Engine

P1345 — Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor Correlation

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P1345 means

The engine control module compares the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals to confirm the cam timing matches the crank position. When the relationship falls outside the allowed range, P1345 is stored. On GM engines such as the 5.3L and 6.0L it often points to a stretched timing chain or shifted cam timing, though a bad sensor or damaged reluctor ring can also cause it.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Rough idle
  • Chain rattle or knock on cold start
  • Loss of power and sluggish acceleration
  • Long crank or hard starting
  • P0016 may also be stored

Possible causes

  1. Stretched timing chain or worn sprockets and guides
  2. Failed camshaft position sensor
  3. Failed crankshaft position sensor
  4. Damaged or shifted reluctor ring
  5. Damaged wiring or poor connector contact
  6. Incorrect timing after a previous repair

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze-frame data, noting P0016 or other related codes
  2. Inspect sensor wiring and connectors, and check power and ground at both sensors
  3. Scope the crank and cam signals during cranking and idle
  4. Check the cam retard or variance values on a scan tool against spec
  5. Listen for chain noise on a cold start
  6. Remove the sensors and inspect them and the reluctor rings for damage or metal debris
  7. Measure timing chain slack and verify cam timing marks
  8. Check oil level and condition, since dirty oil speeds up chain wear

Common fixes

  • Replace the timing chain, sprockets and guides
  • Replace the faulty cam or crank sensor
  • Replace a damaged reluctor ring
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Set the cam timing correctly and clear the codes

P1345 on different brands

Chevrolet · manuals
Crankshaft Position (CKP) to Camshaft Position (CMP) correlation fault, often linked to timing chain stretch.
Chrysler
CKP/CMP correlation, meaning the crank and cam sensor signals do not agree.

Questions and answers

What does P1345 mean?

The engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft sensor signals do not line up as expected. Causes include a stretched chain, a bad sensor or a damaged reluctor ring.

Can I drive with P1345?

Only a short distance to a shop. If the timing chain is the cause, continued driving risks a skipped chain and expensive engine damage.

Is it always the timing chain?

No. Check the sensors, wiring and reluctor rings first, then evaluate the chain, especially if you hear rattle on a cold start.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.