P0345 on Ford
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)
P0345 on Ford vehicles indicates camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction (bank 2). Au7o has documented this code across 2 Ford models — most commonly on F-150, Ranger. 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. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0345
- •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
P0345 on Ford by Model
Ford F-150(1 issue)
- 5.4L Triton 3-Valve Cam Phaser / Timing Chain "Death Rattle"2004-2010
The 2004-2010 5.4L 3-valve Triton uses variable cam timing (VCT) phasers fed by clean, high-pressure engine oil. With infrequent oil changes or normal high-mileage wear, the phasers' internal vanes and locking pins wear out, the plastic timing-chain guides crack, and the hydraulic chain tensioners bleed down. The result is the notorious 'death rattle' — a loud rattle/knock on cold start and a metallic ticking at hot idle. Owners report symptoms as early as 50,000-100,000 miles. If ignored, a worn phaser or skipped chain can cause valve timing to drift (rough running, P0011/P0021/P0016 cam-correlation codes), loss of power, and in worst cases chain jump and valve-to-piston contact destroying the engine. This is one of the single most-searched, most-complained-about Ford truck engine problems of the era and a major shop money-maker.
Ford Ranger(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Guide and Cassette Failure on 4.0L SOHC V62001-2011
The 4.0L SOHC V6 is widely known for timing chain guide and cassette wear, especially the rear cassette that is difficult to access. Owners report startup rattle, chain noise at idle, and eventually severe timing errors or engine damage if the plastic guides break apart. Because one chain assembly is at the rear of the engine, repair labor is high and many trucks end up needing engine removal or replacement.
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View P0345 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0345 mean on Ford?▼
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. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0345 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0345 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P0345 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0345 on 2 Ford models: F-150, Ranger.