Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor; Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the sensor; Worn or damaged reluctor wheel (tone ring) on the camshaft or crankshaft; Excessive air gap between the sensor and the reluctor wheel; Metal debris or contamination on the sensor tip or reluctor wheel; Poor electrical ground or voltage supply to the sensor circuit; Failed engine control module (ECM) or ignition control module (less common)

DTC codes / P03xx · Ignition system and misfire / P0372

P0372Timing Reference High Resolution Signal 'A' Too Few Pulses

Q: What does code P0372 mean?

Timing Reference High Resolution Signal 'A' Too Few Pulses. P0372 means the engine computer detected too few pulses from the high-resolution timing reference signal 'A', which is generated by the camshaft or crankshaft position sensor. The computer uses this signal to precisely synchronize fuel injection and ignition timing, so a low pulse count indicates a problem with the signal itself, its wiring, or the sensor.

P0372 means the engine computer detected too few pulses from the high-resolution timing reference signal 'A', which is generated by the camshaft or crankshaft position sensor. The computer uses this signal to precisely synchronize fuel injection and ignition timing, so a low pulse count indicates a problem with the signal itself, its wiring, or the sensor.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Engine may stall or run rough, especially at idle or during acceleration
Difficulty starting or a no-start condition
Reduced engine performance and poor fuel economy
Possible misfire or backfiring through the intake or exhaust
Transmission may shift erratically or enter limp mode

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the sensor
Worn or damaged reluctor wheel (tone ring) on the camshaft or crankshaft
Excessive air gap between the sensor and the reluctor wheel
Metal debris or contamination on the sensor tip or reluctor wheel
Poor electrical ground or voltage supply to the sensor circuit
Failed engine control module (ECM) or ignition control module (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Perform a visual inspection of the sensor, wiring, and connector for damage or corrosion
Use a scan tool to check for related codes and freeze-frame data to confirm the fault
Test the sensor's resistance and output signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope
Inspect the reluctor wheel for missing teeth, cracks, or debris and clean if necessary
Check the air gap between the sensor and reluctor wheel and adjust if applicable
Replace the faulty sensor if testing indicates failure
Repair or replace damaged wiring and clear the code, then verify the repair with a test drive

What the pulse count really tells you

A low pulse count often results from a failing sensor that still produces a signal at low RPM but drops pulses at higher speeds, so the code may only set during specific driving conditions.
Debris on a magnetic sensor tip can mimic a failed sensor, and simply cleaning it may resolve the issue without replacement.
The code can be set by a poor connection at the sensor pigtail that tests fine when probed but fails under vibration or heat.
On some vehicles, a failing ignition coil or spark plug can create electrical interference that disrupts the timing signal, leading to this code.
A stretched timing chain or worn distributor gear can cause the reluctor wheel to move out of sync, producing too few pulses without any sensor fault.

Can I keep driving with P0372?

Driving with P0372 is not recommended because the engine may stall unexpectedly or suffer performance loss, which can be dangerous in traffic. If you must drive to a repair shop, avoid high speeds and heavy acceleration, and be prepared for possible stalling.

Tools that help

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