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P0345 on 2012-2018 Audi A6 3.0T: Camshaft Sensor (Bank 2) Causes and Fixes

On a 2012-2018 Audi A6 3.0T, code P0345 almost always means the Bank 2 (driver's side) intake camshaft position sensor has failed. A quality aftermarket replacement costs around $30-$60, and it's a simple DIY fix taking less than 30 minutes. Before replacing, verify the sensor connector isn't swapped with the nearby intake manifold tuning valve connector, a common installation error.

19 minutes to read 2012-2018 Audi A6

Most Likely Cause

Failed Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2)

Difficulty

1/5

Est. Time

1 hrs

DIY Doable?

✅ Yes

Shop Labor

$100 – $395

Parts Price

$25 – $150

⚠️ Drivable, but... — Driving is not recommended. The engine may stall unexpectedly, which is a significant safety risk, especially in traffic or at high speeds. You may also experience extended crank times or a no-start condition, leaving you stranded.

Key Takeaways

P0345 on this Audi almost always points to the driver's side intake camshaft position sensor.
Before buying parts, check that the sensor's electrical connector hasn't been accidentally swapped with the identical connector for the intake manifold tuning valve, especially if recent work was done.
The easiest way to confirm a bad sensor is to swap it with the passenger's side sensor and see if the code changes to P0340.
Use a quality OEM or reputable aftermarket brand like Bosch for the replacement sensor (Part No. 07L905163C) to ensure reliability.
If the code persists after replacing the sensor, or if you hear a rattling noise on startup, seek professional help to check for a more serious timing chain issue as outlined in Audi TSB 2039995/1.

The code P0345 stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2)". The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses this sensor to know the exact position of the intake camshaft on Bank 2 (the driver's side of the engine). This data is essential for timing fuel injection and ignition spark. When the ECM loses the signal from this sensor or the signal is incorrect, it sets the P0345 code and illuminates the Check Engine Light.

What's Unique About the 2012-2018 Audi A6

The 3.0L TFSI V6 engine (EA837) in the C7 generation A6 has four camshaft position sensors in total—one for the intake and one for the exhaust camshaft on each bank. Fortunately, the sensors are often identical, which allows for easy diagnostic swapping. A unique and frustrating issue on this platform is that the electrical connector for the Bank 2 camshaft sensor is identical to the nearby intake manifold tuning valve connector. Mechanics and owners frequently report that these two connectors are accidentally swapped during maintenance (like valve cover gasket replacement or carbon cleaning), leading to a P0345 code that isn't caused by a failed part.

Symptoms You May Notice

Check Engine Light is on
Engine is difficult to start or requires long cranking (e.g., 4-10 seconds)
Engine will not start
Rough or unstable idle
Engine stalling, especially at low speeds or when coming to a stop
Noticeable loss of power and poor acceleration
Reduced fuel economy
Engine may run in a limp mode, preventing RPMs over 4,000

⚠️ Don't Waste Money on the Wrong Fix

A very common mistake on Audi V6 engines is accidentally swapping the identical electrical connectors for the camshaft position sensor and the nearby intake manifold tuning valve after performing other service (like replacing spark plugs or fixing an oil leak). Before buying any parts, double-check that these two connectors are not mixed up. One owner on AudiWorld forums confirmed this simple swap fixed their P0345 and P2075 codes after a mechanic had performed other work.

Most Likely Causes

Failed Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor These Hall-effect sensors operate in a high-heat engine environment and can fail electronically over time due to thermal cycles and vibration. Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket can also seep into the sensor or its connector, causing failure.
How to confirm: Swap the Bank 2 (driver's side) intake camshaft sensor with the Bank 1 (passenger's side) sensor. Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0340 (Bank 1), the sensor is definitively bad. This is the most reliable diagnostic step.
Typical fix: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor. It is held in by a single Torx bolt and is easily accessible on top of the engine. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the camshaft sensor on an A6.
Est. part cost: $25-$60 for a quality OEM-supplier brand (Bosch, Hella), $100-$150 for a Genuine Audi part from a dealer.
Wiring Harness or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The engine bay heat can make wires brittle and connectors fragile over time. Oil leaks from valve covers are common and can contaminate the connector, degrading the wiring insulation. The most common issue is accidentally swapping the cam sensor connector with the identical intake manifold tuning valve connector during reassembly after another repair.
How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring leading to the sensor for any signs of cracking, fraying, or melting. Check the connector for oil contamination, corrosion, or pushed-out pins. Most importantly, confirm the connector is not swapped with the one for the intake manifold tuning valve located nearby on the front of the intake manifold.
Typical fix: Clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner. If wiring is damaged, repair the specific wire or replace the connector pigtail. If connectors are swapped, simply switch them back to their correct components and clear the codes.
Est. part cost: $5 for contact cleaner, $20-$40 for a new connector pigtail.

