P1345 Code — What it means the most common causes

Learn what a P1345 code means, the most common causes and fixes

A P1345 is defined as Camshaft Position Correlation. In the old days distributors were driven off of a gear on the camshaft. That camshaft was driven by a chain or gear from the crankshaft and that allowed the distributor to deliver spark at just the right moment in time with the piston position. In this case, the ECM is seeing a problem that makes it believe the camshaft is out of time with the crankshaft. How does it know that, because it’s comparing the location of the camshaft from the camshaft sensor with the location of the crankshaft from the crankshaft sensor. Something is off and it suspects the camshaft.

About the P1345 code

Camshaft position sensor

The second digit tells us this is a manufacturer specific trouble code as opposed to a generic code which would P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction. Carmakers GM, Audi, Mazda, Toyota and VW are most likely to use this P1345 code instead of the P0340 code

 Symptoms of a P1345

• Check engine light
• Rough idle
• Misfires
• Lack of power
• Hard starting or crank no start
• Stalling

Most common causes of a Position Correlation code

Bad camshaft position sensor
Faulty crankshaft position sensor
Corrosion or wiring harness issue at or near the camshaft position sensor
Camshaft position sensor misaligned or improperly installed
Malfunctioning distributor (in older distributor equipped engines)
Stretched timing chain
Problem with the variable valve timing mechanism
Improper installation of the timing chain

How to diagnose and fix a the code

Diagnosing a P1345 code can be difficult for DIYers because the most reliable tool to determine if the CMP sensor is working properly is a scope, which most DIYers don’t have. So diagnosing must be done by eliminating the most likely possibilities first. Start by checking for any service bulletins from the carmaker. If there are none, check:

The CMP sensor connector for corrosion
The CMP wiring harness for signs of chaffing or opens.
The CMP connector for power and ground or reference or ground (depending on the year, make, or model)
The CKP sensor for all of the above.

Replacing the CMP sensor is a most likely first step AFTER also checking the variable valve timing system

Since a P1345 code is related to camshaft timing in relation to the crankshaft, you should always check for other possible VVT issues like the wrong oil viscosity, a bad VVT solenoid or oil pressure sensor. On Hondas this code can be caused by a faulty VVT solenoid. Remember, this code is manufacturer specific and each manufacturer is allowed to come up with their own definitions. See this post on a P1345 in Hondas

If the code returns and the vehicle has been poorly maintained, suspect a stretched timing chain. If it has been well maintained suspect a bad timing chain tensioner

At that point you should get the car checked by a pro because this is a serious problem. Continued driving can absolutely cause damage to the catalytic converter which can cost thousands to replace, and you’ll still have to fix the underlying P1345 code issue.

©, 2024 Rick Muscoplat