P0345 on a Ford Explorer

What P0345 usually means on a Explorer

P0345 is the bank-2 camshaft position sensor circuit fault, pointing at the second cylinder bank's sensor, wiring, or cam timing. On the 4.0L SOHC Explorer, the same rear-mounted timing chain wear that causes P0340 can affect the bank-2 signal, so a cold-start rattle often accompanies it. On the 3.5L engines it usually means the bank-2 sensor or its connector. Seeing P0345 without a bank-1 code helps narrow the work to one side.

Most likely causes on this model

1. Bank-2 timing chain/guide wear (4.0L SOHC)

   The 4.0 SOHC's worn guides and tensioners can skew the bank-2 cam signal just as they do bank 1, with the tell-tale rear rattle at start-up.

2. Failed bank-2 cam position sensor

   The individual sensor can fail, and a P0345 with no bank-1 code is a good reason to test and replace just that side's sensor first.

3. Oil-fouled bank-2 connector

   A leaking seal contaminates the bank-2 sensor plug and corrodes the pins, dropping the signal on that bank only.

4. Wiring fault on the bank-2 circuit

   Chafed or broken wiring to the bank-2 sensor interrupts the signal and sets the code without a failed sensor.

What it costs on a Explorer

Because P0345 is bank-specific, a sensor or connector repair on that side is cheap. The expensive path is again the 4.0L SOHC timing chain job, whose rear-of-engine access makes it a major, four-figure repair. Confirm whether the rattle and timing slip are present before committing to chain work.

Fixing it

Determine whether only bank 2 or both banks are flagged, then focus on that side. On a 4.0L SOHC with a start-up rattle, plan for timing chain work; on a 3.5L, start with the sensor and connector.

For the full step-by-step diagnosis order (any vehicle), see the main P0345 guide.

Other codes we cover on the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer problems & recalls by year