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2010 Cadillac CTS 3.6L DI: P0008 to P0342 After Cam Sensor & Solenoid Replacement - Diagnosis Help

Model: 2010 Cadillac CTS Fault Code: P0008 Posted: 2019-10-30 00:15

I recently encountered a diagnostic issue on my 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.6L Direct Injection model. Initially, the vehicle displayed code P0008, indicating a problem with the camshaft position sensor for intake bank 1. I replaced both the camshaft position sensor and the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid actuator as recommended. After the replacement, the P0008 code cleared, but a new code P0342 appeared on the Check Engine Light. The vehicle required multiple long crank attempts to start—this was unusual and concerning. Testing confirmed that the original camshaft position sensor (a hall effect type with three wires: grey for 5V reference, tan for ground, orange for signal) was defective, showing no proper signal output. The ohmmeter reading indicated a failed sensor, which aligns with the symptoms. The VVT solenoid actuator tested fine on resistance check (both new AC Delco and original units), with 9 volts at key-on and approximately 2 volts during engine operation. However, despite this, the P034 or P0342 code persists. Battery voltage is stable—fully charged and producing around 14V when running. The issue reappears every time after clearing the code, suggesting a recurring fault. I'm seeking insight into what could cause a voltage drop in the camshaft position sensor signal or why P0342 appears despite proper sensor replacement. Is it possible that the solenoid is interfering with the sensor reading? Or could there be an issue with wiring, ground connection, or ECU communication? Any experienced advice on diagnosing this specific code in a 2010 CTS 3.6L DI would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P0008P0342
Comments (5)
Anonymous 2019-10-30 07:04

Resistance testing alone is not reliable for VVT solenoids. I've seen units pass resistance tests but fail under actual power application—no movement of the pintle. For digital signals, an ohmmeter will only show average readings. What engine size are you working with? Are you seeing any other codes besides P0342?

Anonymous 2019-10-30 13:20

Thanks for the reply. This is a 3.6L DI engine. I previously had intermittent P0008 issues. I replaced the camshaft position sensor using an ohmmeter test, which showed no signal—confirmed defective. I replaced both the cam actuator and solenoid as a set. After several long cranks, the car eventually starts but now shows P0342 with consistent voltage readings as described in my original post.

Anonymous 2019-10-31 07:07

P0342 refers to the intake bank 1 camshaft position sensor—a hall effect sensor with three wires: grey (5V reference), tan (ground), and orange (signal). The VVT solenoid is a two-wire component that receives 12 volts and operates via pulse-width modulation. An ohmmeter cannot accurately test it when plugged in—only voltage readings are valid during operation. Sensors and actuators have different wiring configurations: sensors are three-wire, while solenoids are two-wire.

Anonymous 2019-10-31 21:23

On the 3.6L DI engine, both the camshaft sensor and VVT solenoid are located in the timing chain area and use two wires each. The voltage readings I reported earlier apply to this setup.

Anonymous 2019-11-01 05:08

Correct—cam position sensor is three-wire (power, ground, signal), a hall effect type; solenoid is two-wire. This has been a common configuration in these engines for years.