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P0345

Powertrain
Moderate

Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)

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P0345

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The P0345 code indicates a malfunction in the camshaft position sensor circuit on Bank 2. This code only appears on engines with a V-configuration (V6, V8, etc.) where Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder number 1. The ECM has detected that the sensor signal is missing, erratic, or otherwise faulty.

The camshaft position sensor is critical for proper fuel injection timing and, on variable valve timing engines, for controlling the cam phasers. When the Bank 2 CMP sensor circuit fails, the ECM loses its ability to precisely time fuel injection and ignition events on that bank, leading to rough running, misfires, and starting problems.

A common mistake when diagnosing P0345 is immediately replacing the sensor without checking for oil contamination of the connector or wiring damage. Oil leaking from a valve cover gasket is one of the leading causes of this code on many V6 and V8 engines. If you replace the sensor without fixing the oil leak, the code will likely return. Also, if this code appears alongside P0340 (Bank 1), it may indicate a more systemic issue like an ECM fault or a timing chain problem affecting both banks.

Severity

Moderate — Address SoonThis Week

Symptoms

  • Engine is hard to start or cranks for a long time
  • Check Engine light is on
  • Engine stalls at idle or during deceleration
  • Rough idle and uneven engine running
  • Reduced power and poor acceleration
  • Engine misfires, especially on Bank 2 cylinders

Likely Causes

Faulty camshaft position sensor (Bank 2)40%

The Bank 2 CMP sensor has failed due to heat exposure, age, or oil contamination, sending no signal or a garbled signal to the ECM.

Wiring or connector damage25%

Broken, corroded, or shorted wiring in the Bank 2 CMP sensor circuit is preventing proper communication between the sensor and ECM.

Oil leak contaminating sensor15%

An oil leak from a valve cover gasket or other source has reached the sensor connector, causing a short or signal degradation.

Timing chain or belt issue15%

A stretched or jumped timing chain on Bank 2 has altered the camshaft position relative to the crankshaft, causing the sensor to report unexpected readings.

ECM fault5%

The engine control module has an internal fault affecting its ability to process the Bank 2 CMP sensor signal.

Estimated Cost

DIY Repair

$20$100
Difficulty

DIY Friendly

Shop OBD2 scanners

Professional Repair

$120$450

Includes parts + labor

Common Fixes

  1. Replace the Bank 2 camshaft position sensor
  2. Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
  3. Fix oil leaks and clean contaminated connectors
  4. Inspect timing chain for stretch or misalignment

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Videos

Causes and Fixes Ford P0345 Code: Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 2)

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Causes and Fixes P0345 Code: Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 2)

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