Error Code P0345: What It Means & What To Do?

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If you are experiencing unusual response of the throttle, lack of power forms the car engine, impact on the fuel economy and frequent illumination of the Check Engine Light, it might be an indication of the OBD Code P0345 error.

The ECM (Engine Control Module) illuminates the CEL (Check Engine Light) with P0345 and related codes when it detects a malfunction within the camshaft position sensor and circuit.

To ensure proper engine timing and correct fuel delivery for driving conditions, your car’s computer needs information about camshaft position and speed. This is delivered by using a stationary electromagnet (camshaft position sensor) in conjunction with teeth on the shaft. As the teeth move in front of the sensor, the signal is blocked, creating a pattern. This pattern is sent to the car’s computer and used to help determine engine timing and fuel delivery. If it is incorrect, then the car’s computer will set the P0345 code.

What causes this problem with the Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)?

• Contaminated sensor by engine oil or transmission fluid
• Broken teeth
• Wiring and connector damages
• Corroded or loose connections to the circuit
• Failed camshaft position sensor A (usually due to fluid contamination)
• Failed crankshaft position sensor
• Failed PCM/ECM

1. Camshaft Sensor - It is important to get correct information form the sensor for the PCM to make correct decisions. Replace faulty sensor now!
2. Powertrain Control Module - Although rare, the PCM can also fail causing wrong and even multiple error codes getting stored in the system. Thus, replace faulty components.
3. Diagnostic Tool - Make use of quality OBD diagnostic tools to resolve these errors. Explore now!
4. Starter Motor - If you are facing problem of engine stalling and not starting, consider checking for starter motor problems. Buy new motors now!
5. Car Battery & Cables - If the car battery has discharged and not charging and there’s a problem with the cables, replace them immediately. Buy new parts now!
6. Ignition Spark Plug - Is the ignition spark plugs failing leading to jerks and misfires? If yes, then replace them now!
7. Timing Belt and Pulleys - PCM needs to get the timing correct for the car to perform properly. Thus, replace faulty timing belts and parts today!

This P0345 error may cause lack of response from the car engine with reduces acceleration and increased fuel consumption as the first signs of problem. There is typically an illuminated Check Engine light as well. At Parts Avatar Canada get genuine replacement parts for your vehicle available for all makes and model. This error may also indicate problems that will likely affect:

Common Symptoms

• Disoriented engine timing resulting in drop in engine power and acceleration
• Poor transmission control while driving
• Reduction in fuel economy due to faulty fuel delivery system
• Engine stalling and not starting due to mismatch between fuel system and engine control system
• Bad electrical wiring and sensors causing altered power bands

Some of the common fixes for the problems in the OBD Code P0345 for all makes and models are as follows;

• Make sure there is enough clean oil in the engine
• Make sure the engine oil has the proper oil specifications
• Examine any problem in relation to fuel injection system and/or the fuel pump and ignition coils
• Start engine and check for cooling system leaks and proper engine operation
• Replace camshaft and crankshaft sensor, if found faulty
• Check for faulty wiring to the camshaft and/or crankshaft sensors and replace if required
• Replace ECM/PCM (Powertrain Control Module), if found problematic over the course of examination
• Old stuck valves are needed be replaced as it directly hampers the engine and fuel control units

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P0345 has to be diagnosed with an advanced scan tool capable of factory sensor readings by a qualified technician who can read the data from the scan tool to determine when the problem occurred, or if it is still occurring. Also, it is very important to find the right problem to be treated properly.

Further diagnosis is required based upon the conditions of the test, possibly clearing the code, and road testing the car while monitoring the data. Diagnosis may require the following steps such as:

• Use of an OBD-II scanner in order to verify that the code is present, and check for other codes for any other type of error or problem that might need attention.
• The current data along with freeze frame data are recorded, and the codes are then cleared to see if they reoccur.
• The vehicle is inspected for any problems with the wiring and connectors to check for loose connections, corrosion, or shorts.
• The tests related to the crankshaft and camshaft components may help pinpoint the problem, as well as inspection of the timing chain or timing belt further helping the cause.
• The P0345 error is triggered if there is a physical problem with the timing belt which could cause the engine timing to go off.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0345 

Though the sensor itself is generally the cause of P0345, using the proper tools and following the complete diagnostic procedure without skipping any steps is required as to avoid unneeded repairs. Monitoring the sensor data from the scan tool live data stream is the only way to check for proper operation, and the sensor should not be replaced until it is tested. P0345 has easily managed symptoms but like any other code, it should be repaired at the earliest convenience. In rare cases where the vehicle runs poorly and the fuel economy goes down, caution is advised when driving to avoid any issues.