Your vehicle’s main computer constantly monitors the performance of different engine parts. When it detects an issue with any of the parts, it triggers a particular trouble code. Trouble codes that have a bad impact on the engine performance are serious. You shouldn’t ignore such error codes. Learn the P0345 code meaning, causes, and how to fix it.
The latest combustion engines are more efficient than conventional engines. These engines use advanced sensors and modules to ensure the optimum operation of the vehicle. A camshaft position sensor is one of the most important engine sensors.
The camshaft position sensor helps the powertrain control module (PCM) to regulate the ignition timing and fuel injection by sending data about the camshaft speed and position. When something goes wrong with the Bank 2 camshaft position sensor, the PCM triggers the P0345 code.
The trouble code P0345 is a serious error code that should be fixed promptly. This article explains the P0345 code meaning, symptoms, causes, and how to reset it.
P0345 Code Definition
P0345 Code – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit (Bank 2).
What does the P0345 code mean?
The P0345 code indicates that your vehicle’s powertrain control module detects an issue with the bank 2 camshaft position sensor circuit.
To ensure appropriate fuel delivery rate and engine timing while the engine is operating, the PCM of a vehicle requires accurate data about camshaft speed and position. For this reason, new vehicle models are equipped with camshaft position (CMP) sensors.
The camshaft sensor is responsible for measuring the camshaft’s exact position and how fast it’s rotating. This information is vital because it is utilized by the PCM to decide when to make sparks for ignition and when to send fuel to the engine.
The PCM triggers the P0345 code when it identifies an issue with the signals coming from the Bank 2 CMP sensor.
Symptoms of P0345 Code
- Illuminated check engine light
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Poor engine performance
- Rough idle
- Increased emissions
- Misfiring
- Engine stall
- The vehicle is hard to start or won’t start at all
- A reduction in engine power
- Sluggish acceleration
- Hesitation or surging while driving
Causes of P0345 Code
The P0345 code is triggered due to one or more of the following causes:
- A faulty camshaft position sensor
- Insufficient oil pressure
- Dirty or faulty camshaft reluctor ring
- Corroded or damaged electrical wires connected to the camshaft sensor
- An issue with the crankshaft position sensor
- Misalignment of the camshaft position sensor with the camshaft
- Damaged timing belt or chain
- Loose electrical connections
- An issue with the PCM
- Damaged camshaft bearings or worn camshaft lobes
How to diagnose the P0345 Code
When your vehicle triggers the P0345 code, it is very important to diagnose the main issue and fix this code as soon as possible. Driving with this trouble code for a long time may lead to severe engine damage. Follow the below-given steps to diagnose this code:
- Before you start figuring out what’s wrong, use an OBD-II scan tool to see if there are any other error codes. If you find other related trouble codes, make sure to look into them first before addressing the P0345 code.
- Take a look at your camshaft position sensor to see if you can spot any clear damage.
- Perform a visual inspection of the connectors and wiring harness connected to the camshaft position sensor for signs of corrosion, fraying, or damage.
- Use a multimeter to measure the voltage of all the sensors and see if the numbers match what your car’s manual says they should be.
- Check the alignment between the camshaft and the camshaft position sensor.
- Use a multimeter to check the power and ground circuits of the camshaft position sensor.
- Check your vehicle’s timing chain or belt for damage or misalignment.
- Check the oil level and its condition. Ensure sufficient oil in the oil reservoir.
- Inspect the PCM for a fault.
- After making necessary repairs, clear the codes and perform a test drive.
Common Diagnostic Mistakes
- Not clearing stored codes after making necessary repairs
- Overlooking wiring and connectors
- Overlooking the oil level
- Directly replacing the camshaft position sensor without inspecting the electrical wiring and timing components
- Replacing the sensor without testing
- Skipping basic checks
- Not following the manufacturer’s diagnostic guidelines
How serious is the P0345 code?
The P0345 code is quite serious and can get you into trouble by causing a no-start situation. You shouldn’t drive for a long distance with this trouble code. Even under the best of circumstances, the performance and fuel economy of your vehicle can deteriorate. It is very important to diagnose the issue promptly and fix it accordingly.
What repairs can fix the P0345 code?
One or more of the following repairs can fix the P0345 trouble code:
- Clear the trouble codes and conduct a test drive
- Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor
- Replace the bad camshaft reluctor ring
- Add more oil if needed
- Flush the dirty oil and add new oil
- Repair or replace the damaged wires or connections
- If the camshaft sensor is not properly aligned with the camshaft, ensure their proper alignment
- Repair or repair the corroded or damaged timing components
- Replace the faulty crankshaft sensor
- Fix the issues related to PCM
How much does it cost to fix trouble code P0345?
The fixing or repairing cost of the P0345 code depends on the relevant issue. The fixing cost of the P0345 code is given below according to the relevant issue:
| Parts | Cost |
| Camshaft position sensor replacement | $110 to $310 |
| Timing chain replacement | $190 to $1000 |
| Crankshaft position sensor replacement | $190 to $270 |
| PCM replacement | $1100 to $1300 |
FAQ Section
Can I drive with the P0345 code?
It is not recommended to drive with the P0345 code. The P0345 code is a serious code. This code may trigger different serious drivability issues, such as poor engine performance, misfiring, rough idle, or engine stalling. Therefore, it is recommended to fix this code as soon as possible.
What causes the camshaft position sensor fault?
Your camshaft position sensor may become faulty due to different reasons, such as engine overheating, damaged wiring, water damage, contaminants, incorrect alignment, physical damage, low oil pressure, or normal wear and tear.
Does a bad camshaft affect speed?
Yes, a bad camshaft is one of the major causes of poor engine performance and poor acceleration. When the camshaft goes bad, it affects the fuel injection rate and ignition timing, which in turn leads to poor engine performance.
What are the symptoms of a bad camshaft?
- Reduced engine power
- Poor acceleration
- Stalling
- Rough idle
- Misfiring
- Poor engine performance
- Poor fuel economy
- Failed emission tests
- Check engine light illumination
How to fix the P0345 code?
- Replace the faulty crankshaft sensor
- Replace the bad camshaft reluctor ring
- Clear the trouble codes and conduct a test drive
- Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor
- Flush the dirty oil and add new oil
- If the camshaft sensor is not properly aligned with the camshaft, ensure their proper alignment
- Repair or replace the damaged wires or connections
- Repair or repair the corroded or damaged timing components
- Fix the issues related to PCM
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