P0345: Camshaft position sensor A circuit fault (bank 2)

Camshaft position sensor A circuit (bank 2)

Severity: Inspect soon

P0345 means the engine computer has no usable signal from the bank 2 camshaft sensor. The engine often keeps running, but cam sensor faults are linked to hard starting and stalling. Get it inspected soon and stop driving if it stalls or will not restart.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The check engine light is flashing. That means misfire bad enough to damage the catalytic converter is happening right now; Ford warns the extra exhaust heat can damage the converter and nearby parts and could cause a fire. Pull over when safe and avoid further driving, or at most drive gently and slowly to the nearest shop (EPA's own advice is to minimise driving and avoid speed and heavy loads).
Stop: The engine stalls, cuts out while driving, or cranks but will not start. A crank or cam sensor signal that drops out can shut the engine off without warning, and Toyota recalled a crank sensor fault that could stall the engine because a stall at higher speeds may increase the risk of a crash. Do not keep driving; have it towed or checked where it sits.

Source: how we rate severity

P0345 in short

P0345 means the engine computer is not getting a usable signal from camshaft sensor A on bank 2, the side without cylinder 1. Check the wiring first, then any bulletins and the sensor. It usually still runs but can cause hard starting or stalling, so get it inspected soon.

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine computer where the camshaft is, so it can tell which cylinder is on its power stroke and time fuel injection and variable valve timing. Most engines combine it with the crankshaft sensor signal. P0345 is the circuit fault for camshaft sensor A on bank 2, the bank that does not contain cylinder 1, so it only appears on V-type and flat engines.

On the ASE reference design, losing one cam signal sets a code and the computer parks valve timing fully retarded; if no cam signal is seen while cranking, it stores a code and shuts off the injectors, so the engine will not start. Real engines differ, but hard starting, stalling and rough running are common complaints with these codes.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Failed camshaft position sensor
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
A sensor that has stopped switching is the most direct explanation. Chrysler and Nissan bulletins for these codes replace or point to the cam sensor on specific models.
What would change this
Rises if supply, ground and wiring test good but the signal is missing on a scope; falls if the signal is clean while the code sets.
How to test the camshaft position sensor
Cause 2: Damaged or corroded cam sensor wiring or connector
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
On a typical design the cam sensor needs a supply, a ground and a signal wire, and a break in any of them kills the signal. Ford told technicians to inspect the cam sensor connector wiring when a new sensor did not cure P0340.
What would change this
Rises with frayed, chafed or corroded wiring, or if the signal drops out when the harness is wiggled.
How to test the camshaft position sensor
Cause 3: Engine computer software (some models)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Chrysler issued an engine computer update for cam sensor circuit codes, including P0340 and P0345, on the 2021 Pacifica. Software is only a cause where a bulletin says so.
What would change this
Rises if a bulletin for your vehicle lists the code and the software is not current; a dealer can check.
Cause 4: Sensor air gap or cam target out of specification (some engines)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Subaru found an irregular sensor plate stamping that put the cam sensor air gap out of specification on some Foresters, causing hard starts, and issued inspection procedures for cam position codes on FA and FB engines.
What would change this
Rises on the listed Subaru models or if a new sensor does not fix it; a shop measures the air gap and inspects the target.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: With the engine off, find the camshaft position sensor for the bank named in the code and inspect its connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, oil, chafing or broken wires.
Use cautionTool: flashlight, service information for the sensor location
Warning:Let the engine cool first; parts near the sensor stay hot enough to burn after shutdown.
- IfDamaged or corroded wiring or connector
  It meansRepair the wiring before replacing the sensor.
  Points to: Damaged or corroded cam sensor wiring or connector
- IfWiring looks good
  It meansCheck for bulletins, then test the signal.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Ask a dealer or check the vehicle's service bulletins for this code; some makers have software updates or specific inspections.
Low riskTool: VIN, dealer or service information
- IfA bulletin lists the code for your vehicle
  It meansFollow the bulletin (software update, air gap check, and so on).
  Points to: Engine computer software (some models)
- IfNo bulletin applies
  It meansTest the sensor signal.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Have a shop check the sensor's supply, ground and signal and view the cam signal against the crank signal on an oscilloscope.
Best left to a shopTool: lab scope, multimeter, service information
Warning:Done with the engine cranking or running near moving parts. Leave it to a shop.
- IfSupply and ground good but no signal
  It meansThe sensor has failed.
  Points to: Failed camshaft position sensor
- IfSignal present but irregular or weak
  It meansA weak or irregular signal points to the air gap or the target on the camshaft; on listed Subaru engines follow the bulletin.
  Points to: Sensor air gap or cam target out of specification (some engines)

Symptoms

Hard starting or long cranking
Rough running, hesitation or misfire
Engine stalls or will not start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Check engine light flashing Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

Step 1: Write down every stored code and the freeze-frame data before clearing anything, so you can tell whether the code comes back.

On your vehicle

Chrysler

2021 · Pacifica
Supported by vehicle data
Chrysler has an engine computer update for P0345 and other cam sensor circuit codes on this model. Ask a dealer whether it has been done before replacing sensors.

18-052-22Status unverified
FCA 18-052-22: engine computer update for cam sensor circuit codes
2021pacifica · issued March 11, 2022 · NHTSA 10212398
Software update for the 2021 Pacifica when P0340, P0345, P0365 or P0390 (camshaft position sensor circuit codes) are set.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Nissan

2003–2005 · Altima
Supported by vehicle data
Nissan has a bulletin for P0345 with or without a hard start when warm on this model. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 04063.
2004 · Maxima
Supported by vehicle data
Nissan has a bulletin for P0345 with or without a hard start when warm on this model. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 04063.
NHTSA owner complaints mentioning P0345: 5. That shows what owners reported, not how often a cause sets the code.
2004 · Quest
Supported by vehicle data
Nissan has a bulletin for P0345 with or without a hard start when warm on this model. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 04063.

04063Status unverified
Nissan 04063: MIL with P0340/P0345 and/or hard starting when warm
2003–2005altima, maxima, quest · issued May 24, 2004 · NHTSA 10007903
Covers the cam sensor codes P0340/P0345 and/or a hard start when the engine is warm on 2003-2005 Altima, 2004 Maxima and 2004 Quest. NHTSA's summary does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Subaru

2011–2013 · Forester · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0345 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2012–2013 · Impreza · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0345 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · BRZ · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0345 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · Legacy · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0345 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · Outback · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0345 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.
2013 · XV CrossTrek · FA, FB
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has inspection and repair procedures for P0345 and related cam position codes on FA and FB engines, including hard starting. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 11-130-13R.

11-130-13RStatus unverified
Subaru 11-130-13R: difficulty starting, rough idle, cam position or misfire codes (FA and FB engines)
2011–2013brz, forester, impreza, legacy, outback, xv-crosstrek · FA, FB · issued January 28, 2014 · NHTSA 10089963
Inspection and repair procedures for intake and exhaust cam position codes (including P0340, P0341, P0345 and P0346) and P0301-P0304 on FA and FB engines: 2013 BRZ, 2011-2013 Forester, 2012-2013 Impreza, 2013 Legacy, Outback and XV Crosstrek.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P0345 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0345?

If the engine starts and runs normally, short careful trips to a shop are usually possible, but a failing camshaft position sensor can stop the engine without warning. If it has stalled, cuts out or will not restart, stop driving it and have it towed.

Which side of the engine is bank 2?

Bank 2 is the side of a V or flat engine that does not contain cylinder 1. The service information or owner's manual shows the cylinder numbering for your engine.

P0340 and P0345 are both set. Are both sensors bad?

Probably not. Two sensors rarely fail together, so look for something they share, such as wiring, battery voltage, or a software update the maker has issued for these codes.

Sources and review

Safety Recall H0H Remedy Notice: Certain 2016-2017 Model Year Tacoma Crankshaft Position Sensor, Frequently Asked Questions — Toyota Motor North America , July 24, 2017
Toyota Recalls Tacoma Pickups for Stalling — Automotive Fleet , June 9, 2017
ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Test: Composite Vehicle Type 4 Reference Booklet — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
Do you drive a 1996 or newer car or light truck? (On-Board Diagnostics, EPA420-F-02-016) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Nissan 04063: MIL with P0340/P0345 and/or hard starting when warm — Nissan North America (via NHTSA) , May 24, 2004
Chrysler 0800108: long crank time and/or MIL from P0340/P0344, 2008 Wrangler — Chrysler LLC (via NHTSA) , February 23, 2008
Ford 982731: MIL with P0340 - inspect wiring at the camshaft position sensor — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA) , April 1, 1998
FCA 18-052-22: PCM update for camshaft position sensor circuit codes, 2021 Pacifica — FCA US LLC (via NHTSA) , March 11, 2022
Subaru 11-100-11R: hard starting from an out-of-spec camshaft position sensor air gap — Subaru of America (via NHTSA) , January 17, 2012
Subaru 11-130-13R: difficulty starting, rough idle, cam position or misfire codes (FA and FB engines) — Subaru of America (via NHTSA) , January 28, 2014
ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics — OpenExamPrep (independent study site, not affiliated with ASE)
NHTSA ODI consumer complaints flat files — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Defects Investigation

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Failed camshaft position sensor

Cause 2: Damaged or corroded cam sensor wiring or connector

Cause 3: Engine computer software (some models)

Cause 4: Sensor air gap or cam target out of specification (some engines)

What to test first

Step 1: With the engine off, find the camshaft position sensor for the bank named in the code and inspect its connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, oil, chafing or broken wires.

Step 2: Ask a dealer or check the vehicle's service bulletins for this code; some makers have software updates or specific inspections.

Step 3: Have a shop check the sensor's supply, ground and signal and view the cam signal against the crank signal on an oscilloscope.

Symptoms

How to fix

On your vehicle

ChryslerYour car

NissanYour car

SubaruYour car

Related codes

P0345 questions

Sources and review

Chrysler

Nissan

Subaru