P0345: How to Diagnose & Fix — Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)
13 vehicles · 6 makes · $40-$4,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0345: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Expedition · 2004–2014
The 5.4L 3-valve (3V) Triton V8 in 2004-2014 Ford Expedition is notorious for cam phaser failures and timing chain stretch, representing one of the most common and expensive repairs on these trucks. The VCT (Variable Camshaft Timing) system uses oil pressure to actuate the cam phasers - when phasers wear out or chains stretch, the engine sets multiple camshaft correlation codes and rattles on startup. The factory oil pump also wears out at similar intervals, compounding the problem. Running low on oil or using the wrong viscosity dramatically accelerates failure. Left unrepaired, a failed phaser can cause a chain to jump timing, resulting in bent valves and catastrophic engine damage. Repair typically requires complete timing system replacement including both cam phasers, all four timing chains, guides, and tensioners - a 12-16 hour job.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling/knocking from engine on cold start (top-end rattle)
- Check engine light with codes P0340, P0341, P0344, P0345, P0346, P0349 (cam sensor/phaser codes)
- Codes P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019 (camshaft-crankshaft timing correlation)
- Rough idle, especially when cold
- Engine surging at idle
- Loss of power and poor fuel economy
- Rattle that worsens on acceleration at low RPM
- Multiple misfire codes accompanying timing codes
How to Fix
Complete timing system overhaul: replace both VCT cam phasers, timing chains (primary and secondary), all chain guides, and tensioners as a complete kit. Motorcraft timing chain and phaser kit (TKIT-2004A-MGA or dealer equivalent) is recommended. Also replace the oil pump if over 80,000 miles - worn pump cannot supply adequate oil pressure for VCT system. Use 5W-20 full synthetic oil only. Change oil every 5,000 miles maximum. Labor: 12-16 hours on Expedition due to 4WD and engine mounts.
Sources for this issue (1)
GMC Envoy · 2002–2009
The 4.2L LL8 inline-6 engine in the 2002-2009 GMC Envoy is notorious for crankshaft position sensor failures that cause intermittent stalling and no-start conditions. The sensor is located on the side of the engine block and is exposed to heat soak from the exhaust manifold, accelerating its failure. A failing sensor causes the PCM to lose track of crank position, resulting in the engine cutting out without warning — often at highway speed. The issue tends to be intermittent at first, making diagnosis challenging. Replacement is straightforward and the part is inexpensive.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls without warning at any speed
- Hard start or no-start after hot soak
- Check engine light with code P0335 or P0336
- Engine cranks but won't fire when hot
- Intermittent stall that restarts after cooling down
- Rough idle followed by stall
How to Fix
Replace crankshaft position sensor (ACDelco 213-3521 or Delphi SS11378). Clear codes and test. If stalling continues, inspect camshaft position sensor (ACDelco 213-3522) as secondary cause. Verify PCM software is current — older PCM calibrations make the engine overly sensitive to sensor signal dropout.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Engine Crankshaft Position SensorCross-ref235-1078
Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
Hyundai Elantra · 2011–2017
The crankshaft position sensor fails, causing intermittent stalling, hard starting, and no-start conditions. The problem often worsens when the engine is hot and may not trigger check engine codes initially. Sensor harness corrosion is a common contributing factor.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls randomly, especially at stop lights
- Hard starting or extended cranking time
- No-start condition for 5-10 minutes after stall
- Tachometer intermittently stops working
- Engine cuts out when hot
How to Fix
Replace crankshaft position sensor (use OEM part). Inspect and clean sensor connector for corrosion. Check wiring harness for breaks or shorts near engine block. Clear codes and test drive to verify repair.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Walker Products 235-1456 crankshaft position sensorOEMWalker Products 235-1456
aftermarket crankshaft-position sensor after signal/circuit diagnosis confirms replacement Fitment/availability: Walker catalog: 2011-2016 Elantra 1.8L and 2014-2017 Elantra 2.0L. Exclude the 2017 1.4L turbo and confirm engine/VIN/connec…
- Walker Products 235-1456 crankshaft position sensorOEMWalker Products 235-1456
Exclude the 2017 1.4L turbo and confirm engine/VIN/connector.
- Genuine Hyundai/Kia 39180-2B000 crankshaft position sensorOEMHyundai/Kia 39180-2B000
OE sensor path after diagnosis confirms the crank-sensor branch Fitment/availability: Cataloged Hyundai/Kia GDI/MPI applications including the relevant Elantra years; use VIN confirmation because 2011-2017 contains multiple engines and t…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipConsider OEM parts for critical components like sensors and electrical parts - aftermarket can be unreliable
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Honda Passport · 2019–2023
Infiniti M35 · 2006–2010
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P0345 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0345 mean?
P0345 stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)." P0345 means the engine computer detected a malfunction in the camshaft position sensor circuit on bank 2 (the cylinder bank not containing cylinder number one). The camshaft position sensor tells the computer where the camshaft is in its rotation, which it uses for precise fuel injection and ignition timing and to manage cylinder identification. When the signal is missing, erratic, or out of range, the computer can't reliably track cam position, which may cause hard starting, rough running, stalling, or a no-start. The fault is usually in the sensor, its wiring, or the connector rather than the camshaft itself.
What are the most common causes of P0345?
The most common causes of P0345 are: Failed camshaft position sensor (bank 2), Damaged wiring, connector, or corrosion in the sensor circuit, Metal debris or oil contaminating the sensor tip, Faulty reluctor/tone wheel on the camshaft, Open or short in the sensor signal or power circuit, Loose timing chain/belt or VVT issue affecting cam timing, Poor ground or low reference voltage to the sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0345?
Repair costs for P0345 range from $40 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0345?
Au7o has documented P0345 across 13 vehicle models from 6 manufacturers: Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Nissan.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.