P0345 on 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L: Cam Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse

On the Traverse's transversely mounted 3.6L V6, the P0345 code is one of the more straightforward sensor codes to deal with. This is because Bank 2 is located at the front of the vehicle, making the intake camshaft position sensor ('A') easily accessible on the valve cover near the radiator. Unlike many timing-related codes on this engine (like P0009 or P0016) which often point to more serious issues like stretched timing chains, P0345 appearing alone is very 🎬 Watch: Overview of P0345 causes and common fixes frequently just a simple case of a failed sensor or a wiring issue.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine is hard to start, or will not start.
• Rough idling or stalling.
• Reduced engine power and acceleration.
• Hesitation during acceleration.
• Poor fuel economy.
• Engine misfires.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Bank 2 Intake Camshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor The sensor is exposed to high heat at the front of the engine bay, which can lead to electronic failure over time due to heat cycles and vibration.
   How to confirm: Swap the Bank 2 intake sensor with the Bank 2 exhaust sensor (they are the same part, OEM #12684186). If the code changes to P0365 (Exhaust Cam Sensor 'B' Circuit Bank 2), the sensor is confirmed bad. Alternatively, test the sensor's output voltage. Back-probe the signal and ground wires with the sensor connected and ignition ON. It should read 5V; waving a metal object past the sensor tip should cause the voltage to drop to 0V. An oscilloscope is the best tool to verify the correct square wave pattern.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 intake camshaft position sensor. This sensor is located on the front valve cover and is held by a single 10mm bolt. 🎬 See this video to locate the sensors on the 3.6L
   Est. part cost: $20-$60
2. Wiring or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness is in a location susceptible to heat degradation, oil contamination from valve cover leaks, and physical damage. Corrosion can also build up in the connector pins.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the sensor's connector and wiring for any signs of damage, corrosion, oil saturation, or loose pins. Use a multimeter to check for 5V reference, ground, and signal continuity at the connector. Wiggling the harness while checking for voltage drops can reveal intermittent breaks.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or replace the pigtail connector. Use electrical contact cleaner on corroded pins.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40
3. Low or Dirty Engine Oil ⚪ Low Probability The GM 3.6L engine family can be prone to timing chain issues if oil change intervals are extended. While less likely to cause a direct circuit fault code like P0345, extremely dirty, low, or incorrect viscosity oil can affect the movement of the camshaft phasers, which can sometimes lead to erratic sensor readings or sludge buildup on the sensor tip.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level and condition. If it is low, black, or sludgy, this could be a contributing factor.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change with the correct viscosity oil (ACDelco dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 Full Synthetic is recommended).
   Est. part cost: $50-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Stretched Timing Chain: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While a major issue on the 3.6L V6, a stretched timing chain typically throws correlation codes like P0016-P0019. It is a very rare cause for a simple circuit code like P0345, but if other timing codes are present (P0340, P0365, P0390), it becomes a possibility, as seen in some owner experiences.
• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): An internal failure of the ECM is extremely rare but can cause a P0345 code. This should only be considered after all other possibilities (sensor, wiring, timing) have been exhaustively ruled out.
• Damaged Camshaft Reluctor Wheel: → Shop Engine Camshaft The reluctor wheel is a toothed ring on the camshaft that the sensor reads. If it is damaged, cracked, or has shifted position, it can cause erratic signals. This is a very rare and difficult-to-diagnose failure.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code with a reliable OBD-II scanner.
2. Check the engine oil level and condition. Top off or change if necessary.
3. Locate the Bank 2 (front, near radiator) intake camshaft position sensor. It is on the valve cover, held by a 10mm bolt.
4. Inspect the sensor's electrical connector and wiring for any visible damage, corrosion, or oil contamination.
5. If the wiring looks good, the easiest test is to swap the intake sensor with the exhaust sensor on the same bank (Bank 2). They are identical parts (ACDelco 12684186).
6. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0365 (Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Bank 2), you have confirmed the original sensor was faulty. Replace it.
7. If the P0345 code returns after the swap, the problem is in the wiring or the ECM. Use a multimeter to test for 5V reference, good ground, and a fluctuating signal voltage at the sensor connector with the engine running. For best results, use an oscilloscope to verify the square wave pattern from the sensor.
8. If wiring tests are inconclusive, consult a professional for advanced diagnostics, as the ECM or a mechanical issue may be the cause.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2, Intake) (OEM #12684186) — This is the most frequent failure point for a P0345 code on this engine, due to heat and electronic wear. This same part number is used for all four camshaft sensors on the LFY V6.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Original Equipment), Standard Motor Products (PC908T), Delphi, Holstein (2CAM0134)
  OEM price range: $30-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0365 — This is the code for the exhaust camshaft position sensor on the same bank (Bank 2). If both appear, it could point to a shared wiring or power supply issue affecting the entire bank.
• P0340 — This is the equivalent code for the intake camshaft sensor on Bank 1 (firewall side). Seeing both P0340 and P0345 could suggest a systemic electrical issue, a problem with the oil control solenoids, or a larger timing problem rather than two simultaneous sensor failures.
• P0346, P0347, P0348, P0349 — These are related codes for the same sensor (Bank 2 Intake) indicating performance issues (P0346), low input (P0347), high input (P0348), or an intermittent signal (P0349), all pointing to a problem in the same circuit.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Experience: Intermittent No-Start: An owner on the ScannerDanner forum working on a 2009 Traverse with similar codes found that wiggling the crankshaft sensor wiring harness would cause the fuel pump to cycle on and off, indicating an intermittent short or open in the harness. This highlights the importance of physically manipulating wiring during diagnosis.
🎬 Watch: Why some 3.6L cam sensor faults are misdiagnosed

