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Hello everyone,
This is my first time posting, even though I have used the amazing information on here in the past. I have tried searching the forums and have not found the information I need, so I apologize in advance if it is posted elsewhere. I have a 2008 IS250 that recently threw a check engine, traction control and "Check VSC" lights all at the same time while on the freeway (I had been driving for about 20 mins). The diagnostic code I got is P0345 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Bank 2. Although it could be as simple as a weak battery, I would like to check the resistance of the camshaft position sensor since the car has a slightly unsteady idle in drive. Can anyone provide a diagram or picture of where this sensor is located? I cannot find it anywhere. Thank you in advance!
They are on the front of each bank; do not confuse them with the VVT sensors. There is only one on each bank, and the one of the driver's side is near the oil cap area. In fact, remove the engine cover and the oil cap. Inside the valve cover in the engine to the right you can see the end of the black sensor which monitors a odd looking bracket which is attached to the intake camshaft. The connector to this sensor has three pins.
So, I checked the resistance of the camshaft position sensor and it came back within normal range (~1200 ohms cold and ~1400 ohms hot). I checked the voltage of the battery as well, with the car off and on. That was normal too (12V rest and 14V on). I removed the battery terminal to "reset" the car. The first start up was a rough idle at 1,000 rpm in park. The second startup died, and the third start continued to have a rough idle. I checked the camhaft connector and everything looks ok and is in place. The diagnostic code changed from P0345 to P0348. Anyone have any ideas as to what might be going on?
Disconnect battery get some electronics cleaner and spray the sensors and the plugs out. See what happens. Worth a try. Do the Maf sensor while you at it to.
Update: I cleaned the MAF and camshaft position sensor with the electronic cleaner that you suggested and it worked perfectly! No check engine light or rough idle I noticed after I sprayed the camshaft sensor and it dried, it looked like dirt was on it. I cleaned it with q-tips and a paper towel. So glad it was an easy fix. Thank you guys!!
Dirty camshaft position sensor
Camshaft position sensor to the right of the oil cap, with the blue dot above it.
Update: I cleaned the MAF and camshaft position sensor with the electronic cleaner that you suggested and it worked perfectly! No check engine light or rough idle I noticed after I sprayed the camshaft sensor and it dried, it looked like dirt was on it. I cleaned it with q-tips and a paper towel. So glad it was an easy fix. Thank you guys!! Dirty camshaft position sensor Camshaft position sensor to the right of the oil cap, with the blue dot above it.
No problem glad it helped! It's like a lil tune up lol. That's what this forum is here for.
So, the dash lights came back on a day later (check engine, traction, and "check vsc"), so I decided to just buy the sensor to see if that would just fix the issue. I ordered it off Amazon and it came in an open package. I hooked it up and the lights continued to come on even after clearing the codes. I checked the resistance and nothing showed up for pins 1 and 3, which I know most commonly fail. My question is should all the pins have a resistance reading? As far as I know they should, but I just want to verify it with someone to make sure that the sensor is defective/broken.
It is not the sensor. I replaced it twice with an OEM one. The P0345 code is what keeps coming up every time it is cleared. I have read other posts that the timing being one tooth off can cause this code on other cars. Is this possible on a 2008 IS250 chain? If it is possible, it may make sense since the idle sits at 500 rpm when in drive and is a little rough. It doesn't surge, but I can hear the idle fluctuate slightly. Any more suggestions?? These lights are driving me crazy, and if it something I can fix on my own I would be happy to do it.
Have you changed spark plugs? I'm asking this because when I did mine I damaged the plug that goes into the sensor. Happened to other members on here as well. Double check your plugs that go into the camshaft sensor. I had camshaft sensor code as well I bought sensor as well didn't work. I noticed my plug was messed up. Replaced plug which I found on eBay $20 off used harness hasn't come back.
I haven't done any maintenance work on the car recently. I replaced the high pressure a/c line a couple months ago, but didn't get any issues until a couple weeks ago. I will take a good look at the plug just to be sure though. Any other suggestions you can think of?
Hello I'm new to this forum and while replacing my alternator last night the cam positioning sensor on bank 2 the wires came undone from the clip and I was wondering if you could take a picture of the wires. Similar to the picture posted above of the sensor next to the oil cap but with the wires so I could get an idea of which wire goes where. Thank you.
03-30-15, 11:10 AM
Code P0345 Camshaft Sensor
I noticed after I sprayed the camshaft sensor and it dried, it looked like dirt was on it. I cleaned it with q-tips and a paper towel. So glad it was an easy fix. Thank you guys!!