Rare But Worth Checking

Timing Chain Tensioner or Guide Failure: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While a P0345 code alone is unlikely to be a timing issue, it can be an early symptom if accompanied by other codes like P0018 or a distinct rattling noise from the rear of the engine 🎬 Listen: Here is what the 3.0T timing chain rattle sounds like. on a cold start. The 3.0T is known for issues with the upper timing chain tensioners bleeding down oil pressure, causing a 1-3 second rattle. Audi issued TSB 2039995/1 for this issue, recommending replacement with updated tensioners. 🎬 See how to replace upper chain tensioners with the engine in-car. A persistent rattle or correlation codes point to a much more serious and expensive repair.
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): This is extremely rare. The ECM should only be considered as the cause after all other possibilities, including sensor, wiring, and mechanical timing issues, have been exhaustively ruled out by a professional.

Diagnosis Steps

Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0345 is present. Note any other codes, especially P0018 or P2075.
Locate the Bank 2 (driver's side) intake camshaft position sensor. It is on the top rear of the valve cover.
CRITICAL FIRST CHECK: Locate the intake manifold tuning valve connector on the front of the intake manifold. Verify that its connector has not been swapped with the camshaft sensor connector. They are identical and easily mixed up.
Inspect the sensor's electrical connector and wiring for any visible damage, corrosion, or oil contamination.
If no visual or connector swap issues are found, perform a sensor swap. Label and move the Bank 2 sensor to the Bank 1 (passenger side) position and move the Bank 1 sensor to the Bank 2 position.
Clear the fault codes with the scanner.
Start the engine and let it run for a minute, then rescan for codes.
If code P0340 (Bank 1) appears, the sensor you moved is faulty and needs to be replaced.
If code P0345 (Bank 2) returns, the problem lies in the wiring to the Bank 2 sensor or is a more complex mechanical/ECM issue requiring further diagnosis with a multimeter or oscilloscope.
If you hear a brief (1-3 second) rattle on cold starts, investigate TSB 2039995/1 regarding upper timing chain tensioners.

Parts You'll Likely Need

Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #07L905163C) — This is the most common failure point for a P0345 code. The sensor's internal electronics fail over time. This part number supersedes older versions like 07L905163A and 07L905163B.
Trusted brands: Bosch (e.g., 0232103126), Hella, NTK, Genuine Audi
OEM price range: $100-$150
Aftermarket price range: $25-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

P0340 — If you swap a faulty Bank 2 sensor to Bank 1 for diagnosis, P0345 will disappear and P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Malfunction Bank 1) will appear, confirming the sensor is bad.
P0018 — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2). This code indicates a mechanical timing issue, such as a stretched timing chain, and is much more serious than a simple sensor circuit fault.
P2075 — Intake Manifold Tuning (IMT) Valve Position Sensor/Switch Circuit. This code often appears alongside P0345 when their respective electrical connectors have been accidentally swapped.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

{ "id": "TSB 2039995/1 (or 15-15-26)", "description": "Addresses a 1-3 second rattling noise from the timing chains on cold start due to upper chain tensioners bleeding off oil pressure. Recommends replacement with updated parts. This is relevant as a timing issue can sometimes manifest as a cam sensor code." }

Platform-Specific Known Issues

On the 3.0T engine, camshaft position fault codes can sometimes be an early indicator of more severe issues like rocker arm bearing failure or timing chain tensioner problems. If replacing the sensor does not fix the code, or if you hear any rattling noises, professional diagnosis is strongly recommended. A 1-3 second rattle on cold start is a well-documented symptom of failing upper timing chain tensioners (TSB 2039995/1).

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

Camshaft Position Sensor Connector Voltage (Reference) — expected: Approximately 5.0V DC. Failure: No voltage or significantly less than 5.0V indicates a wiring or ECM power supply issue.
Camshaft Position Sensor Signal (Oscilloscope) — expected: A clean 0-5V square-wave signal while the engine is cranking or running.. Failure: A missing, noisy, or inconsistent waveform points to a faulty sensor or wiring issue.
Wiring Harness Continuity to ECM — expected: Less than 1.5 ohms of resistance on the signal, power, and ground wires between the sensor connector and the ECM connector.. Failure: Resistance higher than 1.5 ohms, or an open circuit (OL), indicates a break or corrosion in the harness.

Wiring & Ground Locations

Engine Block Ground Strap — On the C7 platform, a primary engine ground point is on the right (passenger side in the US) of the engine compartment, near the alternator.. A corroded or loose main engine ground can cause a variety of erratic electrical issues, including intermittent sensor faults that are difficult to trace. While not a direct cause of P0345, it can create phantom electrical problems across the engine.
Sensor Connector Pinout (3-wire) — The 3-pin connector on the camshaft position sensor itself.. For manual testing, Pin 1 is typically the 5V reference, Pin 3 is the ground, and the center pin is the signal wire. Testing for 5V between the outer pins (Key On, Engine Off) is the primary check for circuit integrity before condemning the sensor.

Real Owner Repair Stories

Ross-Tech Forums User (2003 Audi A4 3.0L V6 (different chassis but similar engine design principles)) — Rough idle, multiple codes including P0345 (Cam Sensor Bank 2).
❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the camshaft position sensors with new Bosch units., Swapping sensors between banks., Replacing the crank sensor.
✅ What actually fixed it The user discovered that the power supply for the camshaft position sensors was routed through the fuel pump relay. Replacing the fuel pump relay resolved the P0345 code and other related electrical fault codes.

OEM Part Supersession History

07L905163A, 07L905163B → 07L905163C — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
Heads up: The newer 'C' revision is backward compatible and is the recommended replacement for all previous versions. Using an older 'A' or 'B' revision if found is not recommended.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

2016-2018: The C7.5 facelift models from 2016-2018 use an updated 'CREC' version of the 3.0T engine. While the diagnosis for P0345 is fundamentally the same and the sensor part number (07L905163C) remains consistent, the CREC engine has other internal and software differences. However, for this specific fault, the troubleshooting steps are interchangeable with the earlier CGXB engine.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Start by confirming if P0345 (Bank 2 Camshaft Position Sensor) is the sole code or if it is accompanied by timing-related codes or physical engine noises.

Check the front of the intake manifold. Are the connectors for the Cam Sensor and Tuning Valve swapped?

→ Swap the connectors back to their correct components. These are easily mixed up on the EA837 engine due to identical harness plugs. Clear codes and retest.

Inspect the Bank 2 (Driver's Side) sensor connector at the top rear of the valve cover. Is there oil contamination or harness damage?

→ Clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner if oil-soaked from a leaking valve cover gasket. Repair any brittle/cracked wiring caused by engine bay heat cycles.

Perform a sensor swap: Move the Bank 2 sensor to Bank 1 (Passenger Side) and vice versa. Clear codes and restart. Which code returns?

→ The sensor is defective. Replace with a high-quality OEM-supplier sensor (Bosch/Hella). The sensor is easily accessible via a single Torx bolt.

Does the engine produce a 1-3 second rattle specifically during a cold start?

→ This indicates a mechanical timing issue. Refer to TSB 2039995/1 regarding failing upper timing chain tensioners. The P0345 is likely a symptom of timing deviation, not a sensor failure.

Are there other codes like P0018 (Crank/Cam Correlation) or signs of high oil consumption?

→ The issue is likely mechanical timing stretch or a jumped tooth. Professional diagnosis of the timing chain assembly and phasers is required.

→ Perform a 'drag test' on the harness pins to ensure the female terminals aren't spread wide, or use an oscilloscope to verify the 5V reference and signal square wave from the ECM.