How serious is this DTC?
When a P2345 is stored, the cause must be diagnosed as soon as possible. Symptoms contributing to the storage of this type of code can range from minimal to catastrophic.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P2345 trouble code may include:
- Engine noise
- Decreased engine performance
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Other related codes
- There may be no distinctive symptoms
What are some common causes of the code?
Causes
of this code may include:
- Faulty knock sensor
- Engine malfunction or incorrect fuel type
- Open or shorted wiring or wiring connectors
- Engine noise caused by component failure
- PCM or programming error
What are the troubleshooting steps for P2345?
Ensure the engine is filled to the appropriate level with the correct oil and is in good working condition. Actual engine noises, such as spark knock, must be eliminated before a P2345 diagnosis can be made.
You will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable source of vehicle information to accurately diagnose a P2345 code.
You can save time and trouble by searching for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that match the stored code, the vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and the symptoms presented. This information can be found in your vehicle information source. If you find the right TSB, it may provide a quick solution to your diagnosis.
After connecting the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieving all stored codes and relevant freeze frame data, note the information (in case the code turns out to be intermittent). After that, clear the codes and test the vehicle until one of two things happens; the code is restored or the PCM enters readiness mode.
The code may be more difficult to diagnose if the PCM enters readiness mode at this point, as the code is intermittent. The condition that caused the P2345 to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made. If the code is restored, proceed with the diagnosis.
You can obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component location diagrams, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts (related to the code and vehicle in question) using your vehicle information source.
Perform a visual inspection of the wiring and associated connectors. Repair or replace wiring that is cut, burned, or damaged. Scheduled maintenance includes replacing spark plug wires and boots. If the vehicle in question is beyond the recommended maintenance interval for a tune-up, suspect faulty spark plug wires/boots as the cause of a stored P2345.
After disconnecting the PCM, use the DVOM to check continuity in the knock sensor circuit. Since the knock sensor is usually screwed into the engine block, be careful not to burn yourself with coolant or oil when removing the sensor. Test continuity through the sensor and back to the PCM connector.
The P2345 code can usually be attributed to a PCM programming error, a faulty knock sensor, or engine knock.