Engine

P0366 — Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0366 means

The engine control unit compares the signal from camshaft sensor B on bank 1 with the crankshaft sensor signal and expects them to line up. If the signal is erratic, missing or out of step with the crankshaft, it sets P0366. The ECU uses this data for fuel injection, spark timing and variable valve timing control. Sensor B is usually the exhaust cam sensor, but naming varies by manufacturer.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Hesitation or reduced power
  • Misfires
  • Hard starting or stalling
  • Rattle on cold start
  • P0011 or P0014 may also be stored

Possible causes

  1. Failed camshaft position sensor B
  2. Open, shorted or corroded wiring or connector
  3. Damaged reluctor (tone) wheel on the camshaft
  4. Stretched timing chain or worn belt causing timing offset
  5. Stuck VVT actuator or phaser
  6. Poor ground or power supply to the sensor
  7. Faulty ECM/PCM (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Read all codes and freeze frame data; look for P0011, P0014 and crankshaft sensor codes
  2. Inspect the sensor, harness and connector for chafing, oil, corrosion and a secure fit
  3. Test sensor power, ground and signal with a multimeter or scope
  4. Check oil level and condition, since VVT depends on it
  5. Remove the sensor and inspect it and the tone wheel for damage or metal debris
  6. Check timing marks and chain stretch, and compare actual cam angles in scan data
  7. Test the VVT solenoid and phaser operation
  8. Suspect the ECM only after everything else is ruled out

Common fixes

  • Replace camshaft position sensor B
  • Repair the wiring or replace the connector
  • Replace a damaged tone wheel
  • Replace the timing chain or belt with tensioners and set the timing
  • Change the oil and replace a faulty VVT solenoid or phaser

Questions and answers

What does P0366 mean?

The ECU sees a bank 1 camshaft sensor B signal that is out of range or doesn't agree with the crankshaft signal. The cause may be the sensor, wiring or off-set valve timing.

Can I drive with P0366?

Only for a short trip to a shop. The engine may stall, and if the timing chain is at fault, driving on risks engine damage.

Will replacing the sensor fix it?

Not always. Bad wiring, a damaged tone wheel or a stretched chain will keep the code coming back, so diagnose first.

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.