P0345: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction, Bank 2 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0345 means
The camshaft position sensor reports the exact rotational position of the camshaft. RepairPal explains that the engine computer (PCM) uses this signal to control the fuel injectors and ignition coils, and sets P0345 when it sees an irregular signal or no signal at all. OBD-Codes.com defines P0345 as a camshaft position sensor A circuit malfunction on bank 2, and points out that because the code says 'circuit', the fault could be anywhere in the circuit: the sensor itself, the wiring, or the PCM. It warns not to simply replace the sensor and assume that will fix it. Bank 2 is the side of a V6 or V8 engine that does not contain cylinder 1. Note: RepairPal's title for P0345 is just 'Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit' and does not mention a bank, while OBD-Codes.com specifies bank 2; the bank 1 version of this code is P0340. Related codes are P0346 (range/performance), P0347 (circuit low), P0348 (circuit high) and P0349 (intermittent).
Severity: can I keep driving?
Stop and fix promptly
Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0345 'Urgent' and lists an engine that may not start among the symptoms, and OBD-Codes.com lists hard starting or no start, rough running or misfiring, and loss of power. If the engine stumbles, loses power or is hard to start, avoid relying on the car, especially in traffic or on the highway, until it's checked, since it could leave you stranded.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting, or the engine may not start
- Rough running or misfiring (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Loss of engine power or decreased performance
- Increased fuel consumption (listed by RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Failed camshaft position sensor
- Damaged wiring or connector in the sensor circuit (broken, shorted or grounded wire, or an open circuit)
- Broken tone ring (the toothed ring the sensor reads; listed by RepairPal)
- Failed crankshaft position sensor (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Engine computer (PCM) failure, which is less likely
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Read and write down all stored codes and freeze frame data. If P0340 (bank 1) or crankshaft position codes such as P0335 are also stored, mention them, since they change where to look.
- Find the bank 2 camshaft position sensor (on the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1; your repair manual shows its exact location) and visually inspect it, its wiring and connector, as OBD-Codes.com recommends. Look for chafed, broken or oil-soaked wires and a loose or corroded connector.
- Check the wiring for continuity and check the sensor's operating voltage against the manufacturer's specification with a multimeter, as OBD-Codes.com suggests.
- OBD-Codes.com also recommends checking the crankshaft position sensor circuit, since it lists a failed crank sensor among the causes.
- Don't replace the sensor on a guess. OBD-Codes.com warns that the problem could be anywhere in the circuit, not just the sensor.
Typical fixes
- Repair damaged, broken or shorted wiring, or replace a bad connector
- Replace the camshaft position sensor (RepairPal's most common repair for this code)
- Repair a damaged tone ring if inspection finds one
- Repair a faulty crankshaft position sensor or its circuit if testing points there
- Diagnose and repair or replace the PCM, only after the sensor and wiring test good
Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.
🛠 When to call a pro
- The engine won't start or stalls
- The wiring and sensor look fine and the code comes back
- Testing needs the manufacturer's wiring diagram and voltage specifications, or an oscilloscope to look at the sensor signal
- A broken tone ring is suspected, which may mean taking engine parts apart
- Bank 1 (P0340) or crankshaft position codes are also stored
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P0345?
It's not a good idea for long. RepairPal rates it 'Urgent' and says the engine may not start, and OBD-Codes.com lists rough running and loss of power. The car might run now and fail to restart later, so get it diagnosed soon.
Is P0345 always a bad camshaft sensor?
No. Replacing the sensor is RepairPal's most common repair, but OBD-Codes.com stresses that the fault could be in the wiring, the connector or the PCM, and also lists a failed crankshaft position sensor. RepairPal adds a broken tone ring. Check the wiring before buying parts.
What's the difference between P0340 and P0345?
Both point to camshaft position sensor A's circuit. P0340 is bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1) and P0345 is bank 2, per OBD-Codes.com. RepairPal's title for P0345 doesn't mention the bank, so check your vehicle's service information to confirm which sensor it means.
Where is bank 2?
On a V6 or V8 engine, bank 2 is the row of cylinders that does not include cylinder 1. Your repair manual shows which side that is on your engine.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.