P0345
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)
When a vehicle powertrain module registers the fault code P0345, it points directly to an internal system malfunction identified as "Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)". Operating your engine under this condition may degrade long-term fuel maps.
Driver's Summary
Storing code P0345 is your car's way of telling you something is wrong with the camshaft position sensor a circuit malfunction (bank 2). Typical symptoms include hard start, rough idle, lack of power on acceleration. Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. This fault can lead to expensive secondary damage if left unaddressed.
Symptoms
Hard start, rough idle, lack of power on acceleration
Common Causes
- Failed Bank 2 camshaft position sensor
- Damaged wiring or connector
- Stretched timing chain
- Bad PCM
How to Fix
- 1 Replace Bank 2 camshaft sensor
- 2 Repair wiring harness
- 3 Check timing alignment
- 4 Test PCM
Technical Explanation
Code P0345 is confirmed when the ECM's diagnostic algorithm detects a parameter deviation that persists across a defined number of consecutive drive cycles. For injector-specific codes, the ECM monitors the injector control circuit voltage drop during each pulse; a shorted or open injector presents a characteristic resistance signature that differs measurably from a healthy unit. The fault remains stored in memory even after the MIL is cleared; it becomes a confirmed DTC after failing two consecutive drive cycles, and the PCM logs a freeze frame record of the engine's exact operating state at the moment of detection.
Is It Safe to Drive?
This fault carries real mechanical risk. The root causes — including failed bank 2 camshaft position sensor — can trigger a chain reaction of component failures if the vehicle continues to be driven. Have it towed or drive directly to a shop without delay.
Mechanic's Pro Tip
Module replacement should always be the last resort for P0345 after exhaustively verifying all power supply circuits, ground connections, and communication bus wiring. Use a wiring diagram to locate all fuses, relays, and ground points for the affected module, and measure voltage drop on each ground with the circuit loaded. A module "failure" is frequently a corroded ground eyelet or a weak battery causing brownout conditions — fix these first and you'll save hundreds of dollars on an unnecessary module replacement.
Cam sensor: 150 - 300; Timing chain: 1,000+