What Is the P1345 Code?
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A P1345 code is a manufacturer-specific OBD code that deals with ignition problems as it’s tied to the crankshaft and camshaft position. The code relates to specific vehicle makes like Audi, GM, Lexus, Mazda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Each manufacturer will have their own variation of the exact definition to the P1345 code; this is due to the differences in types of ignition triggers used.
Some vehicles use equal coil and spark plug arrangements for their ignition systems, while some use only one coil for every two plugs. How camshaft timing works is that it’s either advanced or retarded, with the camshaft tying to the crankshaft by either a chain, belt, or even gears in some cases. The camshaft isn’t able to affect the rotational speed but sometimes can change when the camshaft lobes open up certain valves. With that said, all vehicles use a crankshaft position sensor (CKS) to signal to the PCM where the crankshaft lies relative to the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke of the first cylinder. The camshaft sensor (CMS) then sends a signal to the PCM about the position of the camshaft lobes relative to the valves opening on each cylinder. Based on this information, the PCM determines the best fuel injector timing. In effect, the P1345 code sets when the correlation between the CKS and the CMS are more than one to two degrees out of sync.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P1345 Code?
The most common symptom you will encounter with the P1345 code is an immediate check engine light appearing on your vehicle’s dash. You also can expect a rough idle and an engine that can potentially be misfiring at RPMs higher than 1500. This happens because the PCM cannot determine the correct fuel injector timing and is causing the engine to operate in a rough condition. The P1345 code is also met with difficulties in engine starts and can cause your vehicle to stall while driving. The P1345 code is serious, and a qualified service center should address it immediately.
What Are Some Causes of a P1345 Code?
The cause of the P1345 code almost depends on the vehicle’s manufacturer. The code refers to an ignition coil power output fault or a short to ground for Audi vehicles. With Toyotas, the code suggests an issue in the circuit to the variable valve timing sensors on the left bank of the engine or a problem with the PCM itself. In GM vehicles, improperly installed valve timing chains or defective crankshaft or camshaft position sensors can cause the P1345 issue. Nevertheless, you almost always can associate the issue with valve timing problems. The least unlikely cause is usually a faulty PCM.
How Serious Is the P1345 Code?
The P1345 is a severe issue because it often leads to significant physical symptoms in your car, like stalled engines and rough idling. If your engine was to stall on the road, then you could crash your vehicle. The issue also can lead to further damage to your engine’s components. A qualified technician with prior experience working on valve timing and ignition issues should address the problem immediately.
Can I Still Drive with a P1345 Code?
As mentioned, the P1345 code should not be taken lightly. Driving your vehicle for prolonged periods can lead to possibly irreparable damage to your engine and even hazardous driving conditions should your engine stall out. Qualified technicians would not recommend driving except if you’re taking your car immediately to a service station for inspection.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1345 Code?
Diagnosing a P1345 code requires an OBD scanner and usually starts with taking in the stored code information and other available freeze frame data. A technician will then perform a visual inspection of bolts and sensors related to the valve timing and crankshaft and camshaft components. They will look for loose or missing distributor hold-down bolts and loose CMP sensors that could cause variances in the sensor signal. They will then look for loose distributor rotors on the distributor shaft and excessive free play in the timing chain and gear assembly. Of course, these steps will differ depending on the manufacturer of the vehicle that is being diagnosed.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1345 Code?
As mentioned, the P1345 code inspection process can be very meticulous. DIYing this issue at home is not recommended as you could cause further damage to your vehicle. So, when a technician begins to inspect and repair the P1345 problem, they will look to replace the crankshaft position sensor as this is the most common cause. They will then check for the proper installation of the distributor and make the necessary repairs as needed. An electrical connection failure or a failed camshaft sensor often will cause this issue. If that’s the case, then the technician will repair the connection and replace the sensor. In more rare instances, the technician will repair the timing chain tensioner if it’s causing the timing chain to jump a tooth. However, this is most often the case in extremely high-mileage vehicles.
Need Additional Help with Your P1345 Code?
Hopefully, you’ve been able to take away tips and tricks on what to look out for when presented with the P1345 issue. Following our guidelines and taking your vehicle to a qualified service center on time will make a massive difference in the upkeep of your car and your repair costs going further.
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