P0345: How to Diagnose & Fix — Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)
12 vehicles · 5 makes · $40-$4,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0345: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Expedition · 2005–2014
The 5.4L 3-valve (3V) Triton V8 in 2005-2014 Ford Expedition is notorious for cam phaser failures and timing chain stretch, representing one of the most common and expensive repairs on these trucks. The VCT (Variable Camshaft Timing) system uses oil pressure to actuate the cam phasers - when phasers wear out or chains stretch, the engine sets multiple camshaft correlation codes and rattles on startup. The factory oil pump also wears out at similar intervals, compounding the problem. Running low on oil or using the wrong viscosity dramatically accelerates failure. Left unrepaired, a failed phaser can cause a chain to jump timing, resulting in bent valves and catastrophic engine damage. Repair typically requires complete timing system replacement including both cam phasers, both timing chains, guides, and tensioners - a 12-16 hour job.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling/knocking from engine on cold start (top-end rattle)
- Check engine light with codes P0340, P0341, P0344, P0345, P0346, P0349 (cam sensor/phaser codes)
- Codes P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019 (camshaft-crankshaft timing correlation)
- Rough idle, especially when cold
- Engine surging at idle
- Loss of power and poor fuel economy
- Rattle that worsens on acceleration at low RPM
- Multiple misfire codes accompanying timing codes
How to Fix
Complete timing system overhaul: replace both VCT cam phasers, both timing chains, all chain guides, and tensioners as a complete kit. A Ford/Motorcraft 3V cam phaser repair kit (phaser sprockets, timing chains, tensioners and guides) or equivalent is recommended. Also replace the oil pump if over 80,000 miles - worn pump cannot supply adequate oil pressure for VCT system. Use 5W-20 full synthetic oil only. Change oil every 5,000 miles maximum. Labor: 12-16 hours on Expedition due to 4WD and engine mounts.
Sources for this issue (2)
GMC Envoy · 2002–2009
The 4.2L LL8 inline-6 engine in the 2002-2009 GMC Envoy is notorious for crankshaft position sensor failures that cause intermittent stalling and no-start conditions. The sensor is located on the side of the engine block and is exposed to heat soak from the exhaust manifold, accelerating its failure. A failing sensor causes the PCM to lose track of crank position, resulting in the engine cutting out without warning — often at highway speed. The issue tends to be intermittent at first, making diagnosis challenging. Replacement is straightforward and the part is inexpensive.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls without warning at any speed
- Hard start or no-start after hot soak
- Check engine light with code P0335 or P0336
- Engine cranks but won't fire when hot
- Intermittent stall that restarts after cooling down
- Rough idle followed by stall
How to Fix
Replace crankshaft position sensor (ACDelco 213-3521 or Delphi SS11378). Clear codes and test. If stalling continues, inspect camshaft position sensor (ACDelco 213-3522) as secondary cause. Verify PCM software is current — older PCM calibrations make the engine overly sensitive to sensor signal dropout.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Engine Crankshaft Position SensorCross-ref235-1078
Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.
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Sources for this issue (1)
Infiniti FX45 · 2003–2008
Camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are a well-known failure point on many Nissan and Infiniti vehicles of this era, including the FX45. Heat and age can cause intermittent signal loss, resulting in stalling, hard starting, limp operation, or a no-start condition.
Common Symptoms
- Intermittent stalling
- Extended cranking or no-start
- Check engine light
- Engine goes into fail-safe mode
- Sudden loss of power
How to Fix
Diagnosis is done by scanning for cam/crank correlation or sensor circuit faults and monitoring RPM/cam signals during cranking. Repair usually involves replacing the failed camshaft sensor(s) and/or crankshaft sensor with quality OEM-equivalent parts and clearing codes; access is generally straightforward compared with internal engine work. Typical repair cost is about $180 to $500 depending on how many sensors are replaced.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Infiniti VK45DE camshaft/crankshaft position sensorOEMInfiniti 23731-4M50D
replacement at the single diagnosed cam-phase or crank-position location Fitment/availability: Infiniti 23731-4M50D supersedes 4M50B/4M505/4M506 and is cataloged for the 2003-2008 FX45 VK45DE. The service catalog uses the same part at ca…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipIf the vehicle stalls hot and restarts after cooling down, check sensor data before replacing fuel system parts.
Sources for this issue (1)
Infiniti FX45 · 2003–2008
Infiniti QX50 · 2014–2018
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P0345 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0345 mean?
P0345 stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)." P0345 means the engine computer detected a malfunction in the camshaft position sensor circuit on bank 2 (the cylinder bank not containing cylinder number one). The camshaft position sensor tells the computer where the camshaft is in its rotation, which it uses for precise fuel injection and ignition timing and to manage cylinder identification. When the signal is missing, erratic, or out of range, the computer can't reliably track cam position, which may cause hard starting, rough running, stalling, or a no-start. The fault is usually in the sensor, its wiring, or the connector rather than the camshaft itself.
What are the most common causes of P0345?
The most common causes of P0345 are: Failed camshaft position sensor (bank 2), Damaged wiring, connector, or corrosion in the sensor circuit, Metal debris or oil contaminating the sensor tip, Faulty reluctor/tone wheel on the camshaft, Open or short in the sensor signal or power circuit, Loose timing chain/belt or VVT issue affecting cam timing, Poor ground or low reference voltage to the sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0345?
Repair costs for P0345 range from $40 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0345?
Au7o has documented P0345 across 12 vehicle models from 5 manufacturers: Ford, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.