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DTC codes / P03xx · Ignition system and misfire / P0369

P0369Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1)

P0369 means the engine computer detected an intermittent signal from the camshaft position sensor 'B' circuit on bank 1, which is the side of the engine containing cylinder number one. The computer expects a steady pulse pattern from this sensor to track camshaft rotation, and an intermittent fault means the signal drops out or becomes erratic rather than failing completely.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is brief and the engine management system can compensate.
  • Intermittent engine stalling or a sudden loss of power that may clear on its own.
  • Rough running or misfiring that comes and goes, particularly at idle or during light acceleration.
  • Difficulty starting or an engine that cranks longer than usual before catching.
  • Reduced fuel economy or a noticeable lack of power under load.
  • A flashing or steady check engine light that may reset after the engine is restarted.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A failing camshaft position sensor that produces an intermittent signal when hot or at certain engine speeds.
  2. Damaged or chafed wiring in the sensor circuit, often where the harness bends near the engine or passes close to hot components.
  3. Corroded, loose, or water-intruded electrical connectors at the sensor or at the engine control module (ECM).
  4. A poor ground connection shared by the sensor circuit, causing voltage fluctuations that mimic a sensor fault.
  5. Metal debris or a damaged reluctor wheel on the camshaft that disrupts the sensor's magnetic pickup.
  6. An intermittent open or short in the sensor circuit caused by a failing ECM driver, though this is less common.
  7. Aftermarket or incorrect sensor replacement that does not match the original signal characteristics.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all stored codes and freeze-frame data to confirm P0369 is the primary fault and not a secondary effect of another issue.
  2. Visually inspect the sensor, its connector, and the wiring harness for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins, and repair any obvious damage.
  3. Check the sensor circuit with a multimeter for continuity, short-to-ground, and short-to-power while wiggling the harness to expose intermittent faults.
  4. Monitor live camshaft sensor data on a scan tool while the engine is running and while tapping or heating the sensor to reproduce the dropout.
  5. Test the sensor with an oscilloscope if available to verify a clean square wave or sine wave signal without dropouts.
  6. Replace the camshaft position sensor with a quality OEM or equivalent part if the circuit tests good but the signal is erratic.
  7. Clear the codes and perform a road test, then recheck for pending or stored codes to confirm the repair.

Intermittent faults that fool good technicians

  • A camshaft sensor that tests perfectly when cold can still fail intermittently when hot, so always try to reproduce the fault with the engine at operating temperature.
  • Wiring harness damage hidden inside the loom, often from previous repairs or rodent damage, is a common cause that a simple sensor swap will not fix.
  • P0369 can be set by a failing crankshaft position sensor or a timing chain issue that causes the cam and crank signals to lose sync, so check related codes before replacing parts.
  • Some vehicles set this code when the battery voltage is low or unstable, so verify charging system health before condemning the sensor circuit.
  • After replacing the sensor, check that the reluctor wheel is clean and undamaged, because metal shavings or a bent tooth can cause an intermittent signal that mimics a bad sensor.

Can I keep driving with P0369?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid sustained high-speed driving or heavy loads because an intermittent cam sensor can cause sudden stalling or loss of power. If the engine stalls repeatedly or the check engine light flashes, stop driving and have the vehicle towed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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