P0345 on Nissan: How to Diagnose & Fix
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)
2 Nissan models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical · $1,200-$2,500 repair
P0345 on Nissan by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Circuit boards inside the crank position sensor and cam position sensors were built with improper solder joints; heat stress accelerated by flux residue cracks the joint, so the sensor drops out intermittently as it warms up. The engine stalls without warning while driving, or refuses to restart until it cools. Nissan recalled the affected sensors under NHTSA campaign 03V455000, covering 2003 350Z among a very large group of VQ-powered Nissan and Infiniti vehicles built in the affected sensor window, with owner notification beginning December 22, 2003. Beyond the recall population, crank sensor failure remains one of the most common causes of hot-stall on 2003-2006 VQ35DE cars in general — a recall-repaired car can still fail again years later on an aftermarket sensor.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls without warning while driving, usually once fully warm
- Will not restart until the engine cools down
- Extended crank / hard hot start
- Service engine soon light with a crank or cam sensor code
- Sudden loss of engine power
How to Fix
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — if the car falls in 03V455000 and was never repaired, the dealer replaces the crank position sensor, camshaft position sensors and in some cases the variable timing control sensors free of charge. Outside the recall, replace the failed sensor with a genuine Nissan or Hitachi (the OE supplier) unit; cheap aftermarket sensors are widely reported to fail again quickly. Many owners replace crank and both cam sensors together to avoid repeating the labor.
Sources for this issue (3)
On the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 the plastic secondary timing chain guides/tensioner shoes become brittle and break, and the secondary (cam) chain tensioners lose tension. This produces a loud rattle or whine from the front of the engine, most pronounced for the first few seconds of a cold start. When a guide breaks, the chain runs slack and can contact the tensioner piston (the 'death rattle'), risking valve-timing skip and internal damage if ignored. Owners across multiple Altima forums document this as one of the defining VQ35DE problems, and there is a Nissan TSB covering secondary-chain replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattle from front of engine on cold start lasting a few seconds
- Whining or buzzing noise from timing cover area
- Rattle that returns and worsens over time
- Possible check engine light for camshaft/crankshaft correlation if chain skips
How to Fix
Diagnose with a cold-start listen plus inspection of the front cover for guide debris. The fix is replacing the secondary timing chains, tensioner shoes/guide rails, and tensioners (and typically the primary chain components and oil seals) as a complete kit while the front cover is off. Per the Nissan secondary-chain TSB, key OEM parts are secondary chains 13028-ZK01C (x2) and tensioner-shoe/guide rails 13097-ZK01C (x2) plus o-rings/seals. Use OEM or quality kits; do all guides, tensioners, and chains together. It is 8-14 hours of labor due to front-cover access.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan secondary camshaft timing chain 13028-ZK01C
Quantity two; confirm VIN/current supersession.
- Genuine Nissan secondary-chain tensioner shoe 13097-ZK01C
Quantity two; retailer page does not publish a fitment table, so confirm part number 13097-ZK01C by VIN before purchase.
- Genuine Nissan front crankshaft oil seal 13510-7Y000
Confirm all additional O-rings and seals from the current service procedure by VIN.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
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 on a Nissan?
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 Nissan it is documented across 2 models: 350Z, Altima.
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 on a Nissan?
Published repair estimates on Nissan range from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0345 on a different make?
View P0345 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.