P0345

Symptoms

• Illuminated check engine light (steady or flashing)
• hard starting or a no-start condition
• rough or unstable idle
• especially on cold start
• engine stalling
• intermittent misfires on Bank 2 cylinders
• hesitation or stumble when opening the throttle at low to mid-range RPM
• diminished engine performance and power loss while driving
• increased fuel consumption. In some cases there may be no noticeable symptoms besides the warning light.

Probable causes

• Most likely: faulty or contaminated camshaft position sensor (oil intrusion on the sensor is a common cause). Also: damaged wiring or connector faults in the CMP circuit (open or short)
• misaligned or damaged timing chain/belt components causing the sensor to misread position
• failed crankshaft position sensor
• PCM input-stage failure or outdated/corrupted PCM software (rare).

Diagnostic steps

1. Scan for codes and record freeze-frame data; note whether crankshaft position or misfire codes accompany P0345.
2. Visually inspect the Bank 2 CMP sensor, its connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, chafing or oil contamination; clean or repair as needed.
3. Test the sensor circuit with a multimeter or scope (power, ground and signal) per the vehicle-specific service data - the fault can lie in the sensor, the wiring, or the PCM, so replacing the sensor alone is not a guaranteed fix.
4. If circuit and sensor test good, verify timing chain/belt alignment, since mechanical timing misalignment can trigger this code.
5. Check for TSBs and PCM software updates for the specific model.
6. Only after eliminating wiring and mechanical causes, consider PCM diagnosis. Note: driving with an active P0345 is not recommended because the engine can stall in traffic.