK owners - the first one clocked in 8k miles in 3.5 years and the second the rest of 34k miles in just 1.5 years!, full leather dashboard, bi-xenon, sunroof, NO air suspension, NO Bose (hence I have the inflatable spare tyre which is to me the more desirable option), parktronic, PCM, multi-function steering. It's black on black, which is fine.

I would have loved to keep the 19" factory-originated wheels but the local car delaer had swapped them with the 18" from a Cayenne Turbo they had sold just before I came into the picture (obviously they thought the Turbo deserved better the 19"!). The roof rails (that runs along the car, not across) is something which I had been eyeing for but unfortunately the car I got did not have one.

Anyway, just to seek greater clarification - Loren, how do I check for:

i) short circuit?

ii) Camshaft position sensor?

iii) Where is also Bank 1 (port or starboard?) And

iv) will it be just plug and play when changing the DME?

Being a parellel import from the UK my car isn't "allowed" into the Official Porsche Dealer without paying a hefty "membership fee" (it's USD 8,500 that comes with 1 year's warranty after sorting all identified problems at the official dealer, if any). Hence I have to take a more proactive and humble role in sourcing for info and work things through the local mechanic.

Greatly appreciate your time and interest in this. Much thanks.

cheers,

DIN

[Loren]

Inspect the wires and connector but other checks will require a PIWIS or perhaps Durametric.

[din888]

Thanks Loren. But how do I access the sensor/connector? I googled for the location and found nothing. Pics?

[din888]

I changed both camshaft sensors (labour RM 260 / USD 75) and the car is now back to normal. Many thanks Loren, Odix. Sorry for the long silence - I just did not have the time to babysit the car to the workshop. Rectification work was done a few hours ago and expressing my thanks to both of you as soon as the car is done is the very least I could do. Thanks again! :)

[odix]

Thanks for the update -- glad you're back on the road!

[harmonyroadporsche]

Did your Cayenne sound like a Diesel at Idle? I have a 2005 8 Cyl Cayenne S on my hands that sounds horrible at Idle. It initially had a number of codes in the Motronic module and after clearing them Cylinder Misfires in 3 and 8 as well as P0346 (Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 2) were what remained. I replaced all plugs and the coil packs for 3 and 8 and although the Cylinder misfire codes have disappeared P0346 remains. I'm just wondering if the rough running of my engine is likely to be resolved by replacing the sensor. Please let me know what your experience was.

Thanks!

J

[sclee]

I changed both camshaft sensors (labour RM 260 / USD 75) and the car is now back to normal. Many thanks Loren, Odix. Sorry for the long silence - I just did not have the time to babysit the car to the workshop. Rectification work was done a few hours ago and expressing my thanks to both of you as soon as the car is done is the very least I could do. Thanks again!

Hi, I am also from Malaysia, Where do you service your car and how much did you pay for your camshaft sensors?

Thanks.

rgds

Sclee

[din888]

Sorry for the late reply. No, the car did not sound like a Diesel. Only the RPM fluctuates - it goes up and down (say between 800 to 1300 rpm). There's also a lag and hesitation when the accelerator is stepped on. And the gear cahnging also sluggish. There seems to be blindspots. Hope you car is OK now.

[din888]

Hi, I paid almost RM 700 inclusive of freight from the US. Carerra Motors (at Sunway Damansara / Kota Damansara) did the change for me.