P0345: The camshaft sensor on the second cylinder bank has a problem
Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)
There is a fault in the bank 2 camshaft position sensor circuit (V6 and V8 engines), and the engine can stall. Get it checked today. If it stalls or misfires, have it towed.
Stop driving and get help if
- The check engine light is flashing
- The temperature gauge runs high, or you see steam (overheating)
- The car loses power, hesitates badly or stalls
- You smell burning or see smoke
- A brake warning light comes on, or the brakes feel different
Pull over as soon as you can, turn the engine off, and call a tow or roadside help.
What it means
V6 and V8 engines have two cylinder banks. Bank 2 is the side that does not contain cylinder 1. Each bank has its own camshaft position sensor feeding the engine computer. P0345 means the sensor on Bank 2 has a circuit fault, meaning the signal is absent, out of range, or intermittent. The engine cannot properly time injection and ignition on that side without it. The fix is usually the sensor or its wiring, but on some engines the reluctor ring on the camshaft can also be the problem.
Common causes
- Faulty camshaft position sensor (Bank 2)Sensor failure is the most common cause after extended heat exposure or mileage.
- Damaged or corroded wiring to Bank 2 sensorThe Bank 2 sensor is often more buried in the engine and harder to inspect visually.
- Loose or corroded connectorVibration and heat work connectors loose. Check before replacing the sensor.
- Timing chain stretch or VVT actuator fault on Bank 2Less common but possible on high-mileage engines; look for P0017 or P0019.
What the fix could involve
From the cheaper fix to the bigger one. Prices depend on your car, your area and the shop, so ask for a written quote that names the part and the labor before you approve it.
- Camshaft position sensor (Bank 2)
- Wiring or connector repair
- VVT actuator (if related)
Symptoms
- Rough idle or misfires on Bank 2 cylinders
- Hard starting
- Stalling
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power under load
What to do next
Confirm which bank is Bank 2 on your specific engine before buying parts; it varies by make. Inspect the connector first. If the sensor tests bad with a multimeter, replace it. If the sensor tests fine, trace the wiring back toward the PCM. Check for related codes like P0017 or P0019 that point to a timing issue.
Lewis reads P0345 alongside any Bank 1 cam sensor codes, so you can see whether one side or both sides are affected. Get Lewis on the App Store or Google Play.
Related codes
FAQ
- Which side is Bank 2?
- Bank 1 is the side containing cylinder 1. Bank 2 is the opposite side. The exact location depends on your engine layout; a service manual or your VIN lookup will confirm.
- Can P0345 cause misfires?
- Yes. Without a proper cam signal, the computer cannot time fuel injection correctly on Bank 2, which leads to misfires on those cylinders.
- Is this covered under warranty?
- Possibly, if the car is under the powertrain warranty. Sensor failures have been subject to technical service bulletins on some models.
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