OBD-II Code P0345 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P0345 means the engine computer detected a problem with the camshaft position sensor circuit on Bank 2. The camshaft position sensor tells the ECM which cylinder is at the top of its compression stroke. This helps the ECM time fuel injection correctly, especially on modern sequential fuel injection systems. Common causes are a failed sensor, wiring damage, or a reluctor wheel issue. Symptoms include hard starting, rough running, and sometimes a no-start condition.

Affected Models

All vehicles 1996+
Common in Ford F-150 V8
Common in Nissan Maxima
Common in Infiniti G35/G37
Common in Dodge Challenger V8

Common Causes

Failed camshaft position sensor on Bank 2 no longer generating a signal
Damaged wiring or corroded connector between the Bank 2 CMP sensor and the ECM
Damaged or worn reluctor ring (tone wheel) on the Bank 2 camshaft
Timing chain that has jumped, placing the camshaft signal out of sync with the crankshaft
Oil leak from the valve cover contaminating the sensor connector

How to Fix It

Locate the Bank 2 camshaft position sensor. Bank 2 is the side of the engine without cylinder number 1 — usually the passenger side on a V6 or V8. The sensor is typically mounted on the cylinder head or valve cover, near the camshaft.

On some engines there are multiple camshaft sensors per bank (intake and exhaust). P0345 specifically refers to the Bank 2 sensor circuit — check your vehicle's service information to identify the correct sensor.
Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for oil contamination. Valve cover oil leaks commonly drip directly onto camshaft sensor connectors. Oil in the connector causes corrosion and intermittent signal loss.

If oil contamination is present, clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner and fix the oil leak if possible. Ignoring the leak means the new sensor will have the same problem within months.
Unplug the connector and inspect for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture. Reconnect firmly. Clear the code and drive. Many P0345 cases are resolved by simply cleaning and securing the connector.

If the code returns quickly after cleaning the connector, the sensor itself has likely failed and needs replacement.
Test the sensor output with a multimeter or scan tool. A Hall-effect sensor (most common) should produce a switching signal between 0 and 5 volts while the engine cranks or runs. No switching signal means the sensor has failed.

If you have a scan tool with live RPM data, watch whether the cam sensor signal appears when cranking. Some scan tools display cam and crank sensor status separately — a flatline on Bank 2 cam signal confirms sensor failure.
Replace the sensor if it tests failed or the connector cleaning did not resolve the code. This is typically a one-bolt repair. Clear the code, start the engine, and verify the check engine light does not return.

If P0345 returns immediately after a new sensor, suspect the reluctor wheel on the camshaft or a jumped timing chain. Both require a mechanic with more advanced diagnostic equipment.

When to Call a Professional

P0345 is often a sensor or wiring repair you can do yourself or have done inexpensively. A camshaft position sensor costs $20-$60 and is usually simple to replace. If the timing chain has jumped, that is a major repair costing $900-$2,500. Oil contamination of connectors is very common — inspect and clean before buying parts. If the car won't start at all, have it towed rather than risking damage by repeated cranking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the camshaft position sensor actually do?

It tracks the position of the camshaft as it rotates. The ECM uses this data alongside crankshaft position data to know exactly which cylinder is ready to fire. On sequential injection systems, this allows the computer to inject fuel at the precise right moment for each cylinder. Without the cam signal, the engine may still start (using just the crank signal) but will run less efficiently.

Can P0345 cause a no-start condition?

Yes, on some vehicles it can. Many modern engines rely on the cam signal to start the sequential injection system. If the signal is completely absent, the ECM may not know which cylinder to fire first. The engine may crank endlessly without starting. Other vehicles will limp-start using only the crank sensor — so results vary by manufacturer.

How is P0345 different from P0340?

They are the same type of fault but on different engine banks. P0340 is the camshaft position sensor circuit fault on Bank 1. P0345 is the same fault on Bank 2. Bank 1 contains cylinder number 1; Bank 2 is the opposite side. The repair process is identical — only the physical location of the sensor is different.