P0345

What it means

P0345 means the engine control unit has detected a fault in the circuit of camshaft position sensor A on bank 2, the side of a V or flat engine that does not contain cylinder 1. The control unit saw a missing, erratic or out-of-range signal, or a signal that did not agree with the crankshaft position signal. Camshaft position is needed for sequential fuel injection and ignition timing, so the engine may run poorly or not start.

Symptoms

• Engine cranks but is hard to start or will not start
• Engine misfires or runs roughly
• Reduced power or hesitation under load
• Engine stalls unexpectedly or at idle
• Malfunction indicator lamp on
• Poor fuel economy

Possible causes

• Faulty camshaft position sensor A on bank 2likely
• Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring to the sensor, including open circuit, short to earth or short to supplylikely
• Loose, corroded or contaminated sensor connectorlikely
• Damaged or contaminated reluctor or trigger wheel on the camshaft, or a loose sensor mountingpossible
• Camshaft timing out of position due to a stretched or jumped timing chain or beltpossible
• Low or noisy supply voltage or poor earth affecting the sensor signalpossible
• Fault within the engine control unitrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including engine speed, load and coolant temperature, then check for related crankshaft sensor or timing codes
2. Identify the bank 2 camshaft sensor A location for this engine, as layout varies by model, and visually inspect the sensor, its mounting and for oil leaks
3. Inspect the wiring and connector for chafing, heat damage, water ingress, bent pins and corrosion, and carry out a wiggle test while watching live data
4. Check the sensor supply, earth and signal wires against the manufacturer's wiring diagram for continuity, shorts and correct voltage
5. Compare camshaft and crankshaft signals on a scope or live data during cranking to check the signal pattern and correlation
6. Check the reluctor or trigger wheel for damage, debris or looseness, where it can be accessed
7. Check the camshaft timing against the marks or with the manufacturer's procedure to rule out a stretched chain or belt slip
8. Test battery condition and charging voltage to rule out low voltage as a cause

How to fix

• Replace the bank 2 camshaft position sensor A if it fails testing, and make sure it is fitted correctly with a clean mounting face
• Repair or replace damaged wiring and renew faulty connector terminals
• Clean, dry and securely refit the connector, and fix any oil or water leak that is contaminating it
• Replace a damaged trigger wheel or camshaft component as required
• Correct the valve timing and replace worn chain, belt or tensioner parts if timing is out
• Repair battery, charging or earth faults, then clear the code and road test to confirm it does not return

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0344GenericCamshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 or Single Sensor
• P0346GenericCamshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2