P0345 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)
Modern engines rely on sensors like the camshaft position sensor to optimize performance. But when this sensor fails, code P0345 may appear, indicating an issue.
Read on to learn more about diagnostic fault code P0345, its most common causes, and steps to accurately diagnose and fix the problem.
What Does Code P0345 Mean?
Most modern internal combustion engines feature two distinct engine speed sensors. These sensors include the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor. Feedback from the latter of these two sensors is heavily relied upon by a vehicle’s PCM when calculating proper timing for a host of engine functions.
While some vehicles will default to the use of data from the crankshaft position sensor, whenever a camshaft position sensor circuit failure occurs, others will not.
This means that without feedback from the camshaft position sensor circuit, some engines will cease to operate reliably, while others might experience little in the way of secondary symptoms. This is directly dependent upon the make and model of the vehicle in question.
In the event of diagnostic fault code P0345, a vehicle’s PCM has determined feedback from the corresponding camshaft position sensor to be erratic, irrational, or otherwise out of range.
As a result, the affected vehicle’s PCM has no choice but to default to the use of less accurate crankshaft position sensor circuit data, or to operate upon preset failsafe data written into the vehicle’s operating software. Oftentimes, this is done at the expense of operating efficiency.
See Also: Code P0335, Code P0340, Code P0341, Code P0344
Symptoms of Code P0345
The presence of diagnostic fault code P0345 is often accompanied by one or more secondary symptoms. Those able to recognize these symptoms are often able to quickly diagnose the issue at hand.
The following are several of the most common symptoms associated with diagnostic fault code P0345.
- Starting difficulties
- Stalling at idle
- Erratic idle
- Random misfires under load
- Reduced engine performance
Causes of Code P0345
Diagnostic fault code P0345 can be triggered by a host of underlying issues, some of which tend to be more serious in nature than others. Understanding the portion Causes of this fault code is often the ticket to expedited repair.
The following are several of the most common causes of DTC P0345.
- Camshaft position sensor failure
- Damaged cam position sensor wiring
- Crankshaft position sensor/circuit failure
- Compromised PCM
Is Code P0345 Serious?
Generally speaking, DTC P0345 is deemed to be rather serious in nature. This stems from the fact that feedback from the affected sensor is absolutely vital to sustained engine performance.
Without proper engine timing data, a vehicle’s PCM is unable to ensure continued engine operation under various loads, as other timing-sensitive functions are unable to be metered accordingly.
Simply put, without rational camshaft position sensor feedback, a vehicle is prone to exhibiting a host of driveability-related symptoms. These symptoms can include stalling, starting difficulties, and reduced engine performance. In turn, a motorist can quickly find themselves stuck on the side of the road if the underlying cause of this fault is not identified.
In any event, the root cause of a vehicle’s P0345 fault code should be remedied as soon as possible. Doing so prevents further hardship from arising, much of which can be rather concerning to contend with.
If you do not feel comfortable tackling such repairs yourself, an appointment should be scheduled with a trusted service center at the first available opportunity.
How to Fix Code P0345
The following steps can be followed to assist in diagnosing and repairing the root cause of your vehicle’s P0345 fault code. As always, a model-specific service manual (print or online) should be consulted before attending to any such repairs.
#1 – Check Additional DTCs
Before beginning the diagnostic process, one should check for the presence of additional diagnostic fault codes using an OBD2 scan tool. Any such codes that are present should be thoroughly diagnosed before proceeding.
#2 – Inspect Camshaft Position Sensor
Begin by inspecting your vehicle’s camshaft position sensor for obvious signs of damage. Likewise, check for compromised wiring or damaged connectors within this circuit as well. Any damage discovered during this inspection should be immediately repaired.
#3 – Test Sensor Inputs/Outputs
Next, all sensor inputs/outputs should be tested with the use of a quality digital multimeter, and compared to permissible values specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. A lack of proper input power/ground would be indicative of a power distribution/ PCM issue, any inadequate or out-of-range output would leave the sensor itself in question.
#4 – Test Circuit Continuity
If all circuit inputs/outputs are measured within spec, then continuity between the camshaft position sensor feedback wire and PCM should be verified. A lack of continuity would suggest that the circuit in question is “open”, while the presence of continuity would necessitate further testing of the PCM.
#5 – Test PCM
PCM testing procedures vary by manufacturer, and are often circuit-specific in nature. Therefore, factory-specific service literature should be consulted to provide information regarding these tests.
Additionally, testing of this type should be followed precisely, to prevent condemning an otherwise functional PCM.
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