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor Signal Voltage (Static Test) — expected: Approximately 5.0V DC. Failure: Voltage is 0V or significantly lower than 5.0V. When a piece of metal is passed in front of the sensor tip, the voltage should drop to 0V and return to 5V when removed. No change indicates a bad sensor.
• Camshaft Position Variance (GDS2 Scan Tool) — expected: 0-3 degrees at steady speed. Failure: Variance consistently exceeding 3-4 degrees can indicate a sticking camshaft actuator magnet (solenoid) or other mechanical timing issue.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Global Diagnostic System 2): Live Data - Camshaft Position Variance — When diagnosing a shudder or surge that may be engine-related, or when a P0345 code is accompanied by performance issues but the sensor and wiring test good. It helps identify a sticking camshaft actuator magnet (solenoid).
• High-End Bidirectional Scan Tool: Camshaft Position Sensor Relearn — Some GM vehicles may require a relearn procedure after the sensor is replaced to ensure the ECM correctly recognizes the new sensor's signal. This is not always required, but if the engine runs poorly after replacement, this function should be performed.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G104 — On the rear of the driver's side (Bank 2) cylinder head.. This is a primary engine ground for Bank 2. A loose or corroded connection here can cause unstable voltage and erratic signals for sensors on this bank, including the camshaft position sensor, leading to a false P0345 code.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector — On the sensor itself, located on the front valve cover near the radiator.. This 3-pin connector provides the sensor with power (5V reference), ground (low reference), and sends the signal back to the ECM. The pins can become corroded, loose, or contaminated with oil, interrupting the circuit.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube - L1 Automotive Training ('Maybe we diagnosed it wrong! GM 3.6 cam sensor faults.') (GM 3.6L V6 (similar LFX/LFY design) with 68,000 miles) — Check Engine Light with a camshaft position sensor performance code (P0366, the exhaust sensor, but the fault was the intake sensor).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Installing a brand new, in-box ACDelco (OEM) camshaft position sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The new ACDelco sensor was faulty and produced an incorrect waveform on an oscilloscope. The fix was installing a used, known-good OEM sensor from eBay, which immediately resolved the code.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While replacing the sensor is the most common fix, it is not a guaranteed solution. A professional diagnostic case documented a brand new ACDelco OEM sensor being faulty out of the box. The problem was only found by comparing the sensor's signal waveform on an oscilloscope to a known-good pattern. This proves that even when the cause is a 'bad sensor,' simply swapping the part without verifying its function can lead to a misdiagnosis, and the problem may persist, leading the technician to suspect wiring or the ECM unnecessarily.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12615371 → 12684186 — Part update/consolidation by GM.
  Heads up: 12684186 is the correct and stable part number for the 2018-2023 Traverse and is backward compatible.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• 9-Speed Transmission Shudder or Harsh Shifting 🟠 Medium — Common issue, particularly in early model years of this generation (2018-2020). Can occur at low mileage. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist, including 20-NA-136 and 18-NA-091, which often recommend a fluid flush with updated fluid or a TCM recalibration.)
• Intermittent 'Shift to Park' Message 🟡 Low — A common annoyance where the vehicle displays a 'Shift to Park' message after being placed in Park, preventing it from shutting off properly. (Ref: TSB 19-NA-206 addresses this by having a dealer install a jumper harness for the shifter.)
• Premature Timing Chain Stretch 🔴 High → Shop Engine Timing Chain — A well-documented issue across the GM 3.6L V6 family (LLT, LFX, LFY). Often linked to extended oil change intervals. Typically presents with codes like P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019, usually after 60,000 miles. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist for diagnostic guidance (e.g., #PIP3423P), but no active recalls for this generation.)
• Start/Stop System Malfunctions 🟠 Medium — Owners report issues with the auto start/stop system failing to restart the engine, or disabling itself with a 'Service Start/Stop System' message. Often related to battery health or sensor inputs.
• BCM Memory Corruption After Low Voltage 🔴 High — Occurs specifically after a battery replacement or jump-start, causing a no-start condition and 'No FOB Detected' message. (Ref: TSB #23-NA-163 documents this issue, which requires a dealer to reprogram the Body Control Module (BCM).)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For the camshaft position sensor, a used OEM part from a reputable recycler or a low-mileage donor vehicle can be a reliable and cost-effective option. In some documented cases, a used OEM sensor has fixed a problem that a faulty new sensor (even an OEM one) could not.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Ensure the part is a genuine OEM ACDelco part by looking for markings.
• Inspect the connector pins for any signs of corrosion, bending, or damage.
• Check the plastic housing for cracks or signs of extreme heat stress.
• Ask for the donor vehicle's mileage if possible.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Engine Control Module (ECM)
• Timing Chains and Phasers

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco (OEM)
• Delphi
• Standard Motor Products (SMP)
• Bosch

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed or 'white-box' brands from online marketplaces should be avoided, as their internal electronics may not meet GM's precise specifications, leading to incorrect signal patterns and persistent codes.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0365 — The code for the Bank 2 Exhaust Camshaft Sensor circuit; often used for diagnostic swapping with the P0345 intake sensor.
• P0008 — A timing chain performance code often associated with the GM 3.6L engine family and premature chain stretch.
• P0011 — A camshaft position timing code that can appear alongside P0345 during mechanical timing failures.
• P0335 — Crankshaft position sensor circuit code; wiring issues in the 3.6L harness can sometimes mimic or accompany camshaft sensor faults.
• P000B — Exhaust Camshaft Position Slow Response; noted in owner reports to appear in conjunction with P0345 during timing chain failures.
• P0016 — Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation code; frequently triggered by the timing chain stretch issues common to the LFY/LFX engine family.

Frequently Asked Questions