Engine

P0369 — Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Intermittent

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0369 means

P0369 means the engine control module is intermittently receiving a dropped or erratic signal from camshaft position sensor "B". The sensor tells the ECM where the camshaft is relative to the crankshaft, which the ECM uses to time fuel injection and spark and, on many engines, to control variable valve timing. "Intermittent" means the fault comes and goes rather than being constant.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Hesitation or stumbling when accelerating
  • Reduced power or limp mode
  • Intermittent stalling
  • Long cranking or occasional hard starting

Possible causes

  1. Failing or aging camshaft position sensor B
  2. Damaged wiring: chafed insulation, broken wires, poor ground or power connection
  3. Corroded, loose or oil-soaked sensor connector
  4. Oil or metal debris on the sensor or reluctor wheel
  5. Stretched timing chain or belt, or jumped timing, or a damaged reluctor tooth
  6. Faulty variable timing actuator or its solenoid
  7. Rarely, an ECM software or hardware fault

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, and note any related cam, crank or variable timing codes.
  2. Inspect the sensor, connector and harness for oil, cracks, chafing and corrosion.
  3. Wiggle the harness and connector with the engine running and watch for signal loss or RPM changes.
  4. Test sensor power, ground and signal wires with a multimeter per the factory wiring diagram, and check wire continuity to the ECM.
  5. Remove the sensor, inspect its tip and mounting, and test its resistance or signal with a scope.
  6. Inspect the reluctor wheel or cam lobes for damage or debris.
  7. Verify timing mark alignment and chain or belt condition, and compare the cam and crank signals on a scope if possible.
  8. If wiring and sensor test good, check ECM power and ground and look for software updates.

Common fixes

  • Replace camshaft position sensor B with an OEM or equivalent quality part
  • Repair the wiring or replace the damaged connector and clean the terminals
  • Fix the oil leak that is soaking the sensor or connector
  • Replace the timing chain, belt or tensioners and set timing correctly
  • Update or replace the ECM (very rare)

Questions and answers

What does code P0369 mean?

It means the signal from camshaft position sensor B is intermittently dropping out or going out of range. The cause can be the sensor, wiring, connector or the engine's timing components.

Can I drive with P0369?

Only for a short distance to get it diagnosed. The engine can stall or lose power, and a timing problem could lead to major engine damage.

Will replacing the sensor fix it?

Not always. Check the connector, wiring, oil contamination and timing first, or the code may return after the new sensor is installed.

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.