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2006 Ford Expedition P0345 and P0349 Codes: Diagnosis and Fix for 5.4L V8 Engine

Model: 2006 Ford Expedition Fault Code: P0345 Posted: 2015-12-28 09:17

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum but have been working on cars for years — this issue is driving me crazy. I own a 2006 Ford Expedition Limited with a 5.4L V8 engine and am currently experiencing persistent P0345 and P0349 diagnostic trouble codes that won't clear. I've already replaced both cam phaser units (bank 1 and bank 2), used the proper special wedge tool to realign the timing chain, and marked the chain relative to the original timing mark on each phaser. During the bank two reassembly, the camshaft did rotate slightly — but with careful patience, I managed to get everything back into alignment and properly torqued. Bank one went smoothly. After starting the engine, the check engine light immediately comes on, triggering both P0345 and P0349 codes. I've since replaced both crankshaft position sensors (CPS), cam phaser solenoids, and an alternator (which failed just days ago — likely unrelated). My suspicion is that during reassembly, I may have damaged a wiring harness or connector, especially given the intermittent behavior: once I clear the codes, the check engine light stays off for extended driving periods. However, every time I shut down the engine and restart it, the code returns and remains lit until cleared again. The truck runs smoothly — no stalling, no misfires, no choppy idle — but fuel efficiency has noticeably decreased over time. The vehicle is at approximately 167,000 miles and maintained regularly. I'm testing voltage at the CPS connectors: I’m reading only 0.30 volts DC on both grey-with-red and orange wires (should be around 5VDC for proper signal). When I tested continuity in the wiring harness, some sections showed near-zero resistance (max 2 ohms) but no voltage when connected to the PCM under engine operation. I’ve run a new wire in parallel with the original harness from the PCM connector to the CPS plug — this was done because earlier tests revealed sporadic tones instead of steady beeps. Despite this, the P0345/P0349 codes persist after starting. Could it be a faulty PCM? Is there any chance these codes appear specifically when I start the engine after working on the cam phasers? Any insights or testing steps would be greatly appreciated — especially for someone with limited experience in advanced diagnostics but who's committed to fixing this DIY-style.

Related fault codes
P0345P0349
Comments (8)
Anonymous 2015-12-28 09:41

This is a 5.4L engine? P0345 and P0349 relate to circuit issues on Bank 2 — are you certain which side is Bank 2? Check the electrical connector; they're replaceable and often fail due to loose connections or corrosion.

Anonymous 2015-12-28 10:16

Yes, it's a 5.4L engine. Bank 2 is the driver’s side — I'm not new to car maintenance, but this has been incredibly frustrating. I've just pulled off the CPS connector and am testing voltage: getting only 0.30 volts DC on both grey-with-red and orange wires — that's far below the required 5VDC.

Anonymous 2015-12-28 10:42

I found sections of wiring in the harness with near-zero resistance (max 2 ohms at connector), but when fully connected and engine running, I only get a maximum of 0.030 volts DC on either wire — indicating a possible open or high-resistance fault.

Anonymous 2015-12-28 13:09

Correction: I was mistaken earlier — for a two-wire setup like this, the expected voltage is not 5VDC; that's correct for three-wire systems. I've now installed a new wire in parallel with the original harness from PCM connector to CPS plug because my meter showed intermittent tones instead of steady beeps. The engine still starts and runs fine, but P0345/P0349 remain active after startup — could this point to a failing PCM? Is it possible these codes trigger specifically when starting after cam phaser work?

Anonymous 2016-02-27 21:14

Hi Malibu, I’ve been experiencing the exact same issue with my neighbor’s 2006 Expedition. After replacing the Bank 2 CPS and clearing the codes, the first start is flawless — no issues for long drives. But every time we turn off the engine and restart it, the P0345 and P0349 codes return immediately. No stalling or misfires — just a persistent code that reappears after shutdown. This is also around 168k miles. I’m considering replacing the PCM next — but is there any other testing or fix before going down that path? Any solutions you’ve found would be incredibly helpful.

Anonymous 2016-10-19 11:29

Hello Malibu 69 — if you find a solution to P0345 and P0349, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you for your help!

Anonymous 2019-05-20 18:06

Any known solutions or troubleshooting steps for P0345 and P0349 on a 2006 Ford Expedition?

Anonymous 2019-11-06 07:16

Hello all, I have the same issue with my 2006 Expedition XLT 5.4L — P0345, P0349, and P0021 codes. I’m not ready to just replace parts like CPS or cam phaser solenoids on both sides blindly. Could it be a timing chain out of tooth alignment or a failing CPS? My mileage is about 179k. I do most repairs myself — any advice for this DIYer would be much appreciated!