P0345 Code: Chevrolet Silverado (2019-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database

Data note: The provided NHTSA data for Chevrolet Silverado (2019-2024) shows no owner complaints for P0345 and no recalls. The guide below uses general automotive knowledge for diagnostic reasoning and 2025 price ranges. Data limitations mean this should not be interpreted as a guaranteed or vehicle-specific warranty of outcomes.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What Code P0345 means:

  • P0345 is “Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 2” (sometimes written as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 2 – CMP sensor A, bank 2). It indicates a fault in the circuit that reads the camshaft position sensor signal for the second bank of the engine, or an issue with the sensor itself signaling to the PCM (engine control module).

• Bank terminology:

  • Bank 1 and Bank 2 refer to the two sides of a V-type engine. Bank 2 is the opposite side relative to Bank 1. The sensor in question is the A-side camshaft position sensor for that bank.

• Severity and drivability:

  • High severity. Loss of a valid camshaft position signal can prevent the PCM from properly timing fuel injection and ignition, leading to poor idle, misfires, hard starts, stalling, reduced power, or a no-start condition. The vehicle may enter a limp mode to protect itself. A persistent P0345 should be diagnosed promptly to avoid potential catalyst damage or mis-tiring-related engine damage.

COMMON CAUSES ON CHEVROLET SILVERADO

• Faulty camshaft position sensor Bank 2 A (CMP sensor itself is bad or intermittent)
• Damaged, corroded, or unplugged wiring harness and/or connector to the CMP sensor (including 5V reference, signal wire, or ground)
• Poor or loose sensor ground or PCM power/ground issues
• Wiring chafing, heat damage, or oil intrusion in the sensor harness
• Timing-related issues on bank 2 (timing chain/timing components or cam phaser if applicable) causing a signal misread or loss
• Vacuum leaks or other substantial engine running issues that affect sensor readings indirectly
• Faulty PCM or corrupted calibration (rare; typically a last-resort cause after wiring/sensor checks)

SYMPTOMS

• Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
• Rough idle or engine runs poorly at idle
• Misfire symptoms on cylinders associated with bank 2 or general misfire
• Hard starting or no-start in some cases
• Noticeable loss of power or reduced acceleration
• Degraded fuel economy
• Intermittent stalling or stumbling, especially under load
• Possible code co-persistence with related cam/crank position codes (see “Related Codes”)

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Important: Treat P0345 as a signal that the PCM isn’t seeing a valid cam sensor waveform on bank 2. Use a methodical approach to confirm sensor health and wiring before replacing components.

Step 1 — Confirm the code and data

• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0345 and note freeze-frame data.
• Check for additional codes (P0340, P0341, P0335, etc.) that may help pinpoint whether it’s a cam timing or sensor/wiring issue.
• If the vehicle has a misfire or drivability issue, note which bank(s) are affected if possible.

Step 2 — Visual inspection

• Inspect the CMP sensor Bank 2 A and its connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damaged seals.
• Inspect the wiring harness routed to the sensor for cuts, heat damage, oil exposure, or chafing against moving parts.
• Check for oil leaks around the sensor area; oil contamination can affect sensor function.
• Check for secure sensor mounting; a loose sensor can cause intermittent readings.

Step 3 — Verify sensor power, ground, and reference signal

• With the engine off, backprobe the CMP sensor connector to verify:
  • 5V reference from the PCM to the sensor (power supply)
  • Sensor ground
  • Signal return (the sensor’s output)
• Use a digital multimeter (DMM) to verify proper voltage on the reference and ground at the harness, and continuity to the PCM ground.

Step 4 — Inspect the sensor signal

• If you have access to an oscilloscope or a capable waveform tool, monitor the CMP sensor output while cranking and during running.
• Expect a clean periodic waveform (usually a square or pulse wave, depending on sensor type). A missing or erratic signal (no waveform, erratic waveform, or wrong frequency) points to a faulty sensor or wiring.
• If the signal is clean at the sensor but the PCM isn’t receiving it, focus on wiring, connectors, and PCM input circuits.

Step 5 — Check for timing-related issues (if sensor and wiring look good)

• If wiring and sensor tests pass, but the engine timing may be out of sync (no-start or severe running issue), inspect the timing chain/belt, cam gear, and phaser (if equipped). A serious timing issue can sometimes set cam sensor-related codes or cause the PCM to lose sync with the camshaft.

Step 6 — Test or replace the CMP sensor Bank 2 A

• If visual inspection and power/ground checks are good but the sensor’s signal is absent or out of range, replace the CMP sensor Bank 2 A.
• When replacing, use OEM-recommended torque and follow service manual guidelines for proper installation and alignment.

Step 7 — Recheck and road test

• After any replacement or wiring repair, clear codes, reset learned fuel trims if applicable, and perform a road test to verify the code does not return.
• Confirm no new codes appear and that engine performance returns to normal.

Step 8 — Escalation

• If P0345 persists after sensor replacement and wiring repair, consider PCM issues or a more complex timing-related failure. A professional diagnosis with factory scan tools and possible dealer-level diagnostics may be required.

RELATED CODES

• P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1)
• P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
• P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input (Bank 1)
• P0343 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High Input (Bank 1)
• P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor Intermittent
• P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit
• P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
• P0016-P0017 (Timing/Cam/Crank relation codes) may appear if timing is actually off
  Note: These are commonly related to cam/crank position sensing. Confirm which bank/circuit the Silverado uses for the CMP on your engine variant.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Notes:

• Prices vary by model year, engine variant, labor rates, location, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
• The ranges below are typical for the United States as of 2025 and are for parts + labor in a shop. DIY parts costs are separate, and tax/towing (if needed) is not included.

A. Replace Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 2 A

• Parts: $25–$120
• Labor: $60–$150
• Total: $85–$270
• Notes: Most Silverado engines use a single CMP sensor per bank; Bank 2 A sensor replacement is straightforward and usually quick. Expect a camshaft position sensor that matches the engine variant (verify connector Type and mounting).

B. Inspect/Repair Wiring Harness and Connector to CMP Sensor

• Parts: $5–$60 (if only harness repair, connectors and weather-proofing)
• Labor: $60–$120
• Total: $65–$180
• Notes: If chafed wires, corrosion, or a damaged connector is found, harness repair or replacement is a common and cost-effective fix.

C. PCM/ECU Considerations

• Parts: $0–$40 (if reflashing or software updates only) or higher if PCM replacement is required
• Labor: 0.5–2 hours
• Total: $50–$900+ (depending on store/software costs)
• Notes: PCM replacement is uncommon for P0345 unless a persistent signaling problem cannot be resolved by sensor/wiring fixes.

D. Timing Chain/Phaser/Related Timing Components (if timing issues are suspected)

• Parts: $150–$800 (timing chain, guides, tensioners, sprockets)
• Labor: $500–$1,400
• Total: $650–$2,200
• Notes: If timing components are suspected due to persistent mis-timing symptoms or if bank 2 timing is compromised, this becomes a major repair. This is less common for P0345 alone and more likely if the engine has known timing concerns or after suspected timing event.

E. Miscellaneous Diagnostician/Diagnostic Fee

• Parts: N/A
• Labor: $60–$150 (diagnostic)
• Total: $60–$150
• Notes: Some shops charge a diagnostic fee to confirm P0345 and related codes before repair.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly scenarios:

  • You are comfortable with basic automotive electrical work.
  • The CMP sensor is accessible and simple to reach without removing major components.
  • You can perform a thorough visual inspection of the sensor and its harness, test continuity, and replace the sensor with a compatible unit.
  • You have access to a 5V reference and ground testing method and are comfortable using a DMM and, ideally, an oscilloscope to inspect the sensor waveform.

• Professional scenarios:

  • You lack the proper tools (oscilloscope, specialty scan tools) or service manual guidance.
  • The CMP signal is intermittent or tests inconclusive, and wiring repair is extensive (coiled harnesses, hard-to-reach connectors).
  • There is suspicion of timing chain/timing components or a PCM issue.
  • You prefer guaranteed diagnosis and a warranty on the work.

• Practical approach:

  • Start with a sensor/wiring inspection and sensor replacement if indicated by simple diagnostic tests.
  • If the issue persists after replacing the CMP sensor Bank 2 A and repairing wiring, escalate to a professional for further timing checks or PCM assessment.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance adherence:
  • Follow Chevrolet’s recommended oil change intervals and use high-quality engine oil. Poor lubrication can contribute to sensor wear or timing-related issues over time.
• Wiring harness health:
  • Periodic inspection of wiring to cam sensors for heat exposure, oil leaks, or chafing, especially in regions near valve covers or near moving engine components.
• Keep electrical connections clean:
  • Ensure CMP sensor connectors are clean and dry; apply dielectric grease where appropriate to prevent corrosion.
• Use quality parts:
  • When replacing CMP sensors or related components, use OEM or reputable aftermarket parts that match the vehicle’s electrical specifications (5V reference, ground, signal type).
• Address drivability issues early:
  • If you notice misfires, rough idle, stalling, or poor starting, diagnose early to prevent potential downstream damage (e.g., catalytic converter strain from misfiring).
• Professional timing checks:
  • If your Silverado shows signs of potential timing issues (mis-timing symptoms, noisy engine, or consistent P0345 with other timing-related codes), have timing components checked by a professional rather than driving with uncertain timing.

Data limitations and notes

• The data provided indicates no recalls and no formal owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this specific combination (P0345 with 2019–2024 Silverado). This guide emphasizes general diagnostic and repair practices for P0345 based on typical automotive knowledge and common industry practice, not on a specific recall or complaint history.
• Real-world outcomes can vary by engine variant (e.g., 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, or other configurations within 2019–2024 Silverado line) and by whether the engine uses different CMP sensor types or bank configurations.
• Always consult your vehicle’s service manual for exact sensor location, wiring diagrams, torque specs, and procedure recommendations for your specific engine and trim.