What Does Code P0345 Mean?
- P0345 definition: Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- Issue Severity: SEVERE – Extended driving with this code can cause internal engine damage.
- Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately.
- Diagnosis: The vehicle may be difficult to start and the driver may also experience a lack of power when driving. It is possible for more damage to occur inside the engine of the vehicle if disregarded for an extended time period. It is extremely important to repair code P0345 as soon as possible.
The camshaft position sensor located in the internal combustion engine monitors the position and rotational speed of the camshaft. It works hand in hand with the reluctor ring that creates a square wave voltage signal that the ECM interprets as the camshaft position. The ECM uses this information to control ignition spark and fuel injector timing. When the trouble code P0345 is set, the ignition spark and fuel injector timing fail due to the engine not knowing when to fire these components.
P0345 Causes
- A defective camshaft position sensor
- Damaged or dirty reluctor ring on the camshaft
- Defective, corroded, shorted camshaft position sensor circuit wiring
- Defective, corroded, shorted camshaft position sensor circuit connector
- A faulty crankshaft position sensor
- Stretched or misaligned timing components
- ECM software update needed
- Faulty ECM
P0345 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- The vehicle will not start – may be difficult to start
- Rough idle/stall
- Vehicle engine misfire
- Loss of power when driving
*In many cases there may be no noticeable issues with your vehicle
How Do I Fix Code P0345?
With a P0345 code, the first step is to get it properly diagnosed to figure out what is causing the malfunction related to the camshaft and engine timing. Using the live data function of the FIXD sensor and app allows you to read and analyze engine data to properly diagnose a P0345 code.
If the sensors are all reading correctly and you’re not comfortable further diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal-certified shop to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0345?
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0345 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0345
When it comes to making repairs associated with the P0345 code, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- Camshaft position sensor $120-$300
- Crankshaft position sensor $190-$250
- ECM $1000-$1200
- Timing chain or belt replacement $200-$1000
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0345
If you’d like to try to fix code P0345 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Complete diagnosis may require some specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide, but for the most part, this diagnosis and repair can be attempted by beginner DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Intermediate
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Multimeter
- Basic Hand Tools
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT
Scan your vehicle to verify P0345 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.
STEP 2: INPSECT WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor wiring in search of corroded, broken, or frayed wiring. Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor connector in search of corroded or broken connectors.
STEP 3: CHECK VOLTAGE
Check your camshaft position sensor’s voltage, ground, and signal readings with a multimeter. If you find that the camshaft position sensor fails to produce a voltage or a signal, remove it and check the reluctor ring for damage, debris, or misalignment. If the reluctor ring appears in good condition, replace the camshaft position sensor.
If the concern persists, perform the same test as you did on the camshaft position sensor to the crankshaft position sensor and its circuits. If it fails the tests, replace it. If the concern still persists, perform a continuity test on the camshaft and crankshaft position sensor circuits between the respective sensors and the ECM. Repair any faults you discover.
STEP 4: CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
If at this point the vehicle is still setting the same code, you may have a more serious problem with your car including a faulty ECM, and you should bring the vehicle to a certified shop to have further diagnostic work performed.
Common P0345 Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing the camshaft position sensor without checking the wiring, connector, or reluctor ring beforehand. There may also be the possibility of neglecting a misfire or timing error.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0345?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the oxygen sensor system and code P0345, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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Lifelong automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for offroading. Wrencher turned writer, but I still love to tinker on just about anything with an engine. Dream car: tie between a ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda and a ’91 GMC Syclone. #GirlDad #SaveTheManuals